I am talking the wife to Canaan from Sat to Monday. I want to make an easy walk/hike (under 5 miles) that is relatively easy yet provides a good flavor of the area, Any suggestions?
Dolly Sods advice
- Thread starter Original Mountaineer1
- Start date
There aren't too many "easy" trails in Dolly Sods. Try the Breathed Mountain (easier), Big Stonecoal (the first mile or two is pretty easy) or Blackbird Knob trails I've linked to and go as far as you can/want. Dress for all 4 seasons on the hike.
Where are you staying?
http://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7005121/breathed-mountain-trail
I'd also recommend shoes with good ankle support. Most of the trails are rocky, and those are notorious for turning ankles. It's been a while since I've been to Dolly Sods, whatever year CU came to Morgantown for the return game in that series. It is a wilderness area though, and those folks take that designation seriously. The trails aren't always as well groomed and obviously marked as in other places.
Be sure to not take a map and to go off the well-marked trails, it's the only way for a memorable adventure.
Memorable adventure for the search and rescue teams that come to try and find you I mean.
Memorable adventure for the search and rescue teams that come to try and find you I mean.
Canaan Valley State Park has many trails. The Bald Knob trail will get you some elevation.
http://canaanresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/TrailMapProofV5lowres.pdf
http://canaanresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/TrailMapProofV5lowres.pdf
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Place is really nice since it was re-modeled.
As a PS on Dolly Sods: Don't play with live bombs.
Yeah, but Dolly Sods is a must see. Even if you just try to picnic in the hurricane force winds.
It might be. 1/2 mile and 1/2 hour later it may be 45. It won't be real bad in August, but the temps will fluctuate and broads are ALWAYS cold there.
I wonder if the Mennonites will be out in full force? May also be a few bear around.
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I've seen the Mennonites in full force and also a bus load of Vietnamese pickers from DC. In my opinion now and the fall are the best times for the Sods, springtime is wet wet wet!
Indeed there is nothing tastier IMO than wild blues....have always wanted to visit Dolly Sods, have a great time but do keep an eye trained for those bears. I was picking up here while hiking, wandered around the corner and there was Baloo chowing down. Thank goodness I didn't have the dog with me or things might have gotten real hairy! ...needless to say I got a brief glance and back to the berries lol...give us a review of the area when you get back OM1...