Backpacking Dolly Sods

OVERVIEW

Come explore rocky plains and upland bogs while catching some autumn vistas on the Allegheny Plateau during this two night backpacking trip. We will arrive Friday night and hike one to two miles by headlamp to our campsite. On Saturday we will explore wind swept plains and set up camp along a creek. On Sunday we will return to our cars and head back to Charlottesville, making the traditional pizza stop on the way back.

The colors change early at Dolly Sods and we’ll hope to hit the peak weekend. Expect to hike 7 to 12 miles on Saturday and slightly less on Sunday. The trails here are generally well graded (not too steep) but we will cover some rocky terrain. Walking through mud and muddy puddles is unavoidable. The climate at Dolly Sods is said to be more similar to that found 1600 miles further north than it is to the Virginias. Windy conditions and temperatures 10 – 20 degrees F below those in Charlottesville are the norm. It is a beautiful place.

Space is limited to 8 people but everyone goes to the waitlist until we have enough drivers and the gear/clothing list has been gone over. Beginners are encouraged to sign up.

We are scheduled to meet at Echols at 4:00 on Friday, but I may change this depending on when people are available to leave.

We are scheduled to be back by 7:00 PM on Sunday but there are no guarantees. If you have mandatory obligations later that night please do not sign up.

Club provides:
-transportation: a seat in a car, gas if you can drive
-food: saturday’s meals, sunday breakfast, some snacks
-Gear: backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, headlamps, water filter, cooking pots/stove

You bring:
-hiking boots or sneakers (they will get wet & muddy)
-jacket / rain gear
-appropriate clothing (i’ll go over clothing after you join)
-bowl (non breakable)?-cup (if you want hot chocolate / coffee / tea)
-fork / spoon / spork!
-water bottle (2 liter capacity)
-toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
-money for food on the way there and back