Hammock Camping the Dolly Sods Wilderness - Solo Backpacking Trip

3 Days of Hammock Camping, Hiking, & Backpacking in the Dolly Sods Wilderness.

For this 3 day, 2 night spring backpacking trip, I’ll be hiking a 23 mile loop in West Virginia’s Dolly Sods Wilderness, part of the larger Monongahela National Forest. Dolly Sods is located in the Allegheny Mountains on the highest plateau east of the Mississippi river and features some of the most varied and scenic terrain available to hikers in the Mid-Atlantic region.

For an easier read & more info, including full downloadable GPS data, check out my blog post:
https://wp.me/p2ReUQ-Az

For sleep and shelter system on my Dolly Sods backpacking loop, I packed in my Amok Draumr XL hammock, paired with the Amok Borg tarp and Amok Fjol XL sleeping pad. I chose this combo based on plateau’s less aggressive terrain and the extra time I expected to be lounging and relaxing at camp.

No permit is required to camp in the Dolly Sods Wilderness, but there are rules and regulations regarding backcountry camping. You can find more information on the USFS Dolly Sods website here. http://bit.ly/2Nvy3lB

Be a part of the Cheeseburger Time tradition:
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Trailhead Used: Bear Rocks Trailhead, N39° 03.794′ W79° 18.197′
Public Rd 75, Davis, WV 26260

The Bear Rocks trailhead has room for many vehicles and is reached via a dirt / gravel road. The grade is not too aggressive and should be fine for most 2wd cars if driven carefully (I saw a couple when I was there). No parking fee or permit required. Loop begins behind the large info board.

Dolly Sods Printable Trail Map from the USFS
http://bit.ly/2KVfCoz

Trails Used, Day 1

Bear Rocks Trail
Straight (west) on Raven Ridge Trail
Camp along the Raven Ridge Trail
This is a large sized camping spot with space for multiple tents or hammocks, located about 100 meters after the intersection of Raven Ridge and Beaver View Trails. You’ll see a heard path on the left going into the woods. There’s an established fire ring with rocks for camp stoves, etc. pack in water.

Day 1 Mileage: 3.3 miles
Day 1 Gross Elevation Gain: 1,181 feet

Trails Used, Day 2

Continue on Raven Ridge Trail
Left (south) on Rocky Ridge Trail
Straight (south) on Blackbird Knob Trail
Straight (south) on Big Stonecoal Trail
Left (southeast) at the fork on Rocky Point Trail
Spur Trail to Lions Head
Left (northwest) on Red Creek Trail
Camp near Red Creek Trail at “The Forks”
Located 1/8 of a mile after the intersection of Red Creek & Breathed Mountain trails, right after the water crossing. This area has an abundance of potential campsites, some directly along the river, others tucked farther back into the woods.

Day 2 Mileage: 12.6 miles
Day 2 Gross Elevation Gain: 1,089 feet

Trails Used, Day 3

Continue on the Red Creek Trail
Right (east) on Blackbird Knob Trail
Left (north) on Upper Red Creek Trail
Right (south) on Dobbin Grade Trail (only for 1/10 mile)
Right (north) on Raven Ridge Trail
I highly suggest not staying on the Dobbin Grade trail. While it is a shorter route back to the parking lot, the trail traverses very boggy terrain, sometimes waist deep. Raven Ridge is drier and more scenic.
Right (east) on Bear Rocks Trail
Return to the Bear Rocks parking area.

Day 3 Mileage: 7.1 miles
Day 3 Gross Elevation Gain: 1,303 feet

Grand Total Mileage: 23 Miles
Grand Total Gross Elevation Gain: 3,573 feet

Notable Backpacking Gear

Amok Draumr XL Hammock (flat laying hammock system) https://www.amokequipment.com/collections/draumr-xl-introduction
Amok Fjol XL Sleeping Pad https://www.amokequipment.com/products/fjol-xl-pad
Amok Borg Tarp https://www.amokequipment.com/products/borg-multitarp
ULA Ohm 2.0 Backpack https://www.ula-equipment.com/product/ohm-2-0/
Hammock Gear Burrow 40 Top Quilt https://www.hammockgear.com/premium-burrow/
DIY Fancy Feast Alcohol Stove
Toaks 750ml Titanium Pot https://amzn.to/2GR7AJX
Sea to Summit Long Handled Spork http://amzn.to/2uyl5GJ
Katadyn BeFree Water Filter https://amzn.to/2WcjfYZ
Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite Rain Suit https://amzn.to/2XVxnX7
Outdoor Vitals Adventure Jacket, Loftek version http://bit.ly/2WHh940
Adidas Terrex Swift R GTX trail runners https://amzn.to/2J9qmgY
Wright Socks Cool Mesh II (I love these for blister prevention, particularly in wet conditions). https://amzn.to/2XqbOSP
Olight Wave LED Headlamp https://amzn.to/2D443Vq
Garmin Oregon 650 GPS unit https://amzn.to/2WFzsps
Casio ProTrek PRW-2500 https://amzn.to/2FPpAmd
Mountain House Backpacking Meals https://amzn.to/2J9C3nK
Jiva instant coffee https://amzn.to/2XMQfLx
Ribz Front Pack https://ribzwear.com/product/black-front-pack/

Disclosure: A commission may be earned on some of the links on this post.

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