Dolly Sods Backpacking... NOT for the Weak!

[@KuntryRD]

I have backpacked up there for over 30 years. The trip that I remember the most was the last night of a trip, camped on Raven Ridge. I weathered one of the most spectacular and frightening thunderstorms in my life. It was also one of the most beautiful experiences of nature. I have always prepared for freezing temps, even in Summer. I have woke up to frost in mid-August a few times. I have experienced temps in upper 80's this year. I love that place!

[@AJKPenguin]

The map animations are stellar! Thank you Bryce. Hope you and yours are well. PS: we'll camp at the site together.

[@BryceNewbold]

thank you!

[@AJKPenguin]

You're welcome.

[@M_Bamboozled]

Unpredictable weather, rain, mud, stained water, wind, heat then sudden cold. Sounds like a 'UK hiking experience' theme park in the USA.

[@BryceNewbold]

pretty much!

[@Yugiohmaxxcc]

Dolly sods sounds very UK

[@MG-ze3lf]

Nah. Not really. It's Dolly Sods. It's it's own beast of Mt Everest weather patterns

[@seann8275]

WV native and Dolly Sods regular here. Nice video. West Virginia had a severe, once in a lifetime drought all of last summer, the worst in decades. It’s not usually that dry up there in July.

[@456sallyjb]

I really like the map in this video!! I have never been to Dolly Sods- I need to put it on the list!

[@jacobpoucher]

There are enought people there already.

[@BryceNewbold]

thanks! yes its a must see

[@BryceNewbold]

sharing is caring poucher

[@notquiteultralight1701]

@@BryceNewbold😂. If you don’t want to see people… do what I do which is hammock camping. You can camp on a slope where no one else goes.👍🏼

[@Bacon_N_Backpacking]

Great video, really liked the trail overlay. Appreciate the shoutout!

[@BryceNewbold]

thanks! anytime!

[@ervinslens]

Brilliant editing man, this looks and feels so adventurous! Music fits masterfully, epic content!

[@TumbleweedTammy]

Dolly Sods is amazing. I miss living near it. I remember reading (45 years ago...lol) that Dolly Sods is the only place in the USA that has many of the plants found on the Alaska Tundra. I always get excited when I find hiking video's about Dolly Sods. So many don't know about the amazing trails in WV. Thanks for this great video!

[@BenMcmillen]

Heading out there this weekend!

[@BryceNewbold]

if i wasnt busy maybe i'd crash! im ready to go back already.

[@timlois]

I'm from Pittsburgh. I've been to Dolly multiple times. I've traveled to Erie on fishing trips multiple times in the fall and spring for steelhead fishing. One thing they have in common is the crazy unpredictable weather. You ALWAYS need to plan for extremes. Such a great place though. Getting crowded, but it's understandable why.

[@BryceNewbold]

not enough places like these around ya know. wish there were more!

[@nehiker1973]

I was there two weeks ago and the trails were surprisingly dry, even Dobbin Grade. Same last June. A couple of years ago when I went the Upper Red Creek trail was literally a marsh. If you're lucky enough to go during a drought you can keep your feet dry.

[@mattkreitzer5622]

I did almost the exact same trails that you did back in early July. It was my first time doing Dolly Sods. I was surprised as well by how dry it was. I watched a lot of videos, including Bacon and Backpacking before heading out. It took me 5 hrs of driving from where I live in Ohio but it was worth the drive. I wore the Xero sandals during Dobbins Grade incase it got too wet. One thing that threw me about Dolly Sods is how poorly the trails are marked (or not marked). I am used to trails in Ohio and Pennsylvania where you have regular blazes to follow. Having said that, I will go back sometime.

[@ItsAStephanieB]

Thank you, I come back for the sense of humor and you never disappoint!. 😅😂 Have a great weekend, I'll be back for the next one. I'm heading over to the Aeropress dudes now. Take care.

[@BryceNewbold]

Thank you! Next one shouldnt be so long of a wait like this was. i think i went almost 2 months with no posting!

[@AkinaLOL]

I really like the map updates, usually I open up a trail app and try to follow along when I watch hiking videos. It's of course a fun challenge but I do appreciate the help! 👍😄

[@Elloy90]

Happy to see you back at! Did my first solo trip to Dolly sods back in May, Thanks too your videos

[@BryceNewbold]

oh cool! thanks for watching!

[@ChrisCollins001]

Looks like a beautiful place! My last backpacking trip was nothing but sweat and rain, I ended up hiking out in my sandals (Tevas) and I had zero issues. They were so much better than my soaked shoes.

[@BryceNewbold]

tevas sounds nicer than what i used. even though i wear barefoot sandals alot, and run all the time, my calves were destroyed from this for 2 days after. felt like i ran a 100 miler

[@kennethclapp9713]

Don’t forget to try North Fork Mountain trail across the valley from Dolly Sods, has tremendous views of Seneca Rocks, and the valley

[@McBlamin]

Really enjoyed - planning on doing a 3 or 4 nighter there in a week or so. Trying to escape the heat in S.C. Man, you hiking in sandals is impressive. I could never do that, would be getting pebbles, stickers, stinging insects, etc. all up in between my toes. I appreciate the time you put into this vid, especially the detail mapping. Looking forward to working through your library!

[@WoodAllTrails]

Great video Bryce!!! I hiked dolly back in March and we started at the top. Our last part of the trip was dobbin and it was not terrible but we ended up following a game trail just above the trail once we started sinking on the trail. First night we camped up the plains. My buddy and I both hammock camp so that 1st stop you stopped at in the woods is the exact spot we stayed at. Next night was red creek and boy was it busy. I do believe ever spot was just about taken up. I love Dolly and until recently it was my hardest hike but I just recently done a Big South Fork trip that made Dolly look like a cakewalk.

[@BryceNewbold]

yea dolly seems easy on a map but just has alot of rocks. always gotta watch your footing. other trails that have rocks AND elevation are a new animal. haha. thanks!

[@WoodAllTrails]

@BryceNewbold 💯.... I still remember stonecoal coming off lion's head and all of the rocks. Probably one of the more technical hikes I've done. So, Ohio, you ever make it down to KY either the Red River Gorge or Big South Fork hit me up... I'd love to backpack with you.

[@notquiteultralight1701]

This was really cool Bryce! Love the coffee brewer! I’m a coffee nut too! Take care man! NQU

[@douglasfoster8084]

I'm from West Virginia. I live 30 minutes from Dolly Sods. I backpack Dolly Sods alot. And I still get turned around some how lol.

[@LostAgainwithJim]

A late evening coffee is always a treat. Doesn't keep me up either.

[@ryanfhobson1]

Heading there in a couple days!! I love that place so much.

[@neilquinn]

Love the Sods - have been there maybe 4-5 times but definitely the nicest in the fall with all the colors.

[@BryceNewbold]

never been there in the fall. im sure its great

[@neilquinn]

@@BryceNewbold Oh man you have to go in October. The blueberry bushes are all bright red and it's gorgeous

[@HikingwithGus]

Looks like an awesome trip. Love the sandals idea, I am pretty sure I would hit every rock with my big toes...

[@BryceNewbold]

my calves hated me the next day. and i actually didnt stub any toes!.. it was fun in the moment

[@cgriggsiv]

Nice to see you back out on the trail Looks like everything went off without a hitch at least for us Take care I might see you back on the trail one day

[@BryceNewbold]

yes it was a good one! take care cg!

[@GIRLplusDOGAdventures]

Aeropress coffee, hiking sandals, should’ve titled this video, Bryce Gone Wild! Glad you didn’t have to bail this time!

[@hikewithmike4673]

that place is definitely on my bucket list!

[@EtienneOutdoors]

Quick kind of tip. If you save those pucks of coffee. let them dry, use them at camp and let them burn, mosquitoes don’t like it

[@robertuffman3041]

i'm from Grafton WV so i have driven through the SOds many times. but had no idea till last year that there were hiking trails. lol i live in Lexington KY now. sulfur water. lol

[@SinchuwusOutside]

Thanks for sharing Bryce! I haven't been to Dolly Sods yet, but need to get there. I like your perspective and route this time. I'll have to weigh it out with the other routes. Take care. -dave

[@BryceNewbold]

yes its worth the drive! i think about 4.5 hours for me

[@BucolicAholic]

My wife and I on our fourth trip ever challenged ourselves with the Dolly full loop. Clogged our Sawyer in that God awful beaverdam section (why I'll never use a squeeze style again) and got lost on several occasions despite it being such a populated trail. You come to these forest sections with no clearly defined path. We ended up bush whacking out to the forest road right after that campsite you found. So aggravating..I wanna go back to see where I made the error.

[@BryceNewbold]

Yes so easy to head down the wrong trails there. For such an established area it's crazy how hard it is without GPS. That seems like a really long Bushwack you did! Going off trail at the sods is crazy hard. Been there done that.

[@Steakslim]

When you are traveling Dobbin Grade heading east, when you cross the creek at the south eastern end before it turns to head north, there are some good campsites with some nice views up on the hill, at least 2. You can see the unmarked trail system leading up to them.

[@BryceNewbold]

that might have been where i was. the way you describe it is pretty much the same area

[@Steakslim]

@@BryceNewbold nah this one you keep walking east instead of going up raven ridge, here's the gps, you can actually see it from the google satelite images 39°02'45.2"N 79°19'54.8"W

[@drews2542]

Get yourself a pair of Luna Sandals. Very minimalist and made in Seattle!

[@Ruckanonymous]

Love the Dolly Sods. But no matter how much you spin it, Dobbins Grade sucks. Especially considering how great so many of the other trails are out there. Thanks for bringing us along on another great trip video. Glad you didn't get lost this time!

[@BryceNewbold]

haha thanks man

[@Inspector007]

Great seeing you back out on the trail. Map with animation was nice touch. Any clue as to where the Schill Brothers have gone?

[@BryceNewbold]

thank ya! they are just taking a break from what i gather. they have little kids now and are probably pretty busy with that. I'm sure they will be back.

[@Daffob1nt]

Where you pitched your tent, it looks just like the landscape where I live! :) I live in the Swedish countryside, north of the capital Stockholm. I've lived there for over 30 years and despite the fact that about 10 dogs live along our little gravel road, I've never met another person walking their dog when I walk in the woods and the fields with my dog. But there are lots of wild animals, such as moose, snakes, birds, lynx, roe deer, red deer, wild boars and an occasional bear and wolf. Which kind of bear do you have in the Sods? And are there pumas and wolves, too?

[@zulemadewitz829]

OMG Granny would be flipping out if she heard you didn't have food and that you ran out of as she puts it good clean water. Lol

[@uptrail7169]

We still haven't made it to the Dolly Sods. I also don't think you made it up to my area yet either. Before I saw this video I was thinking about how long ago we were at the Ohio meetup. That was fun!

[@brycewalburn3926]

Quick question: From what I can see, your map animation at 4:23 doesn't go to the point where Lion's Head is shown on Google Maps. You appeared to be Northeast of Lion's Head on a trail that's not displayed on AllTrails. Is the animation incorrect, did you go to another overlook, or am I just confused?

[@BryceNewbold]

You are correct. The animation is incorrect. I drew it and edited it based on what it "felt like" and by the time I realized it was way off, it would have taken me hours to fix so i just left it. All trails is correct

[@brycewalburn3926]

@@BryceNewbold Thanks. I'm headed out there in a few weeks, so I wanted to be sure. Awesome video and such a cool place!

[@fernwogteveril6935]

IMO if you're arriving from the west you might as well park at Red Creek or that crossroads (Blackbird Knob/Stonecoal/Breathed Mtn) trailhead. You save ~30 mins each way cutting out that drive from Red Creek to Bear Rocks. It is a fun forest road cruise though if you have the time.

[@BryceNewbold]

that is true. long drive but it is a nice scenic (bumpy) road

[@davidcooper8390]

Bryce I love your trail commentaries. I'll bet you are a hoot to be on trail with. How was the chicken fajita bowl Mountain House meal?

[@BryceNewbold]

thanks! i really liked the fajita bowl. next time i get that im going to bring fritos to put in it. that would have been great

[@arcana1973]

When you hitting up the ADK high peaks?

[@douglasfoster8084]

Bryce I'm going to use your campsite this weekend lol.

[@campingvibesadventure]

Its amazing video camp. Support from Indonesia🇲🇨😊

[@chaney8479]

Hey Bryce, Glad your back and I enjoyed watching your videos again. Whatever happened to the camper project?

[@BryceNewbold]

thanks! its on the back burner. still have it but in storage because im between houses. basically im renting an apartment now, looking for property. and cant take up my garage i rent with a restoration project like that because i do all the mechanic work for several people and need to keep it as useable shop. ill update in the future when i start/finish it but wont be making videos on it. i think i decided that anything non-backpacking related needs a different channel. so we will see.

[@chaney8479]

Good luck finding your next place. I totally understand you wanting to keep your backpacking channel strictly backpacking related. I enjoy a full spectrum of camping from backpacking, truck camp, and “glamping” at our camping property. I really hope to get a chance to go backpacking to Dolly Sods one day.

[@jacobpoucher]

@@BryceNewbold wooahh newbold you do "mechanic work"?

[@Stone-Wolf-Outdoors]

well done Bryce

[@BryceNewbold]

thanks!

[@JarradShaw]

This is amazing!!!❤

[@BryceNewbold]

thanks for watching!

[@KrizAkoni]

Love the sods and the map animation is cool. I think I need a chair next time I come here…

[@BryceNewbold]

absolutely! you dont have one yet?!

[@KrizAkoni]

@@BryceNewbold I am chairless - I do have a tiny hammock chair though… 🤣

[@trailheadjunkie]

I love my Aeropress. Ive tried alot of coffee makers this is the best tasting

[@BryceNewbold]

for sure. next im gonna try extra bean and longer brew time... mayb it gets better. haha

[@brianadventures9622]

It's Bryce! Back in Dolly Sods! What year is it? Nice trip!

[@BryceNewbold]

haha thanks man

[@yurijanssen2148]

Hi Bryce, just curious whats the weight on that Aeropress coffee maker? i''ve been doing pour over for a long time (and find it as enjoyable as i can get it outdoors) but sometimes it doesnt hit the mark. Big plus is my setup is so light with it its hard to beat haha. If the Aeropress is light i might consider it :) Love the video!

[@BryceNewbold]

i was curious too so i just weighed it. 19.2 oz with everything that it comes with. but if you only take minimum, which is the 2 plastic tubes and the filter cap. its 8.1 oz . not terrible. i will probably bring just that on some future trips. its worth it.

[@yurijanssen2148]

@@BryceNewbold wow thats not bad at all! My current setup weighs around 4.5 oz (if i converted correctly) but its just a Soto Helix filter holder and my cup, the stove and pot to boil water in i carry anyways :) I've checked but the Plus version doesn't seem to be for sale in Europe or the Netherlands yet, however there is the Aeropress go (little bit older model i guess) that seems much like the plus in many ways and is also geared towards coffee making on the go. Ill very likely check it out haha. I'll take the little extra weight for quality coffee any day. Thanks for the info! have a good weekend :)

[@dudewelder1756]

the 514 is the best.

[@terryhikes]

which Xero sandals are those? your affiliate link doesn't work :)

[@AndersRamm]

Intro music, from tomb raider 2??🤔

[@kgwash]

Aeropress is the GOAT. Still waiting on ultralight titanium one. Hint Hint.

[@elizabethingram9784]

nice to see you boujee Bryce

[@GoneFeralWithSquidly]

Really enjoyed this. Dolly Sods is on my wish list. 🦑

[@BryceNewbold]

you haven't done it yet?! its worth at LEAST an 8 hour drive. lol

[@GoneFeralWithSquidly]

@@BryceNewbold is it 8 hours from your home? 😂🤣

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

Bryce, comment Beaver dams and the trail could use a trim. Haha I busted out laughing 🤣 then wife said what’s so funny. hmmmm nothing Lol and I just watched Deadpool 3 so the language dialogue is “well you know” haha

[@BryceNewbold]

lol.. i totally get it

[@fernwogteveril6935]

There's a lot of good stuff in WV

[@BryceNewbold]

i need to explore more of it but cant stop myself from just going here everytime. haha

[@SmokeyT63]

No more stinky beaver water 😂 that's always a good thing

[@BryceNewbold]

always! the water was not flowing much at all since it was so low. heavily compromised taste. lol

[@Immortal-_-0n]

Y not vacuum pump on your water filter like coffee. Or just use your coffee pump for water filter all in 1

[@ALadyNamedKatiee]

Here from instagram! Loving the channel! ❤️

[@freeheel748]

The nucleus yo !!?

[@BryceNewbold]

Right!

[@eeyore1197]

Wild, wonderful West Virginia... emphasis on the 'wild'.

[@BryceNewbold]

haha . yes

[@BackcountryExposure]

Bryce, when can we hike together again?

[@BryceNewbold]

Dude I think about that from time to time. We will one of these days

[@ryanolson6408]

Babe wake up, Bryce Newbold just posted, type shit

[@BryceNewbold]

lol. favorite comment

[@taterhater7419]

at least for people who don't have a map or gps.

[@jacobpoucher]

Redemption newbold !

[@BryceNewbold]

yea boii

[@natehoover5266]

Folgers makes coffee in tea bags. But I like that. Also, I don't understand how all the KZbinrs only have these 20 lb packs yet have all the camera gear and stuff and I have a lot of the same gear and no camera stuff but never 20 lbs or under. I must be doing something wrong.

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

Nah your good,, Creators are discounted 30% ..

[@slylyunleashed8419]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@yorkiemeetsworld2224]

Welcome to the #notacult.

[@bryonjanas9008]

I think you did it right going on Thursday! I have had to hike in those sandals before, wore them on the drive to the trail and forgot to grab my shoes, lol. Worked out ok! AeroPress is the best way to make coffee, I haven't brought backpacking yet though! Great video, love the Sods! Nice shout out to my buddy @Bacon_N_Backpacking

[@BryceNewbold]

i've always feared forgetting my shoes. haha.. also good to have an camp shoe that doubles as an emergency hiker. thanks!

[@TMNT3388]

What happened to your boys the Schill Bros??????????/

[@BryceNewbold]

Can't take the heat

[@Conraildan]

You ever rolled an ankle hiking in sandals 👡?

[@mobius9818]

Love the maps! My dude! Where is the fuh-reakin' CNOC? You're working too hard.

[@BryceNewbold]

dude I'm never buying one just in spite of getting this comment on every video. haha!!! thanks man

[@mobius9818]

@@BryceNewbold Come over to the Dark Side....

[@tommybewick]

I've only been there once but Dolly Sods is awesome! So I got to ask because I know you're friends with them. What happened to The Schill brothers and why aren't they on KZbin anymore? I've put comments on their channel and I put comments on their Instagram asking where they were. Andy used to answer Instagram but I haven't gotten an answer from anyone. Otherwise I wouldn't ask you. By the way, your videos with the spinning camera are making me dizzy.... Some of the best Schill Brothers videos were in Dolly Sods.

[@jacobpoucher]

Theyre gone. Move along.

[@BryceNewbold]

ive talked to them here and there. they are fine just have little kids now. I'm sure they will be back SOMEday

[@tommybewick]

​@@jacobpoucherdude you are just totally rude. Why don't you move along?

[@tommybewick]

​@@BryceNewboldthanks for the update Bryce. Glad they're okay. That was a strange part. They never answered any buddy on their channel that said they were okay.

[@jacobpoucher]

@@tommybewick they told me they were fine. Maybe they just don't like you

[@TheMegaFist11]

I clicked only because of the thumbnail just saying

[@phillipp1399]

Stinky beaver water isn’t for everyone

[@BryceNewbold]

not this guy. haha

[@jacobspero]

Soyjack ass thumbnail😂

[@BryceNewbold]

haha!! no idea what that means. mayb ill google .it. thanks for watching!