Backpacking Dolly Sods Wilderness - Three Days in the Wild: My Soulful Journey Through Dolly Sods Wilderness, WV

Klara Tselenchuk
6 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

There’s something about stepping into the wild that strips away the noise and brings you back to yourself.

Recently, this weekend we spent three unforgettable days backpacking through Dolly Sods Wilderness in West Virginia, and it felt like a homecoming—to nature, to stillness, to myself.

A Wilderness Like No Other

Dolly Sods isn’t your typical hiking destination. Situated within the Monongahela National Forest, this high-altitude plateau ranges from 2,500 to 4,700 feet above sea level, making it the highest plateau east of the Mississippi River¹.

Its unique ecosystem hosts flora and fauna more commonly found in northern Canada, offering a rare glimpse into a subarctic landscape right here in West Virginia.

The area is known for its stunted red spruce trees shaped by relentless winds, wide open meadows called “sods,” and ancient bogs. It’s wild, untamed, and breathtaking - a perfect backdrop for adventure and reflection.

Embracing the Elements

We choose to go on this journey knowing that a storm is coming.

We planned to set up camp before the worst of it hit—and thankfully, we succeeded. Despite the wet conditions, we managed to build a small fire and even enjoyed some marshmallow s’mores. That fire felt like a tiny miracle in the middle of all that dampness.

The trail? Honestly, it was intense. At times we were walking through actual stream beds. Sometimes they were dry, and sometimes flowing with water. A few stream crossings felt more like river crossings, deep up to above our knees!

We hiked for almost 25 miles over three days, and by the end, we were basically specialists in rock hopping.

Our shoes were soaked, our legs muddy, but our spirits were elevated.

Highlights Along the Way

One of my favorite moments was reaching Lion’s Head, a rocky area that offers expansive views of the Red Creek valley. The climb was a bit challenging, but so worth it. Standing up there, with the wind in my face and the vastness of nature all around me—I just felt alive.

And then there was the tadpole pool! I have this weird, childlike joy every time I find a little pond filled with tadpoles. It’s such a small thing, but it always feels magical and reminds me that life keeps moving forward, quietly and beautifully.

A Place Steeped in History

Dolly Sods also has a powerful history. The name comes from the Dahle family (pronounced “Dolly”), German homesteaders who settled nearby in the 18th century. “Sods” refers to th e open meadows scattered throughout the plateau.

During World War II, this area was actually used by the U.S. Army as a practice artillery range². Crazy, right?

Even now, visitors are asked to stay on marked trails because some unexploded ordnance may still be out there.

It's wild to think that a place so peaceful today once held such intensity.

Nature’s Healing Power

For me, this trip was more than just backpacking—it was a reset button.

As a nurse, mom, and nature-based coach, I often find myself pulled in a million directions. This was a chance to unplug and remember who I am underneath all the roles I play.

Something about the simplicity of being out there—the sound of water flowing, the crunch of my boots on the path, the wind brushing through the trees—it reminded me that this is enough. I don’t have to perform or push or fix anything. I can just be.

And that’s healing in its purest form.

Want to Go? Here's the Trail Info

If you’re feeling called to explore Dolly Sods yourself, I highly recommend checking out the Dolly Sods Full Loop Trail³.

It’s a loop that offers a mix of everything: streams, ridge views, open meadows, and forest trails. It’s not an easy hike, but it’s deeply rewarding.

Please make sure you’re prepared—weather can change fast, and parts of the trail can get tricky after the rain.

Stick to Leave No Trace principles so we can all continue to enjoy this wild, beautiful space for years to come.

Let’s Connect

Have you ever been to Dolly Sods or another wild place that left a mark on your heart? Or maybe you’re dreaming about doing a trip like this one day?

I’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment below or share your thoughts—what resonates, what you're curious about, or even just a word that captures how nature makes you feel.