Dolly Sods Wilderness

Popular trail crossing open meadows and boggy heath and fording Red Creek to climb to Blackbird Knob; a common access route into the Dolly Sods backcountry from Forest Road 75.

Follows an old railroad grade across the boggy beaver-meadow flats of the northern Sods; a key link on the Bear Rocks loop, frequently muddy but rich in open wetland and meadow scenery.

Descends along Big Stonecoal Run through spruce and hardwood forest past a series of cascades and Big Stonecoal Falls, linking the high plateau with the Red Creek valley.

Runs from the Dolly Sods picnic area along the plateau edge to the Rohrbaugh Cliffs, sandstone overlooks with sweeping views into the Red Creek canyon; passes meadows, spruce, and beaver dams.

Climbs onto a rocky spine on the eastern rim of Dolly Sods, reaching the Lions Head outcrop with panoramic views; the ridgetop runs near 4,000 feet through stunted spruce and rock fields.

Traverses the open high-elevation heath plains of the northern Sods near the iconic Bear Rocks overlook, crossing wind-swept meadows, bogs, and huckleberry barrens above 4,000 feet.

The main artery through the Dolly Sods backcountry, following Red Creek through its canyon past waterfalls, swimming holes, and multiple creek crossings; central to most loop backpacking routes here.