Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, Elkins: Address, Phone Number, Dolly Sods Wilderness Area Reviews: 4.5/5
Dolly Sods Wilderness Area
Dolly Sods Wilderness Area
4.5
About
Located in the Monongahela National Forest, this 10,215-acre area is one of the few wilderness areas on the East Coast.
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Restaurants
42 within 5 kms
El Herradura
32
1.1 km$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Vegetarian Friendly
Don Patron Mexican Grill
10
1.1 kmMexican
Dairy Queen
13
1.1 km$ • Dessert • Fast food
Super Buffet
11
1.1 km$ • Chinese • Asian
Steer Steakhouse
85
1.3 km$$ - $$$ • American • Steakhouse
Domino's Pizza
2
1.3 kmPizza
Bob Evans
68
1.5 km$$ - $$$ • American
McDonald's
16
1.6 km$ • Fast food
Sakura Japanese Steak House
21
1.6 km$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Sushi • Asian
KFC
6
1.7 kmAmerican
Attractions
28 within 5 kms
Bickel Knob Observation Tower
28
86 mMountains • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Gandy Dancer Theatre and Conference Center
842
1.3 kmTheatres
Fox Forest Wildlife Management Area
3
0.6 kmNature & Wildlife Areas
Elkins Depot Welcome Center CVB, Inc.
142
2.1 kmVisitor Centres • Historic Sites
Statue of Minnehaha
8
1.7 kmHistoric Sites • Monuments & Statues
The Stirrup Gallery of Davis & Elkins College
30
3.2 kmHistory Museums
West Virginia Railroad Museum
6
1.9 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Allegheny Highlands Trail
24
2.3 kmHiking Trails
Appalachian Forest Discovery Center
4
1.9 kmVisitor Centres • Natural History Museums
Monongahela National Forest
32
2.7 kmNational Parks • Forests
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Popular mentions
4.5
270 reviews
Excellent
195
Very good
51
Average
15
Poor
4
Terrible
5
cherrydoll
Scranton, PA37 contributions
Nice place to camp
Mar. 2021 • Couples
So I've been here as a child camping with my mom and dad. It's probably a good place for hiking or fishing. I remember that it's at a pretty high elevation and there are a lot of trees that are slightly lopsided due to the wind up there. It causes the branches to all lean slightly towards one side.
Written March 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Diane B
North Canton, OH1,927 contributions
Stunning view in autumn from Bear Rocks overlook
Oct. 2020
This is called a wilderness area for a reason: wild, undeveloped, unpaved road, little to no restroom facilities, etc.
There are many hiking trails and areas to for back-packing. There is one rustic campground. Views from on top are stunning, especially in autumn and especially from the Bear Rocks overlook where the Allegheny Front marks the Eastern Continental Divide.
Written October 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kalmansor
Hedgesville, WV7 contributions
You forget you're in West Virginia - beware of mud
Oct. 2020
My family drove through Dolly Sods once a handful of years ago, and I had always wanted to go back to actually get out of the car and go hiking. I planned to go when the leaves turned, and I decided to go yesterday. I live 2.5 hours away, so this trip took up a whole day for me. I went alone and took a photo of the hiking map (it is helpfully posted at each trailhead) to use as a guide.
I will say, as someone who is directionally challenged, I did have a couple moments of mild panic thinking I had gone too far or missed a turnoff. I started at Bear Rocks, then connected Raven Ridge, Dobbin Grade, Beaver Dam (I meant to get off here and walk back to my car, but got turned around somehow...), back onto Dobbin Grade and connected back to Bear Rocks. I was out there for about 4 hours, with several stops along the way. I'd love to go back, maybe in the spring, and hike along the lower half of the trails.
WARNING: Even though it had been a week or so since it rained, there were areas of thick, sinking mud. Luckily I had waterproof hiking boots on, or I would have been in a serious mess. I would also appreciate if there were more trail blazes or something, instead of just signs where the trails connected.
Wear appropriate gear, check the weather, have a screenshot or printout of the trail map, plenty of water and some snacks, and you should be golden. Oh, and an all-wheel or 4-wheel drive vehicle. The road in and out is bump and windy, so go slow and if you have motion sickness, where the wristbands or something.
Written October 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
frogsun47
Huntsville, AL259 contributions
We did not see the appeal of this place.
Oct. 2020 • Couples
We have enjoyed every aspect of West Virginia in it's fall glory. But Dolly Sods in our opinion was horrible. The drive up was dangerous and difficult and the scenery at the top was uninspiring to us at best. We will never do that again!
Written October 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Timothy D
Huntington9 contributions
One of WV 's most beautiful locations
Sep. 2020
The long drive up the forest roads is well worth it when arriving at Bear Rocks. Excellent hiking in an unspoiled location.
Written October 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gene R J
Silver Spring, MD4,365 contributions
Winding roads to an accessible part of Monongahela National Forest.
Sep. 2020
We drove 30 miles through and beside this upland plateau called DSW, impressed with the long wooded vistas and limestone outcrops. This was my focus having climbed Seneca Rocks to its now fallen "Gunsight" with my brother in 1982. Much of the road signage was tailored to hunter access as the season is from September to March, so no trails for us.
The scenery was excellent with sunny weather and the leaves just hinting "Fall"
Written September 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MCB
2 contributions
We love Dolly Sods!
Aug. 2020
What a fantastic day we had with our two teens! Great overlook spots. We had a really fantastic hike along Red Creek Trail after a heavy rain the night before, and we all had fun splashing along the really wet path, crossing creeks and taking in the shady, beautiful views. Highly recommend!
Written August 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
danny L
Pittsburgh, PA3 contributions
worth the trip
Jun. 2020
Absolutely stunning. Even my forever underwhelmed teenagers were impressed. The drive is probably not for the faint of heart and 4 wheel drive would be helpful, but it is well worth the trip.
Written June 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beverly M
Morgantown, WV52 contributions
Sunrise at bear rocks
Sep. 2019 • Couples
Stayed all night at bear rocks to catch a great sunrise! Great place to hike too. Different terrain than anywhere else in West Virginia.
Written May 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fly B
4 contributions
Dolly Sods Hiking
Oct. 2019 • Friends
Gear place to hike or ride horse back atop the continental divide. Unique typography to explore and experience.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GenacGenac
Toledo District, Belize48 contributions
So I rented a Jaguar XF sedan to drive to WV for my hunny's birthday. I suppose I better return it and take the Tahoe if we wanna do DS loop. Looks like I'd rip the front bumper off that Jag. Kindly konfirm. Thanks!
Gene R J
Silver Spring, MD4,365 contributions
Hello,
You can drive through Dolly Sods and on to Hopeville>Seneca Rocks>Harman>Dry Fork to complete a loop on nice paved roads with any car you want. Trees, mountains and several naked rock outcrops for your view. Gene
Matthew L
Kingsland, GA127 contributions
Is poison ivy or poison oak a concern in the Dolly Sods wilderness? Or any other allergenic plants? High pollen count?
MetSpring
Peters Township, PA4 contributions
No poison ivy at this altitude in the MNF. No poison oak in this region. If you go in late spring, summer or fall there will be some rare wildflowers. Many are edible. Others are poisonous to people and pets. Since you are away from the suburbs and the flowering trees and shrubs, the pollen count is low. I always breathe better high in the mountains of the MNF.
BocaJo
Boca Raton, FL71 contributions
I'll be traveling with some older folks and I'm not familiar with the area. Where can I drive to see the view without hiking?
MetSpring
Peters Township, PA4 contributions
The drive along the road has many spots with short walks to overlooks. It is a slow, bumpy road. There are potholes and gravel. The road is long. Bear Rocks is particularly beautiful and most easily accessed by taking the forest road off Jordan Run Rd.
Adventurer507136
0 contributions
Hello! A friend and I are headed to Dolly Sods and don't think we will be there early enough on Friday to get a site at the campground. We are worried about finding another easy spot along the road. Could you tell me where you found easy camping along the access road? Any help would be great!
Kim D
Frederick, MD113 contributions
Blackwater Falls State Park is only a half hour away from the dolly sods and have camping sites as well as cabin sites and Lodge. Another state park is also very near with a large and I think they may have campsites to. I can't remember the name of the state park but it begins with a C and it's popular Ski Resort for the area
karissa822j
Pittsburgh, PA17 contributions
Bear Rocks with Kids
We will be traveling from Pittsburgh and we are staying in Davis WV. We have 2 days for hiking an exploring with our almost 4 year old, and 7 year old. I really wanted to take them to the Bear Rocks preserve based off of photos I have seen. They will love the boulders and I'm trying to get them to the rocky scenic areas but as I read on I'm wondering if it's too ambitious. Is there an age appropriate hike right to the rocky areas? We will take our time with lots of breaks. Thanks!
marciad2017911
Pittsburgh, PA26 contributions
You can drive to parking lot right next to Bear Rocks. Walk perhaps 100 yards will put you on Rocks with great views!! There are several bushes/plants so maybe wear lightweight pants to protect legs. Also, no guard rails on top of boulders so easy to fall if not careful. Have a great time!!
Lori H
0 contributions
We are going to Tennessee from PA and would love to stop and see the Dolly Sod. I was looking at North Fork Mountain Inn in Cabins, WV or Canaan Valley Resort in Davis, WV - are either of these close to the Dolly Sods and if so, which is the closer one? Thank you. Also, any info on the Smokehouse Cavern Resort as well is appreciated.
David K
Ranson, WV33 contributions
I'd take Canaan Valley, probably because I'm familiar with it. Davis and Thomas are two interesting small town in their on right, Dolly Sods is fantastic but the roads are fire roads. It can be slow going but well worth the trip. We had heavy rains this spring in the Eastern Panhandle near the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers so you should probably get some local knowledge about the roads before you head out.
jack gaddess
0 contributions
Hello people! I'm heading down to the Sods (1st time) with my family.....what is a recommended camping area that would be closer to Bear Rocks, for example. I always prefer to get some insider knowledge instead of banking on maps and reviews. Any advice on where to stay and also where to access more info. on hiking trails, etc. would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance and Happy Spring!
Jack Gaddess- Aspinwall PA
BuckBTraveler
Dublin, OH4 contributions
Anyone been here in the Spring of 2019 (April)? Since the roads are fire roads, I assume they are all unpaved. I was worried some of the roads might not be passable (flooded) or otherwise impassable. Are the roads okay?
MetSpring
Peters Township, PA4 contributions
Sometimes the gates to the long stretch of road at Dolly Sods are still closed in early spring. It has happened to me. So that means you cannot drive through and will need to park and hike in. You should probably check with the Monongahela National Forest office in Elkins about any road concerns you have.