Break Free this Fall: Dolly Sods Backpacking!!!

OVERVIEW

Pack your bags for the perfect fall break getaway—let’s explore Dolly Sods together!

🍂 Join me for a three-day backpacking adventure in Dolly Sods, West Virginia! From the stunning arctic tundra-like landscapes to the high plateaus and stunted red spruce trees, this place promises incredible beauty. I’ve heard amazing things from friends, and I can’t wait for us to explore it together for the first time!

We’ll be taking on a 18-20-mile loop through streams, bogs, and wide-open meadows, perfect for a three-day backpacking trip. While the mileage is manageable, I’m marking it as intermediate because, based on online posts, we can expect to get pretty muddy along the way.

ALSO: Looking for drivers! Gas is reimbursed, and the drive is about 3 hours of scenic West Virginia beauty. If you’re able to drive, you’ll get priority for the trip, so let me know!

Here is a guide we’ll be using: https://www.hikingupward.com/mnf/dollysodslionshead/#google_vignette
And here is an AllTrails loop that’s similar to the route in the guide above: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/west-virginia/bear-rocks-lions-head-loop

Here’s The Plan:

Saturday: ~9 miles
– 8 AM: Leave from Echols and hit the road!
– 11ish AM: Arrive at Dolly Sods and begin our adventure into the wilderness.
– 5ish PM: Set up camp along Big Stonecoal Run, cook dinner, and relax under the stars.
– End the night with a cozy campfire (if possible), s’mores, and some good stories!

Sunday: ~5 miles
– Morning: Wake up, enjoy a hearty breakfast, and hit the trail when we’re ready.
– Afternoon: Arrive at Forks of Red Creek to grab a good campsite (this area can fill up!).
– Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing, taking in the views, and recovering from day two’s hike.
– Evening: Dinner, card games, shenanigans, and more s’mores if we can make a campfire!

Monday: ~7 miles
– 9ish AM: Wake up, have breakfast, pack up, and start the final leg of the loop.
– 2ish PM: Return to the cars, say our goodbyes to Dolly Sods, and start heading back to Cville.
– 5ish PM: Arrive back at Echols, feeling refreshed and accomplished!

Packing List:

You Bring:
– Positive energy and good vibes!
– Backpacking backpack
– Tent (or coordinate with a tent buddy)
– Sleeping bag + pad
– Warm layers (temps can dip into the 40s, so pack accordingly!)
– Headlamp
– Personal items (TP, hand sanitizer, toiletries, etc.)
– EXTRA SOCKS (You’ll want at least 3 pairs. Socks might get wet/muddy, so it’s smart to have 2 pairs for hiking and 1 dry pair for camp. Merino wool is highly recommended)
– Around 3-6 liters of water (we’ll have filters for refills)
– Bowl + utensils
– Food: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners
– SNACKS!
– Anything else you want to bring: cards, camera, book, journal—whatever makes you happy!

I’ll Bring:
– Camp stove + fuel
– Water filters
– Bear bag + rope
– First aid kit
– Cards for some downtime
– S’MORE STUFF

Since this is my first time at Dolly Sods too, we’ll be discovering all the beautiful spots together. I’m really looking forward to this trip and can’t wait to see you there! Text me at (571)337-8749 with any questions.