i am looking for a good spot to go on a challenging backpacking trip with one or two friends. i am 18 years old and looking to go on a 2-3 day hike. this would be our first hike but we are looking for a difficult trail. the dolly sods wilderness has a few trails that look like they would be a good fit but im not sure. i was wondering if anyone has hiked any trails in dolly sods and would be willing to offer advice on which trail; if any, i should hike. thanks
_evan_Dolly Sods Wilderness
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#1
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#2
No advice on particular trails. Just good memories. Its beautiful there. Especially in winter when I went. Don't play with any strange metal you find in the woods. The area was an artillery range during WWII but the trails and campsites have been swept and are safe.
_David Hahn_
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#3
are any permits required to backpack there? and also, do you know if campfires are permitted there?
thank you,
evan
_evan_
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#4
Hey Evan. I did a day hike in the Dolly Sods last Memorial Day weekend. It was one of the best hikes I have ever taken. The hike itinerary I did came from a book called "50 hikes in West Virginia" by Leonard Adkins. It was described as a 10.5 hour hike that covered almost 19 miles (it was every bit of it), and more than too much to cover and enjoy in one day. I would have loved to have spent two or three days instead, as there were many waterfalls, vistas and other things to enjoy. There were also quite a few prime camping areas. I hope to return there someday. You should know that a good map, compass, and navigation skills are required for this hike, as the trails are not blazed. There are rock cairns in most key areas, but you WILL occasionally be second guessing yourself if you should have taken a turn or a trail and if you are where you think you are, especially if you are a hiking newbie. The hike I took started at the Picnic Area, went on the Rohrbaugh Plains Trail to the Fisher Spring Run Trail, to Rocky Point Trail, to The Dunkenbarger Trail, to the Little Stonecoal Trail,to the Red Creek Trail;;; then back to Fisher Spring and to Rohrbaugh Plains to return to picnic area on FSR 19. I definitely reccomend the book and a map. I hope this helps you...if you go - have a great time!
_Wridgewrassler_
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#5
thank you for the great advice. i deffinatly plan on brushing up my orienteering skills before i leave.
_evan_
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#6
Hiked there three years ago. Loved the area and the trail. Jhonny Molley has a good book "40 day and overnight hikes in the Monogahela" that really helped me out. Good trail descriptions and maps. I think that may help you out. Enjoy the hike!
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