Dolly Sod North Wilderness Backpack - Hiking trail near Seneca Rocks, West Virginia, United States - Description

This backpack takes you around the northern part of Dolly Sod Wilderness. From meadows to ridge lines with 360 degree views to creeks and cascades, this hike is quite the scenic adventure.

Day 1:

Start the hike on Bear Rocks Trail (TR522) and follow it for 2.4 miles to the Raven Ridge Trail (TR521). Take a right on the Raven Ridge Trail until you reach the Rocky Ridge Trail (TR524) in about 1.5 miles. Take a left on the Rocky Ridge Trail and follow it for about 2.8 miles to the Harman Trail (TR525). Take the Harman Trail for 1.4 miles to the Blackbird Knob Trail. Take a left on the Blackbird Knob Trail and in 0.7 miles cross a creek. Turn left right away after the creek crossing to follow a path to nice campsites with nice tree coverage and water access.

Day 2:

Go back to the Blackbird Knob Trail and turn left. Follow it to the Red Creek Trail (TR514) in about a mile. There is no sign there, but the trail is easily identifiable. Go down the Red Creek Trail for about 1 mile to enjoy "The Forks" (Cascades) and backtrack to the Blackbird Knob Trail. Continue to follow the Blackbird Knob Trail to its intersection with Upper Red Creek Trail (TR509). Follow the Red Creek Trail for 1.3 miles to the Dobbin Grade Trail (TR526). Turn right onto the Dobbin Grade Trail and follow it for 2 miles to its intersection with the Bear Rocks Trail (TR522). Turn right on Bear Rocks Trail and hike back to the car in about 1 mile.

Notes:

- The weather can be harsh and unpredictable at Dolly Sod. Winter hiking is technically not possible since the road is closed. Be prepared for potential colder than usual temperatures.

- I recommend getting a map from the area from the ranger station located close to Seneca Rocks, WV.

- Dolly Sod Wilderness used to be a training site for bombing during WWII and even after the military cleanup there are apparently still live rounds to be found. I recommend to not leave the trail.

From Seneca Rocks, WV:

Drive North on WV 28/55 for about 12 miles to Jordan Run. Turn left onto Jordan Run and drive about 8 miles to FR 75 or Public Road 75 (Do not turn on the first turn for Dolly Sod on FR 19). Then follow FR 19 for 5 miles to the top and park where the road does a sharp turn. The trail will be about 100 yards from the parking area along FR 75. FR 75 is a dirt road and a capable vehicle is recommended.

There are 2 campgrounds located near the trailhead. The closest is Red Creek Campground. The other one is Seneca Shadows Campground.