Dolly Sods Wilderness Description
Dolly Sods Wilderness is part of the Monongahela National Forest system. Much of the land in the higher elevations consists of eco-systems that are more commonly seen much further north in Canada.
The 17,000 acre wilderness has 47 miles of hiking trails, many of which follow old logging roads and railroad grades. The area is very popular with hikers, backpackers, cross-country skiiers, and campers.
Note: During World War II, the military used this wilderness area as a training ground. Many of the mortar and artillery shells used still exist, some of which could still be live.
The trails and campsites were surveyed in 1997, at which time 15 shells were discovered, some of which were live.
These were exploded on site. Please do not wander off of the designated trails as there could be live ordnances.
Note: For a printed map of the trails in the Canaan Valley, we highly recommend the 'Explorer Trail Map' by Voila Interactive Concepts.
This map was meticulously compiled by a local resident and is an excellent guide of the vast trail network in the Canaan Valley. You can find
it at local outdoor shops such as Blackwater Bikes in Davis and at the Timberline Resort store.