MyHikeBlog - Dolly Sods North

Location: Blogs HikingUpward.com Blog
Posted by: HikingUpward.com	7/10/2007 9:26 AM
Go north! Dolly Sods North that is :) This is arguably one of the most beautiful areas on the East Coast. Situated on a plateau at 3,900ft, the flora is completely unique for this part of the country. We had planned on backpacking at the Forks of Red Creek, but with the two inches of rain the area had seen in the past couple of days, Red Creek was running a just a bit to fast and high to ford on the Blackbird Knob Trail. Instead, we still made a great single day hike out of the trails in the northern section of the forest. When the days are long, and thermometer starts creeping towards 100F, Dolly Sods is the place to hike. Although the temps in the Washington area were in the mid 90's, it was only 75F up at Dolly Sods. So next time you think it's too hot to head out on the trails this summer, give the Monongahela National Forest and Dolly Sods a try. You'll be glad you did.

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Re: Dolly Sods North - July 7, 2007

By crunchy on 7/24/2007 7:53 AM

I couldn't agree more. I was up there the past 2 weekends, and its such an amazing area. Canaan Valley on the other side of Dolly Sods is the highest valley east of the missisippi. Its always mentioned to have a limate similar to canada, and I read somewhere it used to be called canada, till they changed the name to canaan. (sorry cant find the reference again for an actual quote). Dolly Sods also has tons and tons of trails from the southern wilderness area to the sods north where the circuit hike on here is. Not all have significant elevation changes, but what they may lack in elevation is more than compensated for with some of the surreal scenery. Just take note of any trails that are near areas listed nearby marked bog areas on the map. expect shin deep boggyness :)

I love the area so much I got a place in canaan. This hike is about 45mins away since its on the other side of dolly sods. driving the forest road through it, takes as long as driving around on 32 and 55. If you are ever in canaan and want some challenging elevation gain hikes, hit timberline resort and hike the ski trails up and around, or actually, there are cross-country ski trails that connect between all 3 ski areas. timberline, whitegrass and the canaan valley state park ski area, across bald knob and weiss knob. the amount of trails are pretty extensive so a stellar circuit hike could be had with differening elevation change options :)

Btw, the wild blueberries at dolly sods are starting to ripen :) if anyone goes next weekend, bring the tupperware :)

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