Red Creek headwaters and surrounding bog
atop the plateau, as seen from camp.
Machette in the distance. We took a break to
boulder a bit.
The Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Allegheny Plateau of West Virginia is said to be the highest of its type-on the east coast (Ave. 4000 ft). I visited the trail system atop the plateau in mid June. Almost nobody else to be seen or heard on top, although we did hear the sounds of a female at the height of climax in the near distance.
Great weekend destination, interesting ecology, stream channels, and bogs. The sods receive up to 100 inches of precip, mostly in the form of snowy winters.
The map, below, identifies the circumnavigation of the sods (provided by midatlantichikes.com). I would recommend the circumnavigation. The trail notes were incredibly detailed, allowing for a fairly easy navigation through interconnecting trails.
Aside from hiking, swimming and bouldering opportunities can be found along the trails. Plus blueberries are everywhere. Although a little early in the season, we found a few sweet berries.
I hear the government tested bombs on the plateau at one point, leaving future hikers in pieces... Stick to the trails.
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