Because it may be a bit tricky to meet at a specific spot in Dolly Sods, we will meet in Seneca Rocks, WV near by the convenient store located in the intersection of routes 33 and 55 no later than 9 am on Friday, June 21^st. Then we will caravan up a forest road to a place where we will leave our cars and hike a combination of Black Bird Knob, Harman and Dobbin Grade trails for about 6-7 miles to a place where we will camp for the first night. On Saturday, June 22^nd, we will hike a combination of Dobbin Grade, Beaver View, Bear Rocks and Upper Red Creek trails for about 6-7 miles to camp near by Black Bird Knob for the second night. On Sunday, June 23^rd, we will retrace Black Bird Knob trail for about 2 miles back to our cars and head back home. Use http://www.wvhighlands.org/Maps/usfs_mnf/dolly_sods.pdf to see a map of the area. Early summer is supposed to be the time to see Dolly Sods in bloom.

The terrain is moderate to strenuous – please be in a reasonable shape and have good hiking boots (many trails include boggy areas with standing water), suitable backpack, camping gear and also rain gear (it frequently rains on top of the plateau even when the lower altitudes are dry). Having a bug spray would be a good idea too. Everyone provides their own food. Water is plentiful but you will need a means of purification.

On our way home, we could stop somewhere for a late lunch or early dinner if there is an interest. Or, optionally, we could drive to Warm Springs, VA to soak in the charming, clothing-optional (yes, in Virginia! J) mineral pool designed by Thomas Jefferson. In this case however, we would need to start our Sunday earlier since it is about 2.5 hour drive to Warm Springs. Also, there is a pool fee there – last time when we were there, it was $17.