For next time there is An amazing spot exactly 1 mile in. Once you cross the creek for the first time right before you ascend up that small hill into the open sods, there is a main campsite but if you go to ur right before you cross that creek there are son awesome spots for hammock camping and tenting
The white stuff on the pine trees was pine sap, it doesn’t seep out of all pine trees like that only certain species, nice video by the way, I love my home state of West Virginia
Thanks for taking us with you! I find your videos very relaxing. Also, I like how you describe your concerns and how you reason through them as you go. It's kind of unique compared to other hiking videos I watch because it's like real time instead of reflecting back on something that just happened. Anyway, really enjoyed it.
Hate that you weren't able to find Lion's Head. Heading there on a college buddy trip in June. Looked like your campsite was on the Rocky Ridge trail...was it before or after the Dobbins Grade intersection? Didnt look like it was as far as the Harman intersection. I'm from Atlanta, and so much here is AT-like, so Dolly Sods is amazing...just gotta know where to go.
Yes the campsite was along the rocky ridge trail. I know it was after the Dobbins grade intersection but I'm not sure if it was before or after Harmon's intersection. I didn't drop a way point so I'm unsure of the exact location, but it was very easy to find on the left side of the trail heading away from ravin ridge/bear rocks and the parking area. Around 5 miles in or so. For sure a good change of scenery from many trails in the NC/GA/TN area. I've never hiked anywhere quite like Dolly Sods before. Good luck on your trip in June, should be a great time to go!
Great video! Just found your channel while doing some research on an upcoming trip to Dolly Sods, seems like the general consensus is the area is a bit overrated but I’m still excited regardless, great job showcasing the area and I’ll have to keep an eye out for that campsite! Subscribed to ya and look forward to seeing more of your adventures
Thank you! There were a definitely a lot of similarities with Shining Rock Wilderness area. That same kind of open vista where you can see way down the trail, just at lower elevation.
Nice video. Thank you. I was there a few days before you, ahead of the Memorial Day weekend crowds, doing a similar loop. I plan to go back again on June 25 & 26. Happy trails!
Really enjoyed your video. Dolly Sods is a wonderful place to backpack; been going there for about 25 years. That "lake" you saw is actually a huge beaver pond. I haven't been in that spot in 20 years. I was amazed at how much the trees had grown there since then. Also, what you thought might be bird poop at the campsite was tree sap. Makes a great fire starter. Glad you got to enjoy the Sods. If you can make it back sometime for a mid-week trip there's a lot more to see. The Red Creek valley is beautiful, with lots of waterfalls.
I found the Sods in 1998 and it is amazing to see how crowded it has gotten since then. I’m surprised there isn’t a shuttle service up there for the busy season.
I was there that same weekend, I did the northern trails. Fortunately I stayed at a hotel Friday night so I was ahead of the crowds Saturday morning. I did see the two rangers. I’ll wait until winter to do the southern trails.
A lot of Dolly Sods is a rolling high plateau. WV has the highest average elevation in the eastern half of the U.S. have you tried hiking to Mount Porte Crayon in the Sods Vicinity
I love Dolly Sods , I grew up in Wv and that whole area is my favorite part of the state. I go to a large Caving event near there every Labor Day weekend and I too had to learn the hard way , never in my life… felt like Yellowstone. We go winter backpacking there mostly, we always park at the Laneville Wildlife Managers Cabin in Laneville at the base of the Mtn at the Red Creek bridge. I’m sure it was slammed there and not a parking site around on your trip. We go up Red Creek trail cross Red Creek ( yes, wade it in the winter wearing Aqua Socks). Go up Big Stonecoal and camp, the next day we hike around the big area up there then take Dunkenbarger trail and camp in the middle before Little Stonecoal , then take LSC trail down the last day. I’ve been up there in thigh deep snow . It’s a magical place ! We would also go every Super Bowl weekend to avoid people and make it back to my Moms in Lewisburg, Wv in time for the game. Firewood tip for any heavily used area : your Bear bag cord , throw it up over the lower pine and spruce branches and just snap them off. The branches are very old and dead down low. Enjoyed your video, I’ll look for more of them . I live near Pearisburg / Blacksburg in Va now and use to be big on the AT .
the sods are busy most weekends and to go on a holiday weekend, well frankly NOT a good decision, the sods are a great place with many hiking trails and scenery, and due to this has become very attractive to people that like the outdoors and very crowded
Great video. I love watching people experience Dolly Sods for the first time -- but watching you pass of the turnoff to Lion's Head was painful. I almost yelled at the screen. Having to endure Rocky Point trail without the payoff is a crime.
Just watched your video and you missed Lions Head! That Rock scramble you needed go up that hillside and follow rock carins you would have liked it but you missed the Lions Head Rock and view! But I enjoyed your video!
Ugh I know! I was actively looking for cairns because I heard it's sometimes easy to miss and still passed it by lol. I guess now I have an excuse to go back for another trip though. Glad you enjoyed!
For some reason I thought it would be marked with a cairn or something more obvious. Should've gone with my gut and checked out the rock scramble just in case! I hope you guys had some good views that weekend.
We liked the Dolly Sods area but it’s not very well documented as far as maps and where things are. Nice video thanks for sharing. When is gang going to get back together and hike ?
I think because it's a wilderness area they're only allowed to do so much signage and blazing. I'd imagine it's probably better to go with someone who has experience with this area. Thanks for watching and that's a great question! I think we're due for a group hike soon lol
I enjoy all of your videos. I only wish that you could post them more often. Do you think that you might ever go back and hike the AT again? Or maybe finish up what was left? Also, do you ever see any of the original trail takers?
So glad you enjoy them! I hoping to post more regularly this summer with plenty of trips lined up. I don't have any plans to go back to the AT at the moment but I have a different long distance trail in the works for 2025. I see most of the OG Trail Takers on occasion but we live further apart now. I'd love to do a reunion hike one of these days though. Thanks for watching!
Wait , what ? Over rated or too hyped ? I’m sorry you missed out on the magic of that place. Though I will also say because I experienced it myself on a Labor Day weekend.. it sucked with that crowd. I think you showed up after an 8 hour drive to a Parade of cars and that would put a bad taste in anyone’s mouth.
For next time there is An amazing spot exactly 1 mile in. Once you cross the creek for the first time right before you ascend up that small hill into the open sods, there is a main campsite but if you go to ur right before you cross that creek there are son awesome spots for hammock camping and tenting
The white stuff on the pine trees was pine sap, it doesn’t seep out of all pine trees like that only certain species, nice video by the way, I love my home state of West Virginia
Sap makes so much sense, glad to finally have the mystery solved lol. Glad you enjoyed! I'd love to explore more of West Virginia in the near future.
Thanks for taking us with you! I find your videos very relaxing. Also, I like how you describe your concerns and how you reason through them as you go. It's kind of unique compared to other hiking videos I watch because it's like real time instead of reflecting back on something that just happened. Anyway, really enjoyed it.
Thanks so much for watching!
Hate that you weren't able to find Lion's Head. Heading there on a college buddy trip in June. Looked like your campsite was on the Rocky Ridge trail...was it before or after the Dobbins Grade intersection? Didnt look like it was as far as the Harman intersection. I'm from Atlanta, and so much here is AT-like, so Dolly Sods is amazing...just gotta know where to go.
Yes the campsite was along the rocky ridge trail. I know it was after the Dobbins grade intersection but I'm not sure if it was before or after Harmon's intersection. I didn't drop a way point so I'm unsure of the exact location, but it was very easy to find on the left side of the trail heading away from ravin ridge/bear rocks and the parking area. Around 5 miles in or so. For sure a good change of scenery from many trails in the NC/GA/TN area. I've never hiked anywhere quite like Dolly Sods before. Good luck on your trip in June, should be a great time to go!
Great video! Just found your channel while doing some research on an upcoming trip to Dolly Sods, seems like the general consensus is the area is a bit overrated but I’m still excited regardless, great job showcasing the area and I’ll have to keep an eye out for that campsite! Subscribed to ya and look forward to seeing more of your adventures
Thanks for the sub and good luck on your adventure to Dolly Sods!
I did a lot of backpacking there in the 80s-90s. I never saw it look as dry as it did in your video, but still a beautiful place👍
Ahhhh Ramen Noodles.. the duct tape of food.. great video.. I may try to get up there and check it out..
😂😂😂
Great job as always!! I really enjoyed this video. Beautiful scenery, atmospheric , and this one even had me laughing a few times too. 🔥🔥
Enjoyed the video and music. Never been to that area - parts reminded me of the balds at Shining Rock. Enjoy the upcoming trips
Thank you! There were a definitely a lot of similarities with Shining Rock Wilderness area. That same kind of open vista where you can see way down the trail, just at lower elevation.
It’ll be nice n clogged we’re filtering sods water. Especially directly from red creek. It’s a filter killer.
I made the rookie mistake of not flushing out my filter after this trip and found out the hard way on the next one 😂😂
I enjoyed your video, thanks!
Nice video. Thank you. I was there a few days before you, ahead of the Memorial Day weekend crowds, doing a similar loop. I plan to go back again on June 25 & 26. Happy trails!
Good luck on your hike this weekend and thanks for watching!
Really enjoyed your video. Dolly Sods is a wonderful place to backpack; been going there for about 25 years. That "lake" you saw is actually a huge beaver pond. I haven't been in that spot in 20 years. I was amazed at how much the trees had grown there since then. Also, what you thought might be bird poop at the campsite was tree sap. Makes a great fire starter. Glad you got to enjoy the Sods. If you can make it back sometime for a mid-week trip there's a lot more to see. The Red Creek valley is beautiful, with lots of waterfalls.
If you didn’t get to experience the lower sods you should deff go back. It’s a totally different world
I found the Sods in 1998 and it is amazing to see how crowded it has gotten since then. I’m surprised there isn’t a shuttle service up there for the busy season.
I was there that same weekend, I did the northern trails. Fortunately I stayed at a hotel Friday night so I was ahead of the crowds Saturday morning. I did see the two rangers. I’ll wait until winter to do the southern trails.
Getting ahead of the crowds was definitely a good idea. Good luck on your winter trip!
Same here, park at Laneville and go up Red Creek
Thats a lot flatter than i expected with W. Virginia but wow, an 8 hour trip? Thats dedication right there!
A lot of Dolly Sods is a rolling high plateau. WV has the highest average elevation in the eastern half of the U.S. have you tried hiking to Mount Porte Crayon in the Sods Vicinity
This is where I was planning my next hike
Highly recommend this beautiful area. Best of luck on your trip!
I love Dolly Sods , I grew up in Wv and that whole area is my favorite part of the state. I go to a large Caving event near there every Labor Day weekend and I too had to learn the hard way , never in my life… felt like Yellowstone. We go winter backpacking there mostly, we always park at the Laneville Wildlife Managers Cabin in Laneville at the base of the Mtn at the Red Creek bridge. I’m sure it was slammed there and not a parking site around on your trip. We go up Red Creek trail cross Red Creek ( yes, wade it in the winter wearing Aqua Socks). Go up Big Stonecoal and camp, the next day we hike around the big area up there then take Dunkenbarger trail and camp in the middle before Little Stonecoal , then take LSC trail down the last day. I’ve been up there in thigh deep snow . It’s a magical place ! We would also go every Super Bowl weekend to avoid people and make it back to my Moms in Lewisburg, Wv in time for the game. Firewood tip for any heavily used area : your Bear bag cord , throw it up over the lower pine and spruce branches and just snap them off. The branches are very old and dead down low. Enjoyed your video, I’ll look for more of them . I live near Pearisburg / Blacksburg in Va now and use to be big on the AT .
Dolly sods is special in fall colors, summer months kind of ok
the sods are busy most weekends and to go on a holiday weekend, well frankly NOT a good decision, the sods are a great place with many hiking trails and scenery, and due to this has become very attractive to people that like the outdoors and very crowded
Yes absolutely agree! I guess I had to find that out the hard way lol. 100% recommend going at an off time.
Great video. I love watching people experience Dolly Sods for the first time -- but watching you pass of the turnoff to Lion's Head was painful. I almost yelled at the screen. Having to endure Rocky Point trail without the payoff is a crime.
Honestly 😂😂 100% planning to go back and make sure to find Lion's Head this time!
I’m going on a weekday end of Sept. any tips on trails for an inexperienced, flat lander but fit hiker from the tropics?
Just watched your video and you missed Lions Head! That Rock scramble you needed go up that hillside and follow rock carins you would have liked it but you missed the Lions Head Rock and view! But I enjoyed your video!
Ugh I know! I was actively looking for cairns because I heard it's sometimes easy to miss and still passed it by lol. I guess now I have an excuse to go back for another trip though. Glad you enjoyed!
Thanks
It’s sap from on trees.
Aw Acorn you accidentally missed the views! The turnoff scramble took you UP to lions head. I was there with a group of five the same weekend.
For some reason I thought it would be marked with a cairn or something more obvious. Should've gone with my gut and checked out the rock scramble just in case! I hope you guys had some good views that weekend.
We liked the Dolly Sods area but it’s not very well documented as far as maps and where things are. Nice video thanks for sharing. When is gang going to get back together and hike ?
I think because it's a wilderness area they're only allowed to do so much signage and blazing. I'd imagine it's probably better to go with someone who has experience with this area. Thanks for watching and that's a great question! I think we're due for a group hike soon lol
There are 2 trials up to Bears head .the easy one is before you turn the corner onto rocky point trail.the other one is a rock scramble on rocky point
Bears Head ? Lions head and Bear Rocks
Weekends are out no Weekend
Get some Plasti Dip for those handles on your new pot. Works great.
I enjoy all of your videos. I only wish that you could post them more often. Do you think that you might ever go back and hike the AT again? Or maybe finish up what was left? Also, do you ever see any of the original trail takers?
So glad you enjoy them! I hoping to post more regularly this summer with plenty of trips lined up. I don't have any plans to go back to the AT at the moment but I have a different long distance trail in the works for 2025. I see most of the OG Trail Takers on occasion but we live further apart now. I'd love to do a reunion hike one of these days though. Thanks for watching!
Wait , what ? Over rated or too hyped ? I’m sorry you missed out on the magic of that place. Though I will also say because I experienced it myself on a Labor Day weekend.. it sucked with that crowd. I think you showed up after an 8 hour drive to a Parade of cars and that would put a bad taste in anyone’s mouth.