Seasonality. A visit to the Sods during
any season
will reap bountiful rewards. Trails are open year-round, but Forest Roads are not maintained during winter. Spring is brilliantly rich and wet.
How long is the hike to Bear Rocks in Dolly Sods?
The Bear Rocks Trail in Dolly Sods Wilderness, West Virginia, is a moderate
2.2 mile
out-and-back hike to the intersection of Dobbin Grade Trail (TR-526) or an easy 4.8 mile out-and-back hike to the intersection of Raven Ridge Trail (TR-521) further west into Dolly Sods.
Can you camp anywhere in Dolly Sods?
The rules state
you can camp anywhere in the Dolly Sods Wilderness as long as you are 300 feet off of the forest road
. Logic says stay within 500 feet of the trails because that is the range that was cleared by professional crews of live ordinances back in the 1990's.
Are there bears in Dolly Sods?
Visitors to the Dolly Sods area of the Monongahela National Forest have reported seeing
many more bears than is common
, and several encounters have been tense.
What is special about Dolly Sods?
Dolly Sods is well known for its
open expanses of sphagnum bog, heath shrubs and scattered and stunted red spruce
— all creating impressions of areas much farther north. Many plant communities are indeed similar to those of sea-level eastern Canada.
Can you drive through Dolly Sods?
The main roads for driving in Dolly Sods are Forest Roads 75 and 19
. They are rough, unpaved roads, but in normal weather conditions, they don't require a four-wheel-drive, although a vehicle with high clearance would be ideal. In winter the roads are impassable due to snow.
Can you hunt in Dolly Sods?
Yes hunting is allowed in the national forest
. Dolly sods, senica rocks and any of those national forrest in that area have some good hunting in them. You will find a lot of people in the woods during the first mile from any road.
Are dogs allowed at Dolly Sods?
Dogs are welcome but must be leashed
. With little elevation and limited hiking hazards, this Dolly Sods hike is great for families.
Is Dolly Sods a tundra?
When you're in Dolly Sods Wilderness, you could be fooled into thinking you're in the Canadian tundra
. Winds have smoothed boulders and stunted trees. Open meadows, cascading streams and never-ending vistas define this high-altitude plateau in the Allegheny Mountains.
Why is it called Dolly Sods?
Description. In the mid-1800s,
the Dalhe family used open grassy fields called “sods” for grazing sheep
in this area, which now bears the name Dolly Sods Wilderness. The region, located high on the Allegheny Plateau, is known for its extensive rocky plains, upland bogs, and sweeping vistas.
What town is Dolly Sods in?
The 17,371 acre Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. It is located in
Grant, Randolph and Tucker Counties, West Virginia
.
Where is the highest point in WV?
| Current Conditions: Toilets open April 15 | Closest Towns: Seneca Rocks, WV | Restroom: Vault toilet | Operated By: Forest Service |
|---|
Can you get married at Dolly Sods?
Both Blackwater State Park and Canaan Valley are used to hosting weddings and can do anything from an elopement to a traditional wedding. Dolly Sods is a wilderness area and is
most appropriate for elopements with fewer than 12 guests
.
How long does it take to hike to the top of Seneca Rocks?
Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of
1 h 47 min
to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and rock climbing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
What mountain range is Dolly Sods in?
Dolly Sods is a 17,371 acre US Wilderness Area located in the Monongahela National Forest, which encompasses, in part, the Allegheny Plateau, the Cumberland Mountains, and the Cumberland Plateau (which encompasses Dolly Sods specifically) of the
central Appalachian Mountain Range
.
Are there mountain lions in West Virginia?
“The last cougar that existed here in West Virginia was eliminated decades ago.
The mountain lion no longer exists here in West Virginia
at least in a naturally reproducing state.”
Should I worry about bears while camping?
Be cautious when seeking off-trail sites
.
Off-trail sites place you at greater risk of surprising a bear. Avoid going off-trail in bear habitat. If you do go off-trail, be extra cautious when walking through shrubs and trees along shorelines, carry your bear spray and make lots of noise.
Is there cell service in Dolly Sods?
Cell phones don't work that well
–you might be able to get a signal. As to be expected in the wilderness, there's no facilities (bathrooms/food/water, etc.). Dolly Sods is a quiet and peaceful location 3 hours from Washington, DC.
What are the red bushes on Dolly Sods?
In the bogs you'll find
fluffy cottongrass
mixed in with the red leaves. The southern area of Dolly Sods is characterized by red spruce forests. Here you'll also see some color variety in the trees. The peak colors last for just a few weeks before snowfall comes.
How many acres is Dolly Sods?
The
17,371 acre
Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. It is located in Grant, Randolph, and Tucker Counties, West Virginia.
Is Dolly Sod road paved?
Getting to the entrance to Dolly Sods requires a slow 30 minute drive from highway 32 along a
paved road
that is extremely narrow (only one lane wide in many areas), and includes many sharp, blind turns that would be very dangerous if there was oncoming traffic.
How close are Seneca Rocks Dolly Sods?
Dolly Sods, Seneca Rocks, and Spruce Knob are all located within about
20+ miles
of each other.
What is the elevation of Dolly Sods West Virginia?
It is located in Grant, Randolph, and Tucker Counties, West Virginia. The Dolly Sods Wilderness contains much of the Red Creek drainage and contains bog and heath eco-types, more commonly typical to southern Canada. Elevations range from
2,500 to over 4,700 feet
.
What county is Cranberry Glades in?
Cranberry Glades — also known simply as The Glades — are a cluster of five small, boreal-type bogs in southwestern
Pocahontas County
, West Virginia, United States.
Can you hunt in Monongahela National Forest?
Hunting on Monongahela National Forest.
Hunting is allowed on Monongahela National Forest with appropriate West Virginia hunting licenses
. Seasons, bag limits and license requirements are determined by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WV DNR).
What kind of environment is Monongahela National Forest?
The climate at Monongahela National Forest is characterized by
warm summers and cold winters
. In the summer, the temperature averages 19.7°C (67.5°F). In the winter, it drops to 1°C (33.8°F). Sometimes there is snow, but most of the precipitation falls as rain.
