Devon & Jenna's Guide to Dolly Sods
Don't miss...
Specifically, Bear Rocks at Sunrise.
We’re not early birds, but one of the few things that will get us out of bed early is a Dolly Sods sunrise. They are PHENOMENAL! In fact, it is our sincere belief that the expression “Well that’s as pretty as a Dolly Sods sunrise!” will be commonly used in the next 15 years. (It's a 2 mile drive to the top from the cabin, so just about as close as you can get without camping) Clear weather is good, partly cloudy is even better as the morning sun will reflect off the clouds. And if mornings are a non-starter for you, the sunset at Bear Rocks is also quite stunning.
Bear Rocks
Specifically, Bear Rocks at Sunrise.
We’re not early birds, but one of the few things that will get us out of bed early is a Dolly Sods sunrise. They are PHENOMENAL! In fact, it is our sincere belief that the expression “Well that’s as pretty as a Dolly Sods sunrise!” will be commonly used in the next 15 years. (It's a 2 mile drive to the top from the cabin, so just about as close as you can get without camping) Clear weather is good, partly cloudy is even better as the morning sun will reflect off the clouds. And if mornings are a non-starter for you, the sunset at Bear Rocks is also quite stunning.
Favorite Hikes
Hiking-
There are an abundance of trails, all beautiful in their own way, but a personal favorite is Rohrbaugh Plains Trail. It’s a little bit of a drive (approx. 20 min, although still within Dolly Sods Wilderness area) but is generally uncrowded and leads to a pretty little overlook where you can sit down and have a snack/beer/picnic. To the overlook it is about 5 miles out and back. The trail continues deep into the Sods, but this is a nice stopping point for a day hike.
If you’re looking for something a bit closer Bear Rocks trail is great for moving around in nature.
If you want one of the most phenomenal views in WV and don’t mind a 20 min drive outside of the Dolly Sods Wilderness, North Fork trail has some STUNNING vistas. This hike is definitely more intense so be sure to pack water and snacks.
It's 5 miles R/T with 2000' of elevation gain.
Having said that, for any hike in the DSW we recommend being prepared for quick changes in weather because the storms that come in and hit the Allegheny Front move quickly!
Rohrbaugh Plains Trail
Rohrbaugh Plains TrailHiking-
There are an abundance of trails, all beautiful in their own way, but a personal favorite is Rohrbaugh Plains Trail. It’s a little bit of a drive (approx. 20 min, although still within Dolly Sods Wilderness area) but is generally uncrowded and leads to a pretty little overlook where you can sit down and have a snack/beer/picnic. To the overlook it is about 5 miles out and back. The trail continues deep into the Sods, but this is a nice stopping point for a day hike.
If you’re looking for something a bit closer Bear Rocks trail is great for moving around in nature.
If you want one of the most phenomenal views in WV and don’t mind a 20 min drive outside of the Dolly Sods Wilderness, North Fork trail has some STUNNING vistas. This hike is definitely more intense so be sure to pack water and snacks.
It's 5 miles R/T with 2000' of elevation gain.
Having said that, for any hike in the DSW we recommend being prepared for quick changes in weather because the storms that come in and hit the Allegheny Front move quickly!
The Seneca Rocks Hiking Trail is a moderate 1.3-mile route (2.6 miles round-trip) with a 700-foot elevation gain, making ideal for people of all ages. The views at the top of the trail are stunning, and there are some unofficial swim spots at the bottom(by the bridge) that make for a nice dip after. Seneca Rocks also has some of the best multi-pitch trad climbs on the East Coast. If you're a beginner, there are two rock climbing schools in the area to get you up and going.
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Seneca Rocks
The Seneca Rocks Hiking Trail is a moderate 1.3-mile route (2.6 miles round-trip) with a 700-foot elevation gain, making ideal for people of all ages. The views at the top of the trail are stunning, and there are some unofficial swim spots at the bottom(by the bridge) that make for a nice dip after. Seneca Rocks also has some of the best multi-pitch trad climbs on the East Coast. If you're a beginner, there are two rock climbing schools in the area to get you up and going.
City/town information
THE TOWNS OF THOMAS & DAVIS- If you have the opportunity, we ABSOLUTELY recommend making the 45 min. drive to this duo of towns situated about 5 minutes apart. Over the past decade, it has become a hub for musicians and artists. Get a beer at Stumptown Brewery(We love their Smoothiez series, slightly viscous blends of fruit & tang), then go on over to Tip-Top coffee in Thomas to grab a Lavender Oat Milk latte or a seltze(Dram Cardamom and Black Tea!)and check out the art scene at the Bloom, Invisible, and Creature galleries. Lots of cute little shops to wander around and some great Mexican food at Picnic(we love the carnitas bowl there). Finish off the evening at The Purple Fiddle, a venue that features live Appalachian-based (mostly) acoustic music. It’s been a staple in the town since they revamped the old DePollo store in the early 2000s.
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Thomas
THE TOWNS OF THOMAS & DAVIS- If you have the opportunity, we ABSOLUTELY recommend making the 45 min. drive to this duo of towns situated about 5 minutes apart. Over the past decade, it has become a hub for musicians and artists. Get a beer at Stumptown Brewery(We love their Smoothiez series, slightly viscous blends of fruit & tang), then go on over to Tip-Top coffee in Thomas to grab a Lavender Oat Milk latte or a seltze(Dram Cardamom and Black Tea!)and check out the art scene at the Bloom, Invisible, and Creature galleries. Lots of cute little shops to wander around and some great Mexican food at Picnic(we love the carnitas bowl there). Finish off the evening at The Purple Fiddle, a venue that features live Appalachian-based (mostly) acoustic music. It’s been a staple in the town since they revamped the old DePollo store in the early 2000s.
If you're coming from D.C.....
There's a chance that your directions to the cabin will take you close to the small town of Capon Bridge, WV, and if they do, you will find an absolute gem in this little shop. They are "a whole animal butchery and full-service grocery dedicated to respectful and sustainable sourcing" and their classic cheeseburger with pickled onions has won multiple awards and a write-up in the Washington Post. Stock up on all sorts of goodies for your stay and get a fresh cut of whatever he happens to be butchering up that week. The delmonicos and hand made brats are fantastic, as is the picanha. The refreshing lightly carbonated Broadbent Vinho Verde or the fruit forward red, St James Cote du Rhone are two of our favorite budget friendly wines there.
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Farmer's Daughter Market & Butcher
2908 Northwestern TurnpikeThere's a chance that your directions to the cabin will take you close to the small town of Capon Bridge, WV, and if they do, you will find an absolute gem in this little shop. They are "a whole animal butchery and full-service grocery dedicated to respectful and sustainable sourcing" and their classic cheeseburger with pickled onions has won multiple awards and a write-up in the Washington Post. Stock up on all sorts of goodies for your stay and get a fresh cut of whatever he happens to be butchering up that week. The delmonicos and hand made brats are fantastic, as is the picanha. The refreshing lightly carbonated Broadbent Vinho Verde or the fruit forward red, St James Cote du Rhone are two of our favorite budget friendly wines there.
Depending which way you come to the cabin, this is a great stop to stock up on craft beer, snacks, and local handcrafts. They also have an art gallery adjacent to store that's worth taking a peak at.
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Antiques Etc
295 E Main StDepending which way you come to the cabin, this is a great stop to stock up on craft beer, snacks, and local handcrafts. They also have an art gallery adjacent to store that's worth taking a peak at.
Food scene
If you like cider or bourbon, this is the place. The local distillery has a large selection of their own ciders and a few local beers on tap. They also just started making their own bourbon and it's excellent. We're big bourbon drinkers and we're not joking! The barrel proof bourbon is our favorite. The town of Franklin is about 45 minutes away, but it's a beautiful drive, well worth it.
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Swilled Dog Hard Cider
28 Pendleton County Industrial Park RdIf you like cider or bourbon, this is the place. The local distillery has a large selection of their own ciders and a few local beers on tap. They also just started making their own bourbon and it's excellent. We're big bourbon drinkers and we're not joking! The barrel proof bourbon is our favorite. The town of Franklin is about 45 minutes away, but it's a beautiful drive, well worth it.
Best coffee in WV, hands down. It would hold it's own in any big coffee city. Seattle, Stockholm, Melbourne...and Thomas, West Virginia! Get a lavender oak milk latte or if you're more of a purist, their straight cappuccino is perfect. Try their fancy version of the West Virginia classic...the pepperoni roll.
Tiptop also has a great selection of wines (some naturals), local beers, snacks, chocolate and merchandise.
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TipTop
130 State Hwy 32Best coffee in WV, hands down. It would hold it's own in any big coffee city. Seattle, Stockholm, Melbourne...and Thomas, West Virginia! Get a lavender oak milk latte or if you're more of a purist, their straight cappuccino is perfect. Try their fancy version of the West Virginia classic...the pepperoni roll.
Tiptop also has a great selection of wines (some naturals), local beers, snacks, chocolate and merchandise.
Do you like sausage gravy on everything? Well then this your place. Gravy pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and crispy sausage patties are all some of the highlights of this local community staple. The prices might not have been updated since they opened in 1997, which makes this the best bargain in town. We love the breakfasts there!
Family Traditions
21 Virginia AveDo you like sausage gravy on everything? Well then this your place. Gravy pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and crispy sausage patties are all some of the highlights of this local community staple. The prices might not have been updated since they opened in 1997, which makes this the best bargain in town. We love the breakfasts there!
Best beers in town. Stumptown only serves their own brews which include a rotation of ales, IPA's, and fruity sours. The all wood tavern interior and friendly staff make drinking at Stumptown feel like you're at your own hometown watering hole.
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Stumptown Ales
390 William AveBest beers in town. Stumptown only serves their own brews which include a rotation of ales, IPA's, and fruity sours. The all wood tavern interior and friendly staff make drinking at Stumptown feel like you're at your own hometown watering hole.
여행 팁
준비물
Hiking boots or trail runners, jacket, headlamp, H20 bottle
Due to the elevation and positioning of the Sods on the Allegheny Front, the weather can change rapidly. Any time you're hiking, we recommend bringing added protective clothing. It's also never a bad idea to bring a headlamp and more snacks and water than you think you'll need, JIC. There are often moist boggy areas on parts of the trail, so I also wouldn't wear my brand new bright white sneakers if I were you! HAPPY HIKING!
관습과 문화
BUGS
The beauty of the wilderness is that you are surrounded by wildlife...and sometimes it wants to get inside. So just a gentle reminder to be observant when coming in and out of the house, (especially at night when the lights are on) so that you don't get followed in by some pesky guests. We typically stock bug spray for your use in the bathroom sink.