Channel: sintax77

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Tags: campinglions headbear rocksbackpacking tripcamping in the rainhammock campingdolly sodsdolly sods backpacking loopmonongahela national forestwest virginiaamok draumr xl hammockdolly sods hiking loopsdolly sods backpackingsintax77amok draumrhikinghikehammock camping in the raincampbackpacking in the raindolly sods wildernessoutdoorslion's headbackpackingwildernesssolo backpackingbackpacking dolly sods

Description: 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: 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. bit.ly/2Nvy3lB Be a part of the Cheeseburger Time tradition: teespring.com/stores/sintax77-official-merch-store 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 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) amokequipment.com/collections/draumr-xl-introduction Amok Fjol XL Sleeping Pad amokequipment.com/products/fjol-xl-pad Amok Borg Tarp amokequipment.com/products/borg-multitarp ULA Ohm 2.0 Backpack ula-equipment.com/product/ohm-2-0 Hammock Gear Burrow 40 Top Quilt hammockgear.com/premium-burrow DIY Fancy Feast Alcohol Stove Toaks 750ml Titanium Pot amzn.to/2GR7AJX Sea to Summit Long Handled Spork amzn.to/2uyl5GJ Katadyn BeFree Water Filter amzn.to/2WcjfYZ Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite Rain Suit amzn.to/2XVxnX7 Outdoor Vitals Adventure Jacket, Loftek version bit.ly/2WHh940 Adidas Terrex Swift R GTX trail runners amzn.to/2J9qmgY Wright Socks Cool Mesh II (I love these for blister prevention, particularly in wet conditions). amzn.to/2XqbOSP Olight Wave LED Headlamp amzn.to/2D443Vq Garmin Oregon 650 GPS unit amzn.to/2WFzsps Casio ProTrek PRW-2500 amzn.to/2FPpAmd Mountain House Backpacking Meals amzn.to/2J9C3nK Jiva instant coffee amzn.to/2XMQfLx Ribz Front Pack ribzwear.com/product/black-front-pack Disclosure: A commission may be earned on some of the links on this post. Want to help support the channel? Shop through sintax77.com/Amazon (or bookmark it) & a portion of your session will help support the next trip.