WV - Dolly Sods Fall trip planning help

[SkyDog]

More thoughts: If you do not know, there is ONE campground with only ten sites called "Red Creek C.G." - VERY clean pit toilets which all the women I have seen up there appreciate...<g>... There is NO drinking water. BYO and filtering gadgets. The "red" in the creeks is tannin from all the trees. OK to drink when filtered and will clog up your filter quickly = back flush often. Firewood around the C.G. is always picked over / scarce. BUT! Drive down the road a mile or so and you will find dead / downed trees. Illegal to bring in wood from outside the area.

Other than the campground, you can camp anywhere 300 feet off the road.

Rain / Sleet / Snow / Heat / Cold ---- it is ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL up there! Go for it!

[Country Roads]

Some years, leaves hit peak in late Sept. Last year it was in to mid-October before peak. In October, your night range of temps can be mid-20's to 60's. Usually, temps will be in mid-30's to 50's; it all depends on where you camp, ie near creeks, it may be colder. I October, often switch to either chemical water treatment or a steripen, because I am afraid that I will forget to put my Sawyer filter in my pocket. Most popular campsites will have little or no downed wood, so look for less-used sites. Please don't cut live trees as it leaves the spruce sites less wind protected, and of course, less trees to hang a hammock from everywhere (hammock hangers appreciate trees more than other campers). Snow can be expected, but is not the norm, in October (superstorm Sandy dropped around 4 feet of snow Oct 30/31, 2012). As others have said, check the local forecast. You could also head over to the Dolly Sods Facebook page as some people on the page live locally and can give you a more accurate idea of snow, temps, stream levels, etc.

[E the B]

Go with October for better leaves and cooler temps. I've backpacked into Dolly Sods several times, including twice in heavy snow. It's a great place to experience.


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[Fickle1]

Thanks for all the info guys. We have locked in the weekend of Oct 13th.

Based on the average temps, I will probably bring my 20 degree quilts, but of course I will double check the weather before we head out. I have a 0 degree set I can bring as well if needed.