Dolly Sods North Loop via Bear Rocks

Maysville, West Virginia

5.0/5

based on 1 reviews

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Distance

11.69 miles

Elevation Gain

1171 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Dottie Bond

Dolly Sods North Loop via Bear Rocks offers an amazing weekend outing that's only a 3-hour drive from the greater Washington, D.C. metro area. This is must-do for anyone in the Mid-Atlantic. Whether you choose to hike this loop in a day or camp overnight, the 11.7 miles that gains 1,170 feet over gradual terrain serves as a wonderful introduction to hiking in the region.

Arguably one of the most beautiful hiking areas on the United States' east coast, the Dolly Sods Wilderness inarguably has the most unique trailhead warning sign: Watch out for unexploded ordinance in the area. (The U.S. Army used the area for artillery and mortar training during WWII.) Don't fret, though. With over 47 miles of hiking trails crisscrossing and looping around an open plateau, you'll have little need to wander too far off trail to observe the beauty of these grassy meadows, stunted red spruce and sphagnum bogs.

Of all the trails, the Dolly Sods North Loop is my favorite. Pitch a tent halfway through the loop in a section of windswept meadow replete with rocky boulders and a stunning view of the Canaan Valley.

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Dolly Sods North Loop via Bear Rocks Reviews

Stephen Catalano

Dolly Sods North Loop via Bear Rocks

08/09/20

Dolly Sods gets a ton of rain, so whenever I see clear skies and sunshine in the forecast I take full advantage. The trails stay pretty muddy but the sweeping views and diverse flora are truly spectacular. The landscape is essentially what you might find in northern Canada (read the signs when you get there, they'll tell you why!).

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Bear Rocks Loop

This particular hike is great as there are multiple camping sites, both established and backcountry, and views for miles around almost every bend. Still not convinced? This high-altitude plateau has characteristics typically found in Canadian landscapes. so you can travel north without leaving your backyard below the Mason-Dixon Line -- high five y'all! From the parking area on FR75 (go to th...

Bear Rocks and Beaver Dam Loop

Starting on Bear Rocks Trail, hike down to the Red Creek. Sometimes water levels can be high, but most of the time you can cross the creek without getting any deeper than your knees. Link up with the Raven Ridge Trail and head south. Enjoy the views through this section, as it's a great place to stop for a bit to refuel. After heading south, you'll intersect with the Dobbins Grade trail. Head e...

Lions Head Loop

What used to be an artillery testing site during WWII, Dolly Sods is a great place for backpackers of almost any expertise. Water is easily found throughout the wilderness area and while 21 miles might feel like a lot, it is very manageable over the course of 3 days. Attached (at the bottom) is an incredibly helpful guide with clear directions for almost every mile. It offers helpful advice o...

Photograph Bear Rocks Preserve

The Bear Rocks Preserve is a 477 acre land tract maintained and supported by The Nature Conservancy. Offering a diverse range of plant species more commonly seen in the Northeast, visitors will find blueberries, huckleberries, mountain laurel, azalea, and rhododendron among the sandstone outcrops at the Bear Rocks Preserve. As one of the most popular attractions in the state of West Virginia,...

Snowshoe or Cross-Country Ski Dolly Sods

From January to April, the forest roads that provide vehicle access to the Dolly Sods Wilderness in West Virginia are closed. If you're up for a cold weather adventure, park your car (in accordance with the signage and without blocking the road) and hike up the Forest Road 75 near Davis, WV, to Bear Rocks Preserve. Come after a recent snowfall and you'll be in for a beautiful sight, so bring a ...

Camp at Red Creek Campground

Beginning your hikes from the Red Creek Campground gives you plenty of good options. For day hikers there is parking at the signed trailheads and for those who want to call the Campground home for a few days the campsites are nice and spaced out so you don't feel like you're sharing your tent space with strangers.One of the attractions to hiking in the Sods is the scenic pay off found on trail....

Dolly Sods North Loop via Bear Rocks

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Dolly Sods North Loop via Bear Rocks Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Bear Rocks Loop

Bear Rocks and Beaver Dam Loop

Lions Head Loop

Photograph Bear Rocks Preserve

Snowshoe or Cross-Country Ski Dolly Sods

Camp at Red Creek Campground

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