Dolly Sods (but a lil later) – Intermediate Backpacking

OVERVIEW

So I saw Ed and Lila’s Dolly Sods trip coming up, and I got inspired to lead my own Dolly Sods trip of 3 days and 2 nights for Fall Break. This one will start bright and early on Sunday for those of you with Friday activities and we’ll be doing a bit more mileage (26 mi). For that reason, this will be an intermediate trip and you should preferably have some backpacking experience or at least be ready for 10-mile days.

A BIT ABOUT DOLLY SODS
The Dolly Sods Wilderness is located on top of the Allegheny Plateau of West Virginia and is part of the Monongahela National Forest. A backpacking trip in this area will expose you to a very diverse and unique landscape with sphagnum bogs, grassy meadows lined by spruce trees, wind-carved boulders, and beautiful mountain vistas.

TERRAIN & WEATHER
Nothing too crazy in terms of steep climbs or descents, but it will be wet. Dolly Sods is known for bogs and many muddy areas. In addition, it may rain for some of the weekend. For that reason, it’s crucial that you bring the right clothes (rain gear, non-cotton layers) and footwear (I’d recommend quick-drying trail runners) for this trip. Temperatures will get cold with wind and altitude, so bring warm layers and sleeping bag as well.

ITINERARY
Sunday (10/2) – 9 mi
9:00 AM: Meet at Echols dorm, check gear, and drive 3.5 hours to Bear Rocks Trailhead
12:30 PM: Arrive at trailhead and hike 9.24 miles
7:00 PM: Arrive at Stonecoal Run Creek and camp

Monday (10/3) – 10 mi
7:00 AM: wake up, breakfast, break down camp, and hike 10.4 mi
6:00 PM: Arrive at The Forks to camp

Tuesday (10/4) – 6 mi
7:00 AM: wake up, breakfast, break down camp, and hike 6.4 mi
2:00 PM: Arrive back at parking lot
5:00 PM: Back at Echols

GEAR
I bring:
sawyer squeeze water filter
bear bag equipment
tents

You bring:
backpack
trash compactor bag or rain cover to line your backpack and keep things dry
sleeping bag
sleeping pad
gaiters?
hiking boots or trail runners (these will get WET)
camp shoes
hiking clothes (non-cotton)
sleeping clothes (long underwear)
layers including hat & gloves — much colder & maybe windy at 4000 feet at night
EXTRA WOOL SOCKS (at least 3 pairs)
2-3 L water capacity (2 Nalgenes, a 2-liter camelbak, etc.)
2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, lots of snack/ lunch food
whatever you might like to enjoy at a campfire party
cup/bowl/spoon/pot/whatever
plastic grocery bags/stuff sack to hang food
rain gear
small towel (e.g. PackTowl)
flashlight/headlamp NOT cellphone light
toiletries(travel size)
toilet paper
opaque small trash baggie
hand sanitizer
personal meds
picaridin or DEET bug spray?
book or journal?
hiking poles?
sunglasses, sunscreen?
***FALL BREAK IS A HIGH DEMAND TIME FOR GEAR ROOM NEEDS so we are asking that if you are able you bring any of your own equipment you have!!***

ROUTE DETAILS
We will be doing this loop: https://intothebackcountryguides.com/trail-guides/dolly-sods-wilderness-loop-backpacking-guide
Map: https://caltopo.com/m/GDJR
you can download the Caltopo app to see it on your phone

DRIVERS NEEDED **Drivers get priority off the waitlist, show up w/ a full tank, you can get gas reimbursed + tip**