Dolly Sods Wilderness

The area is beautiful, but definitely wilderness with few signs or directions. I was mistakenly expecting parking and a visitor center, etc. In my view, not recommended for passenger cars with the rutted and rocky roads - an SUV would be a better choice.

Access to the preservation is on a narrow gravel road, with lots of uneven places. I do not recommend if you don't have AWD or have an aversion to narrow spaces and heights, one side of the road is a high drop off. I also recommend taking a map of the preservation and trails with you, as the signs posted can be confusing. That being said once you arrive and find your way to the trail you have selected, the trails are very well maintained and marked, the scenery is spectacular. I did notice signs posted that hunting is allowed Oct -Mar and hikers should wear bright clothing during this time, I think I would just prefer to avoid the area during this time. The area was also a WWII training ground, signs are posted for visitors not to touch any ordnance they may find.

One of the premier hiking locations on the east coast. The sods are a high altitude tundra like terrain at about 4000 feet of elevation. The wilderness features many different trails and lots of primitive camping. Access is from forest road 75, a gravel and dirt road that is mostly inaccessible in winter. The trails are well marked but not blaised, which can be a problem if you intend to night hike. Water is plentiful but has high levels of iron. Some of the trails are very boggy, especially the Dobbins grade trail. You are warned,! This area is so popular that on weekends it can be very crowded. Parking is limited so go early.

Dolly Sods Wilderness is exactly that, wilderness. The trails that you see once you are about 200 yards into the Red Creek trail is only from other hikers' foot traffic since it isn't planned and maintained by park personnel. I spoke with a Sods steward at the Fish and Wildlife building (outside of Davis) who said that it is really for bushwhacking and true hiking in the wilderness. You need a topographical map and an understanding on how to use a compass if you plan on adventuring further into the Sods. Please follow LNT if you choose to go here as some people choose to move rocks around to make "rock furniture" near fire pits and rock cairns (piles) as decorations or personal trail markers. The Stewardship program is working hard on reversing the mess that so many people have left behind. If you visit, please help them out by following LNT :)

Road is rough, look into alternative route around the mountain might seem longer but less tight curvy mountain roads.

We did the Blackbird Knob Trail. Beautiful hike, but it was really muddy, wet, and rocky. Apparently, that's how it is all the time. It's not a hard hike, but it is important to wear proper shoes. We had a 10 month old lab puppy with us, who really enjoyed it. There were quite a few campers out there too, however I think the terrain was a little too muddy and rocky for me. A day hike was just fine for us. Beautiful view of the mountains and it sure was wild and wonderful! The drive up may take a while. You're pretty much on a narrow and bumpy dirt road for 30 minutes going 20mph. It sure will test your suspensions on your car! The Dolly Sods area is huge, so my review is only for the Blackbird Knob Trail. We've heard many wonderful things about the Dolly Sods, so we will definitely check out the other trails the next time we are here.

Dolly Sods is a gorgeous location. I can't honestly review much about the hiking trails or other things to do there, but it is a photographers dream, especially when it is in bloom. I will warn though, it is SUPER cold and windy at the top so be sure to dress appropriately.

Way too many people. The trails are always wet and muddy. The views are OK but, there are better places to hike with views in Virginia.

This is one of my favorite all time hikes. There is a perfect loop trail you can follow which is great trip for a long weekend. Ever changing scenery and great campsites. It is hard to have a greater variance in scenery from one crest to the next. Always a good pick!!!

The Dolly Sods is unique in the middle Atlantic region, containing flora rarely seen this far south. Hiking down into the Red Creek canyon is DA BOMB. Would definitely repeat and recommend.

It's true about the rough dirt road but my little Fiat500 made it. I took the 10.6 mile Forks of Red Creek Loop: http://www.hikingupward.com/MNF/ForksRedCreek/index.asp. It was much rougher and less enjoyable than expected. A huge portion of the trail is either mud, rock, creek, or bog and not very enjoyable to trek through. The gnats and flies are RELENTLESS. Constantly swarming and dive bombing your face and head. It probably didn't help that I forgot bug spray. The unique landscape was varied and interesting. Not much wildlife except for deer, rabbits, birds, and frogs. For east coast hikes, Acadia National Park in Maine has been the best for me thus far. You really have to visit the National Parks out west for the best hiking. After Glacier NP or Redwood NP etc, places like Dolly Sods are a bit lame in comparison. But, it was still a great workout! I could see Dolly Sods being an interesting place to hike & camp as long as you are properly prepared and expectations are fairly realistic.