 
This breathtaking scenery is remarkable for the perils that plagued Dolly Sods not that long ago. Once prized for its old-growth timber, the region was extensively logged in the early 20th century. Repeat wildfires caused by sparks from passing logging trains left the soil depleted of any nutrients and depth. In addition, poor drainage led to little growth of native vegetation. To cap it off, during World War II, Dolly Sods was used as a bombing range. In only a brief time, Dolly Sods has made a remarkable return. While the towering forests have not returned sans in the lower elevations and on the slopes of hills, they have been replaced by a stunning assortment of low-reaching flora that is more likely to be found in Canada and the extreme northern reaches of the United States. Flowering mountain laurel lines the trails and the vistas; blueberry and other edible bushes grace the wind-swept plains; and the scattering of leaning, stunted pines give clue that the area features adverse weather conditions on a daily basis. Winds frequently gust over 20 MPH across Dolly Sods, and temperatures can be over ten-degrees lower than the surrounding valleys. Snow is not unheard of at the peak, even in the dead of summer. | ||||||
CampingRed Creek CampgroundThe Red Creek Campground is a primitive, small campground that is on the Allegheny Plateau along Forest Road 75. The campground sites are on a first-come first-serve basis.AmentitesPicnic table, fire ring, tent pad, lantern holder, hand pump, accessible vault toiletsDirectionsFrom Petersburg, W.Va., travel south on West Virginia State Routes 28 and 55 to West Virginia County Route 4 (Jordan Run Road). Follow CR 4 for one mile and turn left onto Forest Road 19. Follow FR 19 for six miles up the mountain and turn right onto FR 75. Follow FR 75 for seven miles to the campground, which is on the left. | ||||||
TrailsOver 40 miles of trails meander through Dolly Sods and the adjoining Roaring Plains. The southern half of Dolly Sods features steep gradients and a wide, boulder-strewn Red Creek, lined with towering second-growth forests and small pockets of bogs, while the northern half -- encompassing the Dolly Sods Wilderness, is much more flat and exposed.Dolly Sods North Loop The Dolly Sods North Loop begins at Bear Rocks and travels west along the Bear Rocks Trail (T 522). Following an old Jeep trail, the path splits and merges amongst several wide and rocky paths, surrounded by bushes that bear berries during the summer and burn red every fall. It climbs the slope of a small hill, entering a small second-growth forest before junctioning the Dobbin Grade Trail (T 526). The trail descends into a clearing and crosses some marshy grasslands on a boardwalk before the crossing with Red Creek.After fording Red Creek, the trail climbs out of the valley and into a small hardwood forest. There are some large campsites along the trail both at the creek and at the crest. It ascends the hill further before coming upon a clearing at around mile 1.8. Here, only a few trees dot the landscape, leaning precariously to the east, buffed by years of strong, gusty winds and a barren landscape. The Bear Rocks Trail then descends into a lengthy and minor uphill climb to the Raven Ridge Trail (T 521). Bear left onto the Raven Ridge Trail (T 521), which slowly descends to the Dobbin Grade Trail (T 526), passing by a small second-growth forest and open plains. The Dobbin Grade Trail (T 526) east of the Raven Ridge Trail is actually the bed of an old logging railroad, and old railroad ties from the early 20th century are still visible in areas where the soil is considerably more boggy. The trail fords Red Creek just east of Raven Ridge, and although it can be nearly knee-high at times, it should prove to be of no major worry. The Dobbin Grade maintains an almost flat profile, passing through some sloppy wetlands that require careful treading, before junctioning the Beaver Dam Trail (T 520). Turn right onto the Beaver Dam Trail (T 520), which ascends the Allegheny Front and to Forest Road 75. Turn left and return to the Bear Rocks trailhead .8 mile ahead.
TrailheadThe trailhead for the Dolly Sods North Loop is at the Bear Rocks trailhead along Forest Road 75 at its northern tip before it descends the Allegheny Front.Dolly Sods North Short Loop The Dolly Sods North Short Loop begins at Beaver Dam trailhead and travels down into the Red Creek valley via the Beaver Dam Trail (T 520). The marshy trail, which seemingly travels in a meandering and small stream, traverses through bold, berry-producing bushes before transitioning to blankets of ferns and low-rise trees.At the base is the junction with the Dobbin Grade Trail (T 526). The trail is the bed of an old logging railroad, and old railroad ties from the early 20th century are still visible in areas. Bear right and head slightly uphill, passing by the banks of Red Creek and some spectacular views to the west before coming to the junction with the Bear Rocks Trail (T 522). Turn right and follow the old Jeep trail to Bear Rocks. The wide and rocky path seemingly splits and merges during its 1.1-mile trek. The trail ends at Bear Rocks, which is worth the walk up to for the views of the South Branch Potomac River valley alone. Afterwards, follow Forest Road 75 south for .8-mile to the Beaver Dam trailhead.
TrailheadThe trailhead for the Dolly Sods North Short Loop is at the Beaver Dam trailhead along Forest Road 75. | ||||||
Further Reading1. Dolly Sods Wilderness at the U.S. Forest Service 2. Tucker County Tourism 3. Dolly Sods North Information at The Hike Site 4. Dolly Sods North Hike at Hiking Upward 5. Dolly Sods at Trail Pixie | ||||||
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