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Dolly Sods Wilderness North Loop via Rocky Ridge Trail

Davis, West Virginia

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

12.78 miles

Elevation Gain

1378 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Jake Sells

A unique Wilderness area that's been rated one of the best places to hike on the East Coast - Dolly Sods North Loop offers beautiful views and opportunity for both day and overnight backpacking hikes.

The hike begins at the "Dolly Sods Trailhead Parking" location easily found on Google Maps. The lot is big enough for about 6-8 vehicles.

Begin walking at the end of the gravel parking lot/road for about 0.5 miles until you enter the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area in a small grassy field where several trails begin and are well marked. The North loop is famous for several reasons one being the Rocky Ridge Trail (TR 524), which runs along a (yep you guessed it) rocky ridge that offers exceptional views of the Canaan Valley and the West Virginia countryside for miles to see. High altitude meadows filled with wildlife and more berries than you can eat are seen from both sides of the trail going in and out of forests.

Below are the trail names and order of directions to complete the 12.75 mile loop from beginning to end starting from the Dolly Sods Wilderness Trailhead described above, otherwise known as the North Loop:

Parking lot to the Trailhead

TR 511- Blackbird Knob

TR 524- Rocky Ridge

TR 521- Raven Ridge

TR 526- Dobbin Grade (connector, hike short distance to next trail)

TR 511- Blackbird Knob

Back to Parking lot

A large detailed map is posted at the Dolly Sods Wilderness Trailhead with a map key and trail lengths and names. Enjoy!

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Features

Camping
Photography
Mountain Biking
Backpacking
Hiking
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Dolly Sods Wilderness North Loop via Rocky Ridge Trail Reviews

Knocked this one out in 2019. Jake is right, easily one of the best places to hike on the East Coast. Its a tough hike, very muddy, but the views and all the different species of plants make up for it. The biodiversity up there is really fascinating, and this loop gives you a chance to experience it all. Bring plenty of water. No phone service up there either!

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

Hike the Freeland Boardwalk Trail

Camp at Red Creek Campground

Hike to Rohrbaugh Cliffs in Dolly Sods

Snowshoe or Cross-Country Ski Dolly Sods

Dolly Sods North Loop via Bear Rocks

Bear Rocks Loop