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Majortrauma
07-07-2015, 08:22
Can anyone with actual experience give a recommendation for hiking Dolly Sods Wilderness or Otter Creek wilderness area 22-27 July? I have at least 3 nights free to do this, I'm experienced with over 500 miles backpacking on AT in Virginia, I'm backpacking with 4 young people 13-17 who also have 50-200 miles under their belt as well and I have 2 other adults. I will have maps. I'm choosing this area because of the wilderness and its so much different than other trails in Va or WVA. Really looking for the wow factor on this hike.
PM me or post a reply here.
Thanks

mak1277
07-07-2015, 08:36
Follow the link below for a great Dolly Sods option. Although if you have 4 days of hiking it may not be enough distance (~25 mi.). You can always add loops within the hike below. It's definitely worth a trip up there.

http://www.midatlantichikes.com/dst.htm

Majortrauma
07-07-2015, 08:38
Thanks. I did look at that link a few weeks ago. You caught the other point I forgot to add. We want to do 30+ miles an we could add some loops so we'll see.

Ktaadn
07-07-2015, 08:44
Here is the itinerary that I used a couple years ago using this map.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5152038.pdf




Day
Trail
Distance
Total
Start
End
Notes


Friday
TR 508
2.00
2.00
Rohrbaugh TH
Random Campsite





















Saturday
TR 508
1.60
1.60
Random Campsite
TR 510
Turn left (west) onto TR 510


Saturday
TR 510
1.20
2.80
TR 510
TR 514
Turn right (north) onto TR 514


Saturday
TR 514
3.40
6.20
TR 514
TR 511
Turn right (east) onto TR 511


Saturday
TR 511
0.50
6.70
TR 511
TR 509
Turn left (north) onto TR 509


Saturday
TR 509
1.30
8.00
TR 509
TR 526
Turn right (east) onto TR 526


Saturday
TR 526
2.00
10.00
TR 526
TR 522
Turn left (west) onto TR 522


Saturday
TR 522
1.20
11.20
TR 522
TR 521
Turn right (west) onto TR 521




















Sunday
TR 521
1.40
1.40
TR 521
TR 524
Turn left (south) onto TR 524


Sunday
TR 524
3.00
4.40
TR 524
TR 511
Turn right (south) onto TR 511


Sunday
TR 511
0.25
4.65
TR 511
TR 513
Take TR 513 @ Breathed Mtn TH


Sunday
TR513
3.00
7.65
TR 513
TR 558
Turn right (west) onto TR 558


Sunday
TR 558
1.70
9.35
TR 558
TR 552
Turn left (south) onto TR 552


Sunday
TR 552
1.40
10.75
TR 552
TR 514
Turn left (east) onto TR 514


Sunday
TR 514
1.25
12.00
TR 514
Campsite





















Monday
TR 514
1.25
1.25
Campsite
TR 510
Turn right (east) onto TR 510


Monday
TR 510
1.20
2.45
TR 510
TR 508
Turn right (south) onto TR 508


Monday
TR 508
3.60
6.05
TR 508
Rohrbaugh TH

Ktaadn
07-07-2015, 08:47
I have been to the Sods twice and really love it there. Certainly one of my most favorite places on the east coast. The cliffs are really cool. Red Creek and the trees are really pretty. Didn't see any bears or unexploded ordinance though.

Majortrauma
07-07-2015, 08:49
Nice Ktaadn. Extremely helpful. Thanks. for the help. So far no recommendations to hike Otter Creek. I was interested in OC for waterfalls and the water features. Also seems to be more secluded.

Namtrag
07-07-2015, 11:19
It's extremely muddy there right now, even more so than normal!