Dolly Sods Wilderness is a high-altitude plateau in the United States, reached by Jordan Run Road near Davis. The record places it in Davis, though its postal address gives the state as West Virginia, so it is worth checking the location before you set out. The landscape is the reason to come: open heath barrens, sphagnum bogs and rocky plains that look more like the far north than what one expects in the eastern mountains.
What the landscape offers
The wilderness covers about 17,371 acres. Its heath barrens are open, low-growing country, and the sphagnum bogs are wet, spongy ground that rewards careful footing. The rocky plains give wide views across the plateau. Each of these is quite different from the wooded ridges that surround the area, so the walk itself feels like a change of scene.
What a visit is like
This is a wild place rather than a managed attraction. The area offers primitive camping and challenging hiking trails, so visitors should expect rough ground, changeable weather at altitude and few facilities. Good boots, warm layers and a map or offline navigation are sensible for anyone planning a longer walk or an overnight stay.
- Best suited to: hikers and campers who enjoy open, remote country.
- Keep in mind: trails are demanding and the plateau is exposed to weather.
- Getting in touch: the listed phone number is +1-304-257-4488.
Because the wilderness is remote, plan your day or your stay with some care, and check conditions with the contact above before you go. For many visitors, the chance to walk across heath and bog in the eastern United States is reason enough to make the journey.
