- Highlights: Views, Dolly Sods Wilderness
- Distance: 6.4 mile loop
- Elevation Change: 691 feet
- Trail Surface: Dirt, rocks, and mud
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Trailhead Parking: Freeland Road to Forest Road 80, a small parking area at the end has room for 8-10 vehicles.
- Trail Markings: No blazes, signs at trail junctions
- Website: AllTrails and US Forest Service
- Beer Pairings: Big Timber Brewing Company—Private Idaho IPA & MON Hazy IPA
Trail Map:
The Hike:
Dolly Sods is one of our favorite parts of WV and this hike has everything the Sods is famous for: views, scenery, unique ecosystem—and mud. Despite lots of rain in recent weeks, the trails in this loop weren’t as muddy as we were expecting. We also weren’t expecting such an incredible display of wildflowers. Mountain laurel and rhododendron were at peak bloom on our hike in early July. We found some ripe (and tasty) blueberries although most of the bushes were still a few weeks from peak.
This hike cobbles together a few trails into a loop. Kathy is still nursing a sore knee and we selected this hike primarily for the limited elevation change. Cell service in this area is poor so download the AllTrail map before arriving at the trailhead. Note: the parking area has been relocated to the west so the distance listed in AllTrails is about .5 miles shy of the actual distance.
Wilderness Way and Blackbird Knob Trails:
Follow the forest road to the old parking area and then follow the signs to Dolly Sods. The trail becomes the Blackbird Knob Trail as you enter the Sods. Reach a four-way trail junction at 1.5 miles. Bear left to stay on Blackbird Knob Trail #511.
The trail begins a gradual climb and becomes rocky. Mountain laurel and rhododendron line the trail and in early July they were in full bloom. Bear right at the next trail junction to stay on the Blackbird Knob Trail.
The trail passes through a rocky section lined by even more mountain laurel and rhododendron. At 3.1 miles, reach a junction with Harman Trail #525. Bear left here.
Harman and Rocky Ridge Trails:
Follow the Harmon Trail over even more rocks and between thickets of mountain laurel. The trail climbs steadily and at time seems like it is part of the stream bed. At the junction with Rocky Ridge Trail #524 we took a short detour to the right (north) for some nice western views near Harman Knob.
Turn left on Rocky Ridge as the trail passes through an alpine meadow with some nice views. Rocky Ridge joins the Blackbird Knob Trail. Stay straight following Blackbird Knob #511 south to the four-way junction. Stay right on Blackbird to Wilderness Way and the parking area.
Hike Photos:
Beer Pairing:
Big Timber Brewing has a new location less than 30 minutes from the trailhead in Davis WV. Big Timber Logging Camp has 10 taps of craft beer, indoor and outdoor seating (with great views of the Blackwater River). Food trucks visit most weekends.
Kathy really enjoyed a pint of MON Hazy IPA (7.7% ABV). Named for the Monongahela National Forest, this hazy IPA is perfection in a glass. Pete liked Private Idaho (5.8% ABV) a hazy IPA brewed with several hops grown in I-I-Idaho. Hoppy trails!
Hike and drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Stay safe, be responsible, and leave no trace.