Camping the Dolly Sods Wilderness - Fall Backpacking in West Virginia

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3 Days of Fall Camping, Hiking and Backpacking in Dolly Sods, West Virginia. GPS data at www.sintax77.com
For this adventure, we'll be exploring a very unique area of West Virginia - the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, within the Monongahela National Forest. Being a high altitude plateau sitting at around 4,000 feet (the highest plateau east of the Mississippi river), the Sods offer a stark contrast to the surrounding West Virginian ecosystem. In fact, you may feel more like you're in Canada than West Virginia.
For an overview and listing of my gear check out this video: • 2014 Ultralight Backpa...
Accompanied by my wife and our two close friends, this was a 3 day, 2 night backpacking adventure. Each day's track data was recorded to individual GPX data files, available for download over at my website for those interested.
Parking: Bear Rocks Trailhead 39.06352, -79.30326
Trails Used in Order:
Day One (11.5 Miles):
Bear Rocks Trail 522
Raven Ridge Trail 521
Rocky Ridge Trail 524
Blackbird Knob Trail 553 (only for a very short segment)
Big Stone Coal Trail 513
Setup Camp a bit before Little Stone Coal Trail
Day 2 (9.5 Miles):
Dunkenbarger Trail 558
Little Stone Coal Trail 552
Red Creek Trail 514
(Out-n-back excursion on Breathed Mountain Trail 553)
Setup camp along Red Creek Trail between Breathed Mt and Blackbird Knob
Day 3 (6 Miles):
Red Creek Trail 514
Blackbird Knob Trail 511
Upper Red Creek Trail 509
Dobbin Grade Trail 526 - Prepare for mud and thigh-deep sinkholes!
Return to car via Bear Rocks Trail 522

Опубликовано:

12 ноя 2013

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Комментарии : 260

@dnvm007 10 лет назад

You were right in backyard! I live about 10 miles from there. I backpack there all the time. And yes the coyotes seem to visit most nights. Great Channel like your videos!

@Partezan99 10 лет назад

My favorite video yet of your hikes. You four have a good chemistry on the trail.

@jckanzel 8 лет назад

you guys hiked it at a GREAT time, what excellent colors you have captured. You've got a gift of telling your hiking stories. Thanks for sharing.

@lckeeper1 10 лет назад

Great footage, thanks for taking us along! The Dolly Sods is a place that's right at the top of trips!

@chasingthenorth9719 8 лет назад

I love autumn. Everything looks so pretty.

@chrishenry571 5 лет назад

True cheesteak wisdom from Sintax on this one. Also Pats and Ginos are for tourists!

@ChannelTheron 10 лет назад

I visited Seneca Rocks when I was like 8-9 yrs old.My grandparents lived right on the edge of Monongahela Nat. Forest near Parsons.I used to run around in the mountains around their house all day long there as a kid when we'd visit( with no daypack,first aid kit or anything!lol).Awesome fall colors there now!Definitely hoping to make a future hike on this trail.

@sintax77 10 лет назад

You know, while hiking, we were actually talking about how it would be to grow up around there and have a place like that as your back yard to run around in. It's pretty cool that you really got to do it!

@teamredneckb 10 лет назад

Good video.It brought back memories from my solo in Dolly Sods two years ago. You guys passed up a really cool campsite on Rocky Ridge though, I spent two nights there. It was right on top and had a huge boulder across from it, which I sat on and watched a beautiful sunset

@herdguy22 10 лет назад

I thoroughly enjoy all your videos so please keep them coming. I made many wonderful hikes in my younger days, some with friends no longer here so when I watch your movies it makes me smile to think how much you'll be enjoying these shots 20 years from now. Anyway, thanks for letting us live vicariously through your productions!

@DennisMathias 10 лет назад

Russ, I'm in the same boat..packing 30! years ago. Then got away from it..career, chance, family, etc. So a few weeks ago I ordered a bunch of gear. Things have changed! What's with these hydration packs? :-) My back packing friends from the 70s are all gone or unable..so think about that everybody.

@JohndaCantrell 5 лет назад

We’re planning a trip to Dolly Sods about the same time of year you did this video. You are the go to man when you want to see the trail and get the scoop! Thanks for all the hard work; hiking It firstly, and secondly for the hard work putting it together and posting it. ❤️

@ZacharyElmblad 10 лет назад

Great video! Dolly Sods was recommended to me by a ranger at the Seneca station a few years ago when the trail at Seneca Rocks was closed for maintenance. I've returned to Dolly Sods every year at least once. It is a fantastic place indeed. My favorite trail is Red Creek Trail, and watching this video made me request some time off in October to visit during the fall. Keep up the good work!

@sintax77 10 лет назад

Thanks, Zachary. You should definitely check it out in the fall some time. Comfortable weather and awesome scenery if you time the foliage right.

@ErlefromVa 10 лет назад

Great vid from the Dolly Sods.... Been wanting to go there my whole life, one of these days! Glad you guys had great weather! Thanks for sharing your trip!

@EmmanuelMachler 9 лет назад

Cool adventure! Dolly Sods looks like a fantastic place to hike. Thanks for sharing

@seabees33 10 лет назад

Your backpacking videos are the best on you tube! They make me want to go even more than I already do. Your gear reviews are awesome as well. Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing. Loved when you guys were talking about Philly cheesesteaks, I live just outside Philly.

@TomsBackwoods 10 лет назад

Great job Guys & Gals!! Thanks for sharing!

@carolinares-q4205 9 лет назад

Best trip yet. Great looking scenery

@schlooonginator1227 8 лет назад

Brilliant idea. The can for a pot is such a great idea. Its light and costs nothing. Never would have thought of that.

@TheHunterAlvarado 7 лет назад

Love your videos they are inspiring me to travel. I'm in the navy and I am moving to Norfolk. You got me stoked on Virginia

@Intrepidus. 7 лет назад

Just subscribed and I gotta say this trip looked so fun man. Props to the quality of the video and the time it took to get it edited etc. Had a great time watching it.

@jamessadewasser3095 8 лет назад

just wanted to let you know you have inspired me, just started backing this year so a noob! but this will be my second trip have learned so much from your video's thanks

@rickmckinney1451 6 лет назад

Great to see someone who travels around to hike make it to our area... the whole area around Canaan Valley is an awesome place... I don't know if someone else has suggested it but have you looked at the Allegheny Trail that runs through the state from the AT in Virginia to Morgantown... great videos and hike on!

@Seek-God-First 9 лет назад

Fun to watch! Beautiful country ! Thanks for sharing your trip !

@oldguy537 10 лет назад

a great hike , I really enjoyed watching , thank you for posting ..

@Zappa870 10 лет назад

Great video, awesome terrain and a great variation of vegetation

@ignitens 8 лет назад

"I just want to see what happens" Famous. Last. Words!

@wojo1034 10 лет назад

That was a cool video, thanks for sharing. I am just getting into backpacking and you guys make it look like a lot of fun!

@gizmo263579 10 лет назад

Beautiful nature:-D i love all the colours in Autum. Awesome trip. I get the itches to get out on hiking.

@maybesparrow99 10 лет назад

Nice video. If I didn't have this herd of children, I'd like to try an overnight hike.

@perritohiker 10 лет назад

Nice trip report doood. Dolly Sods is on my short list of hikes to do. Your itinerary was the perfect length. Thanx for the video.

@sintax77 10 лет назад

Hopefully you'll be able to get down there for a visit, it's a great spot. The area creates a very laid back vibe for a backpacking trip. I'm all for chalking up elevation gains and bagging peaks, but there's nothing like slowing things down and just hanging with friends on a plateau for a few days :)

@OutLan 10 лет назад

I hiked here last summer. Even with the mud bogs, 4 hour rainstorm, my buddy almost getting bitten by a rattlesnake, and vicious spider bite I got, it was one of the coolest places I've ever hiked. I need to get back here. Maybe after I get to Isle Royale! Another great vid! Keep these coming!!!

@CavemanOutdoorsMissouri 10 лет назад

Really enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing you trip

@bigscorchy3239 8 лет назад

Did the loop this weekend. Lots of mud and rock, trails aren't very well marked (no blazes). Great campsites and beautiful views. Great video!

@nebhuskers89 10 лет назад

Great Vid! Thanks for all your videos! Your videos give great techniques and hiking destinations for someone who is just getting into backpacking like myself!

@trx131 10 лет назад

A frame let's do this. Let's make G+ happen. No girls or old people allowed though. It'll be like poker night the website.

@Tbogan5150 10 лет назад

Looked like nice trip, thanks for sharing .

@KennethKramm 10 лет назад

Looks like you guys had a lot of fun. I really enjoyed the video. Thanks for posting! Another great place to hike! ATB …. ken

@DaveW812 10 лет назад

awesome videos man, for someone just getting into it, these help!

@dennism6664 10 лет назад

Nice hike. Enjoyed the video. Seems like you had a good ole time. Hope to get out in that area some day.

@mx5mx 10 лет назад

Beautiful hike!

@sintax77 10 лет назад

Definitely! I think it may have spoiled me a bit though, lol. Sensory overload every 20 mins - impossible to get bored with all the ecosystem changes.

@treeoneseven 10 лет назад

Another enjoyable video. Beautiful area with a great mix of terrain. That spider was super sketchy looking.

@sintax77 10 лет назад

I still need to research that spider. It was like an evil strawberry with legs...

@JosephBitonti 10 лет назад

Geat video looks like it was a very fun trip.

@LunchboxTheMagnficen 10 лет назад

All you hiking videos are fun to watch, but the ones involving Mike are like a little Cherry on top. Great video man.

@thetrailkilla 10 лет назад

Looking forward to the graftin loop in Main at end of summer with the girls! Sure to be a good hike

@MylesAway3 6 лет назад

Another great video! I know it is old, but not to me! I Hope to get out there This fall, or spring. Looks like I will bring trekking poles, with all that mud and water.

@DennisMathias 10 лет назад

You guys are all great! You'll never forget. Good video production/editing too. Hey, Sintax--you have the Delorme PN60. What do you think of the Garmin or what convinced you to go with Delorme instead of say the Garmin 62st or similar? Oh, one other thing..it's good he left the ants alone! They're just camping out too. That would have peeved me. Thanks again for a great time!

@evanoffm 5 лет назад

great video, thank you. the other dude - mike - really seemed like a buzz kill man, but everyone else seemed to be enjoying the vibe out there, thank you for the post.

@hapax-si2fd 2 года назад

From WV never done Dolly Sods, but it just got out on the list and as close as I am it might get pushed up that list a few spots lol. Great video thanks for all the work u do! It's Feb. 2022 there's about a foot of snow outside, so this is my fix for now. Thanks.

@vanscoyoc 5 лет назад

Dolly Sods hike is the BOMB!!!!

@GARYMANDIEVAN 10 лет назад

Awesome hike cool footage

@terrydavenport5542 10 лет назад

Man, Keep the videos coming....!! Nice one.

@AdventureArchives 10 лет назад

Good stuff! We went to Dolly sods last September and it was amazing. Pretty amazing landscape

@kelvinameer8678 3 года назад

you prolly dont give a damn but does anybody know of a trick to get back into an instagram account?? I somehow lost the password. I would love any assistance you can offer me!

@curtisandre6975 3 года назад

@Kelvin Ameer instablaster =)

@kelvinameer8678 3 года назад

@Curtis Andre I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and Im trying it out atm. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

@kelvinameer8678 3 года назад

@Curtis Andre It did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thanks so much, you saved my account !

@curtisandre6975 3 года назад

@Kelvin Ameer Glad I could help xD

@bluetracker122 8 лет назад

good video of this trip looks like a good area in the wilderness

@MountainGardenGirl 7 лет назад

Thanks live close to here and always wondered what it was like. Awesome photography, thanks again

@sintax77 7 лет назад

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! :)

@vincentgiddens6906 10 лет назад

great new hike

@7gfur 10 лет назад

That was a awesome trip. cool place for a great hiking camping trip, like the video, is was cool. It looked like your packs were't that heavy with gear.

@pnwadventuresandgearreview8749 10 лет назад

Awesome video as usual man! you have some of the best videos on youtube love your gear reviews too. In this video mike was saying something about viewers not liking him? I would have to disagree I wish you had more videos together you two are pretty funny together you remind me alot of my best friend when we go backpacking together keep them coming man peace!

@sintax77 10 лет назад

Haha, no. I think Mike was just screwing around. Unless he's been the victim of some "cyber bullying" that I'm unaware of, lol ;)

@jimwilliams2753 7 лет назад

really like this video. great area to hike. and your attitude about milage is so cool, I like to hike and enjoy not just a mile pounder,

@han_463 7 лет назад

props to Sarah for being the only one of you heathens to tap her shot on the ground before taking it

@syrusvapor 10 лет назад

Amazing hike. Just went there this weekend and did 20 or so miles with the fiancee. Might go back in a month to see more fall colors.

@sintax77 10 лет назад

syrusvapor Definitely go back for the fall foliage if you can.

@sematic1 9 лет назад

nice videos. man keep up the good work.

@cfsVchris 5 лет назад

Great video, thank you for posting :)

@miked-se6ti 9 лет назад

I have spent a lot of time wondering around on the sods, one of the most beautiful places in the state.

@carboncopy2853 5 лет назад

excelent guys !

@DigitalCard 9 лет назад

Sweet video.

@e5095 8 лет назад

Nice video - thanks for publishing! It's a great little place to hike though sometimes a bit overcrowded. Next time you're up for a trip to West Virginia, check out the day hike at Seneca Rocks and do a little backpacking on the Huckleberry and Seneca Creek Trails at Spruce Knob…really pretty area and even higher elevation.

@bobbyd0656 8 лет назад

I second the Seneca Creek trail. Waterfalls, huckleberries, plane wreckage, meadows, and native brooke tr

@bobbyd0656 8 лет назад

I second the Seneca Creek trail recomendation.

@GeezerDust 10 лет назад

Enjoyed that 100%. Thanks

@wildground2922 4 года назад

Love that place!

@securitypi007ohio 10 лет назад

great video

@steveparkin2366 10 лет назад

I don't backpack, just car camp - but your videos really make me want to get into backpacking...

@maplelaneadventures8458 8 лет назад

Enjoyed the vid.

@dreambigvake4243 7 лет назад

Hahaha I loved the flash back

@joshmatthew4125 7 лет назад

Nice Video!

@nightrampage 9 лет назад

i love Dolly Sods... spent a lot of time there myself.. dunkenburger or whatever is amazing

@jimkanzelmeyer7722 5 лет назад

Thumbs up for the flashback!

@scubasteve4397 9 лет назад

Just wanted to say that I love all of your videos from your hikes to your equipment reviews - they have been quite helpful. I truly loved your videos at Dolly Sods and am looking to do that hike in the near future (3 day hike) . My youngest son has expressed a desire to go with me, but has very little hiking experience. He has hiked with me on some day hikes and we’ve done a short section of the AT, but never an overnight trip. I was just wondering how the sods would treat him and when is the best time to go. I was looking at late March or early April, but didn’t know if it would still be too cold for him - your thoughts. Keep doing what your doing and I look forward to watching your future videos - stay safe . Thanks again, Mike

@carboncopy2853 4 года назад

Thanks !Sintax77! and :All ! keep it up:

@vincentgiddens6906 10 лет назад

NO I have not forgot mike and those white mushrooms and all the river crossings

@njmakkonen306 10 лет назад

Nyce hike, thank you.. Your all awesome.. i'll hike that soon. Oh ya, great job on you're river crossing ~ }i{

@sophialawrence6772 10 лет назад

Great video. I highly recommend hiking in the Adirondacks you can easily find a 2-3 day overnight.

@brettjones7471 8 лет назад

Happy 4th my man!!!

@sintax77 8 лет назад

Thanks! Hope you had a nice one as well!

@LiberalAsLordChrist 9 лет назад

Just discovered and enjoyed your video. I am a Mike too and had a Mike backpacking best friend. We planned sort of to camp at Jones Gap SP in Oct 2013 but did not, and he died in jan 2014 at age 57 (RIP Michael Shipman) I only wish I had cameras then to record all our backpacking trips. I am inventing new Bushcraft items, Keep backpacking. Do one from The Foothills Trail here in SC.

@mariolomedico6053 8 лет назад

Looks like you all had a great time. You should try the ADK again this time in summer or fall lol

@robertmorgan5941 10 лет назад

Nice trip ;)

@trentburns1753 8 лет назад

Amazing how much your gear has refined. What was your pack load here? That might be a great video, gear refinement. Starter pack and the progression to what you have now.

@nlavigne92292 9 лет назад

If you liked dolly sods you should try the roaring planes, it’s just a few miles away and I think it has much better views. The trail is not kept up by the national forest service so in some spots it gets a little tricky to follow but as long as you bring a good map and GPS it is one awesome hike.

@marcocalarco7575 8 лет назад

Respect nature, respect big ant hills.

@redwhiteblue7831 10 лет назад

Liked the video. I wish my wife would go backpacking with me. Did you all sleep in one tent? The ladies are easy on the eyes, made it that much better to watch.

@awksedgreep 5 лет назад

43:40 Sara's like, uh blowing nose and motions to look away . . . Sintax77, yes ma'am we'll check out this tree over here :D

@arpacker80 8 лет назад

Hitting that trail 10/1-4, looking to make it into 3nights 4days. Seemed to be the same weekend end you did it in 13'. I know every year is different but what % of leafs had changed? Also see you didn't hit lions head. isn't the main attraction on that trail?

@kellylawrence2887 9 лет назад

I have been enjoying your videos. I am new to hiking and have been starting on shorter trails 3-5 mi and I will work my way up... Your vlogs inspire me... Thank you for sharing your experiences. I wanted to know what kind of hiking boots your wife wears?

@shuddupnkissme23 10 лет назад

Wow pretty area

@PhilipCampbellPHOTOGRAPHY 10 лет назад

Great video. I've hiked this many times. Suggestion-hiking poles.

@securitypi007ohio 10 лет назад

I watched this the other day

@aarontsur 10 лет назад

I recognized most of the trail, what an awesome place. Was funny when they looking for the pond on the map and I knew it was not there.

@bentstraight 9 лет назад

Heading here in the spring any suggestions on trails that will make a good overnight trip roughly 20 miles total.

@sabramaguire6595 10 лет назад

Great video. Best place in WV to be. I've been on every trail many times. But srsly, never did I manage to get 4500 feet of climb out of there. Maybe 1600 the way you took with ups and downs and sidetrips included.

@sintax77 10 лет назад

Thanks, Sabra. I'll have to pull up the gpx files again, but we probably racked up most of the elevation by coming down off the southern end of the plateau and then heading back up. Really love the area!

@ryanchapman7872 7 лет назад

You should do a trip to the AT in PA, Idk if you have already done that and I just haven't seen it, but that would be cool

@isaaccutlip5815 6 лет назад

Lol he was super embarrassed when he slipped on that rock😂😂

@melaniexoxo 10 лет назад

Awesome.

@daredevil7442AUTOMOTIVE 10 лет назад

I enjoyed the whole video but, as you were walking the trail, I noticed every so often small rocks that were stacked on top of each other purposely, is that a trail type marker or something of significance or kids playing around?

@CountChristoff 10 лет назад

The stacks of rocks are called cairns...They are trail markers.

@terryewing421 3 года назад

where did you get the can for the kettle what kind of can is that please

@lifeisgood070 9 лет назад

What are the pack weights you guys are hiking with? Trying to get into winter backpacking and I think my 35L highschool backpack isn't going to cut it. xD Trying to find a good size.

@sintax77 9 лет назад

lifeisgood070 Our total pack weights ranged from 46 liters, 20 lbs (mine) up to 80L, 35ish pounds (Mikes). Mike's 80L was way overkill for what he had and was probably half full, but for Winter he fills it up. I use a 70 liter myself for winter and it seems to be a good size.