View Full Version : Winter Camping Dolly Sods
I'm not sure if this is the right sub forum for this but, I would like to go winter camping in Dolly Sods. What gear will I need? I used to have basic backpacking gear, but I sold most of it. I now basically have nothing. I will have about $1,000 to spend on backpacking gear....I would like to know everything i would need for winter camping in Dolly Sods. Thanks
Patrickjd9
11-02-2009, 23:35
Be prepared for very cold weather, as well as the possibility of a snowstorm making your vehicle immobile while you are camping. I have been outdoors in -18F weather within 15 miles of Dolly Sods (at considerably lower elevation).
Hikes with a stick
11-02-2009, 23:49
Hey, my wife and I were just there a few weeks ago in mid october... When it snowed several inches on Saturday night. Quite the experience, hiking in the snow like that...
The trails were fairly wide, you should be able to use a pair of cross country skis or snowshoes to get around fairly well. There really are not any steep climbs or descents. I would wait until the streams freeze solid so you won't have to worry about falling in...
But I have to say, if you have to ask what kind of equipment you need for winter camping up there, you should not be camping there in the winter. That shows me that you don't have the experience necessary to safely undertake this. Kind of like if you have to ask, you can't afford it.
I estimate up at the top there was 3" to 4" of snow, and there was no snow at all half way up the mountain. It was really brutual up there considering it was mid October. Hiking out temps were in the upper 20's, and a good steady 7+ mph wind, with gusts 10 to 15. If you do go, make sure your vehicle is fully winterized, and keep extra food, warm clothes, shovel, etc in your vehicle, so if you can't get out you can wait it out a few days.
Here's a shot we took on Sunday morning...
Hikes with a stick
11-02-2009, 23:57
Couldn't figure out how to edit my last post to add the picture, so here is the picture:
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/2/0/1/3/img_2452.jpg
Jayboflavin04
11-03-2009, 11:16
One rule of thumb I have heard bout Dolly Sods.....if the weather is bad in Petersburg.....It is freaking horrible in the Sods. I was in Thomas a few days ago/ Canaan Backcountry. It was impossible to keep my feet dry. I was glad I didnt head up to dolly sods. The mud would have been a nightmare.
Beautiful pic by the way.
Hey, my wife and I were just there a few weeks ago in mid october... When it snowed several inches on Saturday night. Quite the experience, hiking in the snow like that...
The trails were fairly wide, you should be able to use a pair of cross country skis or snowshoes to get around fairly well. There really are not any steep climbs or descents. I would wait until the streams freeze solid so you won't have to worry about falling in...
But I have to say, if you have to ask what kind of equipment you need for winter camping up there, you should not be camping there in the winter. That shows me that you don't have the experience necessary to safely undertake this. Kind of like if you have to ask, you can't afford it.
I estimate up at the top there was 3" to 4" of snow, and there was no snow at all half way up the mountain. It was really brutual up there considering it was mid October. Hiking out temps were in the upper 20's, and a good steady 7+ mph wind, with gusts 10 to 15. If you do go, make sure your vehicle is fully winterized, and keep extra food, warm clothes, shovel, etc in your vehicle, so if you can't get out you can wait it out a few days.
Here's a shot we took on Sunday morning...
I dont have advanced skills, but I would be going with other people that have experience. I just wanted to get some advice on what to bring. Do the snow shoes help you get around faster than on foot?
Hikes with a stick
11-03-2009, 23:05
The snow shoes will help keep you from sinking into the snow, making the going a little easier in deep snow.
You should ask your trip leader questions like these... If they don't give you an answer to your satisfaction, you may want to reconsider going with them. Make sure they are fully aware of your experience level with winter camping, that way they don't make assumptions that get the whole group in trouble.
sbennett
11-04-2009, 00:45
he can probably still get a little advice around here that could help him out...
What kind of gear did you keep?
Certain winter specific things, like snowshoes, can probably be rented, leaving your money for other basic things like the following: a really warm sleeping bag (I don't know what the average low is up there in the winter but that will dictate the kind of bag you need), some sort of insulated jacket, a warm sleeping pad, warm non-cotton clothing, some baselayers that will wick moisture away, a comfortable pack to hold it all, etc.
Let's hear what you have, when in the year you'll be going, and maybe people can help more.
he can probably still get a little advice around here that could help him out...
What kind of gear did you keep?
Certain winter specific things, like snowshoes, can probably be rented, leaving your money for other basic things like the following: a really warm sleeping bag (I don't know what the average low is up there in the winter but that will dictate the kind of bag you need), some sort of insulated jacket, a warm sleeping pad, warm non-cotton clothing, some baselayers that will wick moisture away, a comfortable pack to hold it all, etc.
Let's hear what you have, when in the year you'll be going, and maybe people can help more.
I have some small rope and ultra high powered flashlights. Thats all. I would like to go in the winter. If not there, it will be somewhere else in va/wv.
Gray Blazer
11-04-2009, 11:21
Be prepared for very cold weather, as well as the possibility of a snowstorm making your vehicle immobile while you are camping. I have been outdoors in -18F weather within 15 miles of Dolly Sods (at considerably lower elevation).
So true. I drove down that highway just a little ways one winter and got stuck. If a 4-wheeled truck hadn't happened by I would have been there till spring.
RiverWarriorPJ
11-04-2009, 12:04
snowing there 2 day...
wintercampers
11-04-2009, 12:42
Beep over at Hammock Forums had a great post (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=11694) on gear assessment as he was getting started winter camping. You can read the original post and commentary here (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=11694).
Also check out WinterCampers.com (http://www.WinterCampers.com) and the Princeton Outdoor Action Guide to Winter Camping (http://www.princeton.edu/%7Eoa/winter/wintcamp.shtml).
Beep over at Hammock Forums had a great post (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=11694) on gear assessment as he was getting started winter camping. You can read the original post and commentary here (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=11694).
Also check out WinterCampers.com (http://www.WinterCampers.com) and the Princeton Outdoor Action Guide to Winter Camping (http://www.princeton.edu/%7Eoa/winter/wintcamp.shtml).
Thanks for the help. Those websites are exactly what I needed.
me and some friends are going backpacking in the sods for 3 days march 24-27... I want to know if the roads leading to the top of dolly sods north are open.. the trail head i start at and park at is 522 bear rocks trail or even just to the head of blackbird knob trail 511.. its where redcreek camp grounds are.. i am trying to get there via public road 75.. I was told the roads might be closed but then it is the first week of spring I am sure to run into snow... does anyone know if at least red creek campground is accessible in late march... and what im to look forward to weather wise.... the sooner the help comes the better i have to get a flight ! thanks
Caveman of Ohio
02-25-2011, 15:23
http://www.midatlantichikes.com/wv.htm (http://www.midatlantichikes.com/wv.htm) Here are a few trails that are posted for Dollly Sods.
Cookerhiker
02-25-2011, 15:28
me and some friends are going backpacking in the sods for 3 days march 24-27... I want to know if the roads leading to the top of dolly sods north are open.. the trail head i start at and park at is 522 bear rocks trail or even just to the head of blackbird knob trail 511.. its where redcreek camp grounds are.. i am trying to get there via public road 75.. I was told the roads might be closed but then it is the first week of spring I am sure to run into snow... does anyone know if at least red creek campground is accessible in late march... and what im to look forward to weather wise.... the sooner the help comes the better i have to get a flight ! thanks
If no locals post here, contact the Monongahela National Forest (http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPyhQ oY6BdkOyoCAGixyPg!/?ss=110921&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003828&navid=170120000000000&pnavid=170000000000000&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&ttype=detail&pname=Monongahela National Forest- Offices) for road/snow conditions. I believe Dolly Sods comes under the Cheat-Potomac ranger district.
me and some friends are going backpacking in the sods for 3 days march 24-27... I want to know if the roads leading to the top of dolly sods north are open.. the trail head i start at and park at is 522 bear rocks trail or even just to the head of blackbird knob trail 511.. its where redcreek camp grounds are.. i am trying to get there via public road 75.. I was told the roads might be closed but then it is the first week of spring I am sure to run into snow... does anyone know if at least red creek campground is accessible in late march... and what im to look forward to weather wise.... the sooner the help comes the better i have to get a flight ! thanks
I was in DS North on a snowshoe trip 3 weeks ago. We took the Timberline ski lift up to the plateau to begin our hike and parked cars in their lot (with notification to them that they would be there for 3 days). You can probably call Timberline and/or Whitegrass X-country ski area and/or check their websites for conditions closer to the time of your intended hike a month from now. Even if the roads are open now they could become closed later on. You can camp in the Canaan Valley State Park campground before you leave on your hike if you are looking for a place to camp the night you arrive before hitting the trail.
One of the trailheads that is at lower elevation and may be open even if others are snowed in is the Laneville trailhead. You can access DS North from there if you want by going up the Red Creek trail. Have a good hike.
Kia Kaha
02-26-2011, 19:51
You should call the Forest Service. It is the Cheat-Potomac District. Last year the FS roads did not open until April, you would have to go in the back way (Timberline) Be prepared for bad weather and a lot of snow. There was still quite a bit of snow in April last year as I recall.
thanks for all the responses... so the timberline lift .. . I am trying to get to the camp area along red creek at junction of harmen trail and blackbird knob trail.. how do I get there from the ski lift... here is the map of the hike
http://mrhyker.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/mnf-dsn-bp-w.jpg
basically how do I get to any of the trails on this map via the ski lift and how long would it take to get to any of these trails hiking from ski lift.... also will I need snowshoes.... Thanks
Kia Kaha
02-28-2011, 21:09
You should be coming up what used to be FS Road 80, that old road on the West side of Dolly Sods will turn into Rocky Ridge Trail BB Knob Trail will be on your right if you go too far and hit Harman trail you can hang a right there. You may need snow shoes there is a local weather report, but I can not remember the website. Be ready for crazy weather that time of year. Also, you may want to go with someone familiar with the area if its your first time, Dolly Sods is no joke. I have helped 3-4 lost people or groups in that area, be safe.
thanks for all the responses... so the timberline lift .. . I am trying to get to the camp area along red creek at junction of harmen trail and blackbird knob trail.. how do I get there from the ski lift... here is the map of the hike
http://mrhyker.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/mnf-dsn-bp-w.jpg
basically how do I get to any of the trails on this map via the ski lift and how long would it take to get to any of these trails hiking from ski lift.... also will I need snowshoes.... Thanks
A GPS would help you, but when you get off the top of ski lift at Timberline, you will be not very far west from Rocky Ridge Trail and it's intersection with the Blackbird Knob Trail (about a quarter mile, as I recall). On your map, that intersection is only 1.3 miles from your intended campsite. So go east down hill until you hit a trail running N-S. If you then go north, you will either hit the BB Knob Trail or Harman Trail next. Go east and you'll get to your camp.
Snowshoes? Depends on how much snow there is. Your hike is still a month away. Anything could happen between now and then. Whitegrass website has information on snow depth at 4000 feet - this would be good indicator for you of what to expect. They also rent snowshoes.
Blissful
02-28-2011, 22:26
Also, you may want to go with someone familiar with the area if its your first time, Dolly Sods is no joke. I have helped 3-4 lost people or groups in that area, be safe.
I totally agree. We have gone there in August many times and have seen people ill equipped and near hypothermic when the weather dipped to very cold, even for summer. The conditions there can be very difficult. It's like the great tundra. Weather can change rapidly and it gets monstrous winds. Be prepared with full winter gear and good sleeping bags and to be on your own without help.
I did the north loop in september with my dog and my girlfriend.. we didnt see anyone until the 3 day,,. I lived in eagle county in colorado for about 3 years.. done some fun things similar to the sods.. I am now contemplating http://www.midatlantichikes.com/dst.htm
Do you think you could give me an Idea of the easiest way to access this loop in the winter?
qiwiz just saw your post i have my bearings now if i decide to come from the timberline lift.. does anyone know any good quick fishing spots and what really are the best campsites on this loop.. pref close to water.... the campsite beside BBknob traill and harmen trail is beautiful ... something similar ? http://www.midatlantichikes.com/dst.htm
Kia Kaha
03-01-2011, 00:53
Most would consider "the forks" the best camp spot, or at least one of them, take BB Knob trail to red creek trail and hang a right (if you are coming in from Rocky Ridge Trail) the sites are about a mile down. Plenty of water to fish there too.
Kia Kaha
03-01-2011, 00:57
I did the north loop in september with my dog and my girlfriend.. we didnt see anyone until the 3 day,,. I lived in eagle county in colorado for about 3 years.. done some fun things similar to the sods.. I am now contemplating http://www.midatlantichikes.com/dst.htm
Do you think you could give me an Idea of the easiest way to access this loop in the winter?
Timberline is pretty much how you hike into the Sods in winter. The Forest service closes the roads until about April, for good reason. So just follw the directions already posted and follow the directions from there. Mike has quite a few nice hikes on his site, but there are endless trail opportunities in Dolly Sods and the Roaring Plains area next door. You may also want to look at the North Fork Mountain trail if you like the area, it is a beautiful 24 mile ridgeline end to end hike.
I just called timberline and they said they dont take people up in the winter time... she said shed never heard of that.. this could be a huge issue for my trip.. I already have a flight... can anyone help me out maybe something i missed or a different way to get to the sods.. going the 24- 27 of this month
I contacted whitegrass xc ski place and they said i could park there and hike amile or so uphill and get to big stonecoal trail... does anyone know what part that puts me out to on stone cone trail from this map http://midatlantichikes.com/mnf-dst-w.jpg
im trying to figure what would be the best campsite for the first night pref close to water
all help appreciated greaty
I just called timberline and they said they dont take people up in the winter time... she said shed never heard of that.. this could be a huge issue for my trip.. I already have a flight... can anyone help me out maybe something i missed or a different way to get to the sods.. going the 24- 27 of this month
Ask to talk to her boss. We just did this this winter a few weeks ago. They sell a one-trip lift ticket, I forget what they called it. Cost $7 or $8. We got on the chair lift one at a time with our snowshoes on and our packs or pulks next to us. They even slowed the lift down when we got to the top so each one of us could get off safely.
handlebar
03-11-2011, 23:23
The lift ticket was called a "nordic one-way pass": $7. I was on the same trip with QiWiz.
As to the AT buddy's question about gear. We camped the first night at Canaan Valley State Park CG (fee area) and it was right cold. I wished I'd taken both my thermarest and a closed cell foam pad. As it was, I donned almost all my clothing (wool longjohn top/bottom, wool t shirt, Montbell poly jacket, thick socks and I was barely warm enough in my 0-degree rated down bag. I think it got down below zero, but maybe not. Next day it was sunny and warm and I wound up stripping off my base layers and hiking in only marmot dri-clime windshirt (really a jacket). The secret to winter backpacking is to have lots of layers and keep adjusting them so you aren't sweating. Once things get wet they aren't nearly as good at keeping you warm.
The next night was much warmer and I had boiled water to make hot water bottles which lived in the bottom of my sleeping bag. You can only do this with nalgene bottles (ordinary water/soda bottles can't stand the heat of boiling water.) I jammed them into my boots and put the boots in 2-1/2 gallon ziplocks in the bag. My feet were cramped a bit, but warm and the boots were so warm to put on in the AM. Plus the water was still liquid. Warmed up the next day and then we had rain, freezing rain, thunder snow, and snow and everything froze up hard overnight. Had to chip out the tarp stakes the next morning.
FYI, I checked with the USFS. They said the road to dolly sods wilderness doesn't close until the first week of January. So anybody wanting to hike it before then could technically still drive in if you have the right vehicle.
Can this be moved to the General Section?
Alligator
12-01-2011, 14:26
Can this be moved to the General Section?Moved it to Other Trails.