Dolly Sods (West Virginia) Backpacking - May 2022

View and purchase my photos at: davidcgray.smugmug.com/
Bailey and I got together with Travis to do the third hike of the 2022 season in the Dolly Sods Wilderness in West Virginia. Dolly Sods is Travis's 'home turf' as he grew up in West Virginia and has hiked there many times. It's also a special place for me because it is where I met Travis for the first time when we did a hike there in 2017.
Sadly, I decided to leave my old trail companion, Jaden, at home for this one. Jaden can still handle our daily three-mile hikes, but I knew this one would be a bit too much for him. I wasn't sure how Bailey would handle being separated from Jaden for the hike - it was a bit of an 'experiment' - and, frankly, Bailey didn't handle it well. She was 'off' from the time I put her in the car to leave until we arrived back home. It seemed like her heart wasn't in it this time, which is very unusual for a dog that lives to be on the trails with me.
The plan for the hike was to start at the Bear Rocks trailhead and do about 20 miles in 3-days /2-nights. We wanted to stay at different campsites than the ones we used in 2017. Travis knew of a 'primo' campsite on a branch of Red Creek upstream from the popular 'Fork' area - that would be our destination for night 1. For our second night camp, we planned to stay at Lion's Head or perhaps down the hill from Lion's Head (near water, and day hike up to Lion's Head).
Weather-wise, it looked like it was going to be hot. The forecast for Davis, WV (the nearest town to where we would be hiking) was for temperatures in the 90s - not ideal, especially for the dogs. Fortunately, with the higher elevation at the Sods and a constant breeze blowing, the temperatures never got that warm, and hiking conditions were pretty good.
For those who have watched my other videos, this one is done in the same style - a bit under an hour in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride,' and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures.
Equipment / Gear List:
Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 amzn.to/3Q3Gsco
Lens: Nikkor 20mm f1.8 Z-mount lens amzn.to/3znpOP7
Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens amzn.to/2QZqNOo
Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod amzn.to/3bH3Rvg
Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system amzn.to/2wRdusp
Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 amzn.to/2X5dKyu
Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L
Tent: Zpacks Triplex
Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm amzn.to/2yjrUlj
Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite amzn.to/39zju6v
Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL amzn.to/2WYE5hZ
Stove: JetBoil Flash amzn.to/3azKRi7
Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 amzn.to/3dPtOL5
Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle amzn.to/3bF1RDB
Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot amzn.to/2R0JvoW
Buff: Merino wool Buff amzn.to/3dCYHSC
Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger amzn.to/2URI7G3
Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero amzn.to/2xzbwgh
Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek amzn.to/3bA3X7I
Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes amzn.to/2JwbQ2e

[@tjgalore203]

For me, the dog(s) adds that extra thing that keeps my attention to the end. A hike without a dog is a hike wasted :-)

[@ericgrayson3637]

Great vid ! Enjoyed it , nothing like a road trip back to my home state for a Dolly Sods trip ! To help ya blend in better next time it’s pronounced “ Kuh - Nain “ I live in Virginia now, I have the Appalachian Trail 30 mins from me. But nothing compares to that area of Wv. We are winter backpackers and resorted to Th- Sun trip on Super Bowl weekend to avoid crowds. We also park at Laneville Cabin, up Red Creek trail cross Red Creek at Big Stonecoal, ( yep, we wade it in the dead of Winter ) We take Aqua-socks for the crossing. Go up Big Stonecoal and camp then day hike around and then usually move camp to the middle of Dunkenbarger Trail, and eventually down Little Stonecoal. I’ve been up there in thigh deep snow in some epic blizzards before. Anyone wanna ask how we stay on trail ? The Deer actually use the trails . Some of my best nights of sleep cozy in my -20 bag in a Mtn Hardware Trango 2 4 season tent that is bomber and raging wind and snow. After a steaming bag of Mtn House Spaghetti that the water was boiled in the vestibule, a couple cups of coffee after with Kahlua and Irish cream… maybe even smoke a bowl… nighty - night,

[@christinerolle3876]

Thanks again David.been waiting for your trip.

[@yvonnesmith8245]

Love your very enjoyable time backpacking at Dolly Sods! Thank you so much! I particularly enjoyed your beautiful pup Bailey. She is a real sweetheart!🐾🐾

[@gamedoutgamer]

David it almost never gets really hot on the Sods. It can be 100 degrees in the low country and 75 up there. March through May is the wettest time of year to be up there. Most spruce there are 'red spruce'. They are native all along the spine of the higher Appalachians ridges from Georgia to Maine and beyond. The tall pines you noted at 28:30 are red pines which you'll find in northern Great Lakes region. They are native to only one mountaintop ridge area in WV. Those red pines in the Sods were planted in the 1930's. The low spruce at 28:38 are red spruce germinating in the red pine forest. You note how dark it gets in there which is very true. In the late 1800's it was noted that it was rare to see sunlight in the original old forest. The word sods is more referencing grass. There used to be cows grazing up in the high country there after it was logged and burned. Have fed those horses on that very same fence line too! There is a great five mile semi-loop behind that fire station across from the inn where you stayed. You'll see it on maps. Called Little Alaska trail iirc. Thanks for sharing this!!

[@fcernst]

He's right.. you put out great videos.

[@Mike-cj3nw]

I've backpacked and day hiked in every western state but Colorado. I'd love to backpack in the Appalachian Mountains someday. Arizona has some great hikes, it's not all desert.

[@JoshEbersole]

Just now getting the time to sit down and watch this. Great way to close out the weekend. Another great video David.

[@mike158193]

Hey David, we were there the same weekend. We did a loop from Bear rocks to blackbird knob and back, I remember how windy and cold it was to start and we got absolutely scorched through the day, the trail was an absolute mess with mud so you guys definitely made a better choice going to red creek. On the back half of the loop and 12 miles later we started looking for a sight. None to be found, the people were packed in and every available sight was filled. The part where you said it was beautiful and you remember this view is where we stayed at the bottom of that meadow. There was a makeshift fire ring and we made it home for the night. Fun trip but it was a mess with all the wet and muddy trails, we were beat up and pretty tired. Love your videos and I enjoy reliving my days on the trail through your videos !!

[@davidgrayin]

That's great that you were there at the same time. I can certainly relate to the muddy, tough trails. It was pretty exhausting, and we didn't even spend much time down in the lower areas, which were undoubtedly worse than even what we hiked. We met a group on the first day coming up from 'the forks' area. They had been down there the night before we went in (it rained that entire night), and they said their camp got completely flooded when the river went over the bank, and they said they weren't the only ones. They seemed pretty 'whipped' by the whole experience.

[@natehoover5266]

The Cranberry Wilderness was pretty muddy a lot of places but the main difference...I only saw 2 backpackers the whole time. Oh and they had a dog. Lol

[@oakslm22]

@@davidgrayin I’d love to go backpacking with you sometime David!!!!!!!!!!

[@Oneday0846]

David there is a trail thru the woods to the top of Seneca Rocks. It comes out on the left side and you can actually walk up to a spot where you can sit and straddle the rock and watch climbers come up. It was easy.. we did it with a 2 year old.

[@Victorted]

Been hiking on the Sods since the late '70's, when nobody knew it was there. Last there 2 years ago, and headed back later this month. Lots of people now, for sure. But that's how it goes. Thanks for another great adventure.

[@candaceneel7685]

Always enjoy your videos!!! Thanks for sharing!! 😀

[@sonnyboywannabe]

Love the Sods. The mud can be a true nemesis. That, and all the weekend crowds 😢

[@larrybell5144]

Always a pleasurable experience to share the adventure with you. Thanks!

[@srameypr]

Your videos are always a special treat!

[@LWilli5]

Such a beautiful trip.

[@jasonmears4393]

Thanks David, great video. Always love when one of your videos pop up. Please keep them coming. They are always excellent content 👏

[@LMay64]

Great video. It's like taking a trip with a good friend when you take us along on your adventures. Travis seemed quiet on this one. I hope you all had a few laughs and enjoyed some nature therapy with Bailey. As always, enjoyed the uplifting music and photography at the end.

[@markathey5329]

Always a pleasure to see a new video from you

[@candacemeifert-polk7383]

Great to see another great hike with David Gray;his were the very first youtube videos I ever watched a few years back!

[@WeaponsMachinist]

GREAT VIDEO! I ENJOYED WATCHING.THANKS.

[@crixus5885]

Always look forward to your videos, great job dave

[@billseay6399]

Hey Thanks again Dave

[@JoshHerodOutdoorAdventures]

Such a beautiful area. Love the Dolly sod's

[@thehafricanultralighter4973]

Idk if u were joking lol but sods means open grassy fields. Which the Dahles used to graze their sheep. Also great video as always to my favorite place on earth!

[@KatWoman_]

Very nice video, David. Such a beautiful area.

[@nagaviper1169]

Always love to see a notification from you. I actually live not far from you. Thank you far taking us along.

[@FOLLOWINGWALKERSWORLD]

Excellent Video David. Definitely seemed wet, rocky & muddy. But, that’s hiking! 👍😎✌️

[@thathikingguy]

Wow, what a great trip! 90 degrees though man that can make it challenging for sure. You captured it beautifully though thanks for sharing this.

[@mikewanders]

Wow this place is beautiful. I think you sold me on backpacking this area at some point in the future.

[@All_Things_Out_Doors]

What a cool area to hike! you showed it well David! I bet the mud can be a challenge. At least there is no question about water source. lol Thanks for sharing. Well done!!

[@nomaderic]

I've done alot of backpacking out west, never been to Appalachia but I've heard about dolly sods. I have to say that campsite you guys stayed at is top tier and rivals some of the best I seen. Looks like a wonderful place to explore

[@billhawthorne989]

Can you gives a review on your favorite cheese spread and cracker choice? Always lookin for new eats. Gone on 66 this fall and still hiking the trails. Thanks for the inspiration. Heading with wife to Canada Rockies and the Alaska to hit the trail in June and July.

[@ronosmianski812]

Nice video. Been at the Sods in all types of weather. Even backpacking on cross country skis. 48 years since my first trip, 2 years since I was last there. I can still drive across the top, but probably need a bionic knee before I could overnight hike there again. Keep the videos coming!

[@tj_hikes]

Another great video David! Was nice running into you on your way out that weekend! Our camping top of lions head made for some excellent content at sunset! We ended up making it up to the upper sods with about a 4 mile hike out in the morning and it poured on us all night. Made for a nice soupy hike out the next morning lol. Glad to see you guys had a good trip too! Hope Bailey’s leg is doing better!

[@vegasdavetv]

david, a real bucket list hike, gate of the arctic, you will likely step where no human ever has. hint hint...lol. great video

[@Noblereach36]

I took the dobbins grade trail. I will never take that trail again. That was around 2018.

[@hewjbacca]

Another great video David! Poor Bailey, tough getting old isnt it pup?? Dolly Sods on my bucket list, hopefully in the next couple years!! However until then have our vacation planned out and ready for it, going to the Southwest, primarily Arizona and New Mexico, but also going to Utah and Colorado a bit, hoping to hit 12 Nat'l Parks and Monuments this year, will be in Albuqurque for the Hot Air balloon festival, looking for that, thanks again for the video!!

[@natehoover5266]

Looks like you and Travis need a chair! Lol. I got a backpacking chair and just used it in the Cranberry Wilderness...it was great! And I'm planning to go to Dolly Sods on one of my next trips. Maybe I'll try a dryer season.

[@purpur4]

For future reference up near lion's head there are covered campsites in some pine stands (but no water). Steep hike up there but very short.

[@moretea8314]

Great hike David, I was wondering the other day if you would publish a vlog soon. I agree with viewer you bumped into on the hike, your vlogs are quality, ; I’ve seen some beautiful places in the US simply by watching your channel. Atb Simon (UK)

[@richardreed1917]

REALLY ENJOYED YOUR VIDEO AND YOUR EXCURSION INTO "THE SODS". PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT "CANAAN" IS PRONOUNCED ca-NANE' with emphasis on the last syllable. Almost everyone uses the biblical pronunciation but the locals pronounce it as I indicated. Looking forward to future videos from you guys!

[@journeyofbear6423]

I was watching another channel the other day. They popped out a packet gourmet cheddar cheese spread. I was suddenly reminded I haven't been by your channel in a bit so here I am catching up. Lol... Have they approached you to put your face on the package yet? 😉

[@markphillips8824]

Ka-Nane

[@garyday5299]

Watched it, amazed anyone would want to spend several days hiking in mostly mud, on purpose! Not like the scenery is spectacular. What am I missing?

[@cynthiaschwartz559]

Great, beautiful hike. I can relate to muddy trails. My husband and I backpacked Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore last week and it was very muddy in some areas. We passed by a barbecue food truck on the way to our hike and both of us said David Gray would of stopped there. Have a great day!!! Are you hiking out west this year?

[@than1967]

You need to get a chair. Makes camp so much better.

[@natehoover5266]

Hey David what pack do you have? Is that ULA pack?

[@Mike-cj3nw]

Spam - gag!

[@pollygear5543]

Canaan is actually pronounced Ca-naine"

[@gigilee1051]

Yes, and also nicknamed Can-Rain 😂

[@sonnyboywannabe]

Dobbins is always to be avoided. Even over week after rain there are waist deep mires in there. There are ways through, but the paths are treacherous and best left to Gollum and Frodo

[@TheCanadianBeaver]

Great video like always David and always remember to follow your nose!🍁🦫#stealthcampingalliance