Dolly Sods Hangout

Hey all ohio hangers, Im putting together a 3 or 4 day trip down to the beautiful linville gorge in North Carolina. I used to live down there for 11 years and have been wanting to go back.

Currently i am shooting for the week of July 30---Aug 2 or 3rd. Whatever. Im pretty flexible through that week.

I would love for some people to tag along with me but if i have no takers, hell im still going.

Come on everybody, you know you wanna go. I might even pay for all the gas!! More convincing yet?

Let me know

Ahhhh, I doubt ill be able to make it happen, but know that ill do everything I can too! Ill have to toss it up at home and work and feel it out this week and hopefully I can do it. I've really wanted to hike there.

I'll just toss this out there ... that's the hottest most brutal time of the year for the gorge. If you can ... I highly reccmd. spring and fall especially for first time visits. Less tourists than in the summer as well.

Unless it involves water I can't imagine a trip anywhere in NC in July or August. Even then I don't want to have to sleep outside in it personally. Takes a lot to convince me to sleep where I'll be sweating at the same time, but that's just me.

I'm too fat for the heat. I could do a winter trip.

I've hiked, camped and worked trail in mid summer ... the main things you'll need to remember is the water supplies will be limited in a lot of places if we get dry again like we have the last few summers. So that will make some of the rim (most scenic) trails a stretch of your water supply. With the heat ... you'll need to carry a lot more. Probably not a lot different than most places ... but gorge miles are not normal trail miles. So if you over estimate your group's abilities and the heat ... you could have problems.

I'd be up for a fall trip (though I'm not quite in Ohio.)

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Originally Posted by Hawk-eye

I'll just toss this out there ... that's the hottest most brutal time of the year for the gorge. If you can ... I highly reccmd. spring and fall especially for first time visits. Less tourists than in the summer as well.

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Yeah I'd be down for a fall trip.

I was kinda shooting for fall there as well.

I've been shooting for this fall since last fall's trip. :D

If you are set on Aug, may I suggest a PA or IN hang. Probably a bit cooler than the Gorge.

Allegheny Nat'l in Pennsylvania is great as is Hoosier Nat'l in Indiana.

Avg. Temps for Aug 2 in PA = 76* high 54* low
Avg. Temps for Aug 2 in IN = 84* high 65* low

Any thoughts?

ha! those numbers don't tell the real story. Find averages for the heat index compared to Burke County.

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Originally Posted by Gqgeek81

Unless it involves water I can't imagine a trip anywhere in NC in July or August. Even then I don't want to have to sleep outside in it personally. Takes a lot to convince me to sleep where I'll be sweating at the same time, but that's just me.

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There are places in NC that aren't that bad in the Summer, but you'll want to stay above 3500' or so (trout think the same way). Shining Rock and Cold Mountain will take you over 6000' feet which should buy you about 12 degrees F of relief. It can actually be chilly up there at night in July. Rain during the day can make it drop into the lower 50's in a flash as well.

I still go out in the Summers, but I try to get some elevation between me and the heat.

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Originally Posted by Tendertoe

If you are set on Aug, may I suggest a PA or IN hang. Probably a bit cooler than the Gorge.

Allegheny Nat'l in Pennsylvania is great as is Hoosier Nat'l in Indiana.

Avg. Temps for Aug 2 in PA = 76* high 54* low
Avg. Temps for Aug 2 in IN = 84* high 65* low

Any thoughts?

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You are overlooking another state that has delightfully cool summer temperatures (above 3000 feet - easy to do in "the mountain state") and very few bugs. ;)

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Originally Posted by WV

You are overlooking another state that has delightfully cool summer temperatures (above 3000 feet - easy to do in "the mountain state") and very few bugs. ;)

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Hahah straight from our local WV tourism board.

All of the above sound like a plan. Any OHanger's input?

I'll carpool.

Just as a comment, I have climed at seneca rocks in july and sweat my butt off. I have not tried going higher and staying in the woods. Staying aove 5000 in nc sounds good. I do not like the heat and humidity even in Pa.

i guess u guys are right maby a little too warm in the gorge that time of year. Well just have to stick to pa,oh, or wv.

I can likely swing a trip around that time. WV is always nice, but I've been looking to do an Allegheny trip for awhile. My goal is to get out at least one weekend a month, at least until the holidays, and maybe take a longer trip around late October.

Side Note: The natty light cans that I carried out from the last Ohio hang are being turned into stove experiments...I couldn't bring myself to drink the natty light though.

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Originally Posted by USMCStang

Side Note: The natty light cans that I carried out from the last Ohio hang are being turned into stove experiments...I couldn't bring myself to drink the natty light though.

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Hahahahahahahahahahah.

If'n you'uns fum OH go to WV, you'uns only haf'ta cross one border... just sayin'.

Might make for more time at yer destination.

I'd love to make it out to WV. It would be my first out there.

yea man chad , what do you think about dolly sods or however its spelled

I'm all for Dolly Sods...I know the area well...lots of cool places there. "The Forks" is insanely beautiful, but not suited very well for a group hang because it gets awful crowded.

There's an awesome site about 1.5 miles in on the Blackbird Knob trail right beside the creek, but truth be told, there's awesome sites everywhere, and you are allowed to camp wherever.

http://www.midatlantichikes.com/wv.htm has a good report on the area (look at the inset map for some ideas). Ham Mike, I believe you've been down there a few times too.

cool lets plan something

Count me in :D

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Originally Posted by lukesteg

cool lets plan something

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I'm free on:
June 25th - 26th.
July 9th - 10th.
July 30th - 31st

July 4th weekend is out (heading to the Smokies with the family). I get off work in Canton at 5:00 PM on Fridays, and would be willing to headlamp hike in a little way from the road that night. I can pick up anyone who lives along or near I-77. The Sods is one of the best weekend trips you can do close to Ohio IMO.

EDIT: Luke, you may want to edit the title of the thread to say Dolly Sods.

Gotta love the nite hike. Im all 4 it.

The best date for me is probably the weekend of July 30th. Doesn't look like a specific date has been agreed on yet. What is everyone's availability or choice?

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Originally Posted by USMCStang

I'm all for Dolly Sods...I know the area well...lots of cool places there. "The Forks" is insanely beautiful, but not suited very well for a group hang because it gets awful crowded.

There's an awesome site about 1.5 miles in on the Blackbird Knob trail right beside the creek, but truth be told, there's awesome sites everywhere, and you are allowed to camp wherever.

http://www.midatlantichikes.com/wv.htm has a good report on the area (look at the inset map for some ideas). Ham Mike, I believe you've been down there a few times too.

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Just been there for the group hang last September. I hung about a 1/4 mile in on knobstone and then about 4 miles in on knobstone as well. We did some dayhiking on the trail before Bear Rocks. It's a beautiful place and I'd love to go back. There is a group hang in September this year again.

July 30 weekend is good for Moe-z and me.

Could do any day combination from July 29-Aug 1 actually (Friday-Sunday or Saturday-Monday morning, etc.)

I'm going to check on work and with the lady tonight, but if so, ill be shooting for july 30-31, preferably 31-1 (sunday and monday) but if I can make it happen I'd like to do 2 days, 2 nights, then leave the next day. I think I can make this happen, it'll be my birthday present from work and my girlfriend, they'll have no choice but to say yes, haha. I'd really like to get some hiking done and see as much as I can see while down there.

Thanks for posting that site Stang.

I should be good for July 30th weekend. Ill double check tonight when I get home.

The Blackbird Knob trail provides the best access for any loops, since it cuts right through the center of the Sods. It intersects with a lot if the other trails.

I may go down there later this month anyway. Ill do some scouting for larger hang sites if I make it down.

yep, Im all good for the 30th weekend. I'll probally leave fri. after work. Stang let me know if your going later this month.

I get excited every time I see the LINVILLE GORGE in this thread title.
Ya'll gotta go sometime......
Shug

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Originally Posted by lukesteg

Hey all ohio hangers, I might even pay for all the gas!! More convincing yet?

Let me know

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Well heck, If your paying for the gas I will come. I only live in Maine...lol lol:scared::scared:

Well, the 30th is out for me. I've been informed by the management that we will be celebrating her 30th birthday almost a week late...that weekend.

Ill keep everyone in the loop about my plans later this month.

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Originally Posted by USMCStang

Well, the 30th is out for me. I've been informed by the management that we will be celebrating her 30th birthday almost a week late...that weekend.

Ill keep everyone in the loop about my plans later this month.

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Stang, would love to get something together early July too, keep us posted.

Hmm, only 6 hours by car from me... contemplating...
Just checked and a client of mine is about half way between home and Dolly Sods. I could "work" on Friday and get to WV sooner. I think I just convinced myself of this trip!

If July or August, there will be two more from Richmond.

OK... I'm heading down there on June 25th - 26th since I can't make the 30th next month (If you reschedule for Mid August or later though, I'll try to be there)

Anyone want to head down with me on a "scouting trip"? I'm thinking of a low mileage out-and-back on Saturday...maybe 5 miles. Once I see who is in, we'll decide on car pool arrangements.

hey are you gonna stay there sat night?

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Originally Posted by lukesteg

hey are you gonna stay there sat night?

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Yep. I don't know exactly where I'll be hanging yet, but it will definitely be along one of the creeks. I figured I'll just hop in the blackbird knob trail, and see where I end up.

I may leave around midnight friday so im there before sunrise.

I created a new thread for next weekend's surveying trip, so as not to keep hijacking this one. I'm taking a GPS with me to mark good group hang sites along the Blackbird Knob trail.

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=34642

There might be a good group hang site along the left fork heading upstream of the crossing from Blackbird knob trail. Also good sites just off Beaver View Trail; lots of hardwoods, but might have to be careful of the wind. Let's see: If you head towards the Roaring Plains West Wilderness, there are some places around the head waters of South Prong Creek along South Prong trail (eastern side of the forest road) or you could head out the Forest road to the Roaring plains trail and hike it up to near the junction with Flat Rock Run trail; lots of Balsam fir trees (I think they are balsam fir), but you would have to carry water for about 3 miles (unless it has rained a lot), but it is not .

There is a nice pine plantation along Breathed Mtn Trail about 1 mile or so from Red Creek. Lots of red pines that look pretty stable (I have not camped or hung there though), but you would have to carry water about 1/2 to 3/4 miles of easy walking.

I might hang along Red Creek a couple of days next week, someplace between Fisher Springs Run trail junction and the forks. The dog likes to swim, so we need a swimmin' hole.

Lots of good choices, CR. There are some springs on the Breathed Mt. Trail, but folks new to Dolly Sods may not want to leave the Forks area unless it's really crowded. I'm wondering also if we'll have a large group ourselves for the September hang. Last year there were 40 boy scouts starting out the same day we arrived, but they divided up into four groups of ten and all went in different directions. Ten is the maximum suggested (required?) group size there.

I've been there about 6 times, and I've always stayed in Dolly Sods North. The farthest south I've been is the forks. I always start from either Blackbird Knob/ Red Creek Campground or Bear Rocks. For a group hang, they have plenty of trailhead parking.

On the Blackbird Knob trail, I've always wanted to camp on the right fork at the first crossing, where the island is, but since it's only 1.5 miles in or so, I've generally just stopped for 15 minutes and continued on. It looks like there's tons of spots right in that area, so maybe I'll end up there next weekend. Here's a pic:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-t...0/100_4154.JPG

Word is that the Dobbin Grade Trail at it's intersection with the upper Red Creek trail has been flooded by a new beaver dam. Dobbin Grade was already wet, but at least it wasn't a lake :scared:

CR...your suggestion is another spot I've always wanted to try out. I think this is where you're talking about:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N...0/100_4168.JPG

I really want to make the group hang, but I'll settle for a few of ya headin down with me next weekend. No one has replied to my "scouting trip" thread yet :tongueup:

This is pretty much the spot; Up stream is a pretty big area for camping/hanging. I also have been told that there is a nice spot about a 1/4 mile downstream of the Blackbird knob crossing of the left fork, but I have not checked this out yet.

The island in the middle of the right fork, seems to lack any privacy. I know that when the water is up a bit, folks cross right at the island, since it is a bit easier when the water is up and you have people in your campsite.

I can testify to the really wet crossing at Upper Red Creek and Dobbin Grade. It was probably waist deep and that does not count sinking into the mud! I went about 40 to 50 yards upstream of the dam and crossed. There appears to be two dams, one at the crossing and one a bit below it. I guess that accounts for how deep it is getting. This is why I love wilderness areas!

I think, if a person wanted to head up late, hike in a short distance and camp, that going downstream at Alder Run might produce some good spots (it is rocky, but in a hammock it does not matter).
My favorite place is the north area. I explored it way before the forest service "sanitized" it, but it is still so worth it. I still amazes me how unprepared people are up there sometimes. It is a very pretty place, but it can get real ugly real fast. I have had storms form right on top of me on what started out as just a day of broken clouds. I have had fog roll in so thick, you could hardly see your boots. I have had rain clouds park on top of red creek when the "chance of rain" was only 20% and been stranded on the backside of red creek.
I bet that you can tell that this is my favorite place :D

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Originally Posted by Country Roads

The island in the middle of the right fork, seems to lack any privacy. I know that when the water is up a bit, folks cross right at the island, since it is a bit easier when the water is up and you have people in your campsite.

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Good point on the crossing. I'll traipse around the area to see if there is anything larger and more secluded up or downstream.

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Originally Posted by Country Roads

I think, if a person wanted to head up late, hike in a short distance and camp, that going downstream at Alder Run might produce some good spots (it is rocky, but in a hammock it does not matter).

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This was one of my "leading candidates" for a group hang. Since it's hardwoods, it won't be as difficult to find a larger area for a bunch of hangers.

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Originally Posted by Country Roads

I bet that you can tell that this is my favorite place :D

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The Sods comes in a close second to the Smokies for me, but since the Smokies are 8 hours away, I can't squeeze an overnighter in there. I've done a few weekend overnighters at Dolly Sods, and plan quite a few more.

Any chance of pushing the group hang to July 23rd - 24th gang?

I'm a no go for that weekend. Sorry :(

I can't wait for your recon though. Keep us posted.

OK people, Luke and I are off tomorrow for an overnight recon mission along the Blackbird Knob Trail. I'm taking my ultra whizbang scientific GPS, and I'll mark waypoints at what appear to be good spots. I'll be sure to take pictures as well.

For anyone who wants to take a look at one of my previous trips, pictures can be found here:https://picasaweb.google.com/mike.we...eat=directlink

Pay no attention to the tent. Someone, erm, left it there. :jj: