American Hiking Legacy Project- Dolly Sods Vistas & Famous Blackwater Falls, WV

In the beautiful Dolly Sods Wilderness Area volunteers will work on a boardwalk that was constructed 20 years ago with help from the American Hiking Society!

Hiking through the beautiful meadows and across the rolling streams to access our work site each day volunteers will also complete rock work and tread work, including moving rock from the trail, rock armoring muddy sections, and building rock causeways to assist with keeping visitors on the trail and no creating social trails.

Dolly Sods is a Wilderness area with 17,371 acres and 47 miles of trails. Dolly Sods is unique in that it contains bog and heath eco-types, more commonly typical to southern Canada. The elevations in the higher country range over 4,700 feet and the lower elevation of the red creek drainage drops to 2,500 feet. The area is located high in the Allegheny Plateau, with extensive rocky plains, upland bogs, and sweeping vistas. The area offers many opportunities for hiking (over 400 miles of trails with an hour drive), rock climbing opportunities at Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area and miles of mountain bike trails.

There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.

Area and Attractions

Dolly Sods is a Wilderness area with 17,371 acres and 47 miles of trails. Dolly Sods is unique in that it contains bog and heath eco-types, more commonly typical to southern Canada. The elevations in the higher country range over 4,700 feet and the lower elevation of the red creek drainage drops to 2,500 feet. The area is located high in the Allegheny Plateau, with extensive rocky plains, upland bogs, and sweeping vistas. The area offers many opportunities for hiking (over 400 miles of trails with an hour drive), rock climbing opportunities at Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area and miles of mountain bike trails.

Accommodations Description

Volunteers will stay at car camping primitive sites with a fire ring located at each site and all sites near two vault toilets. No access to laundry or wifi. Cell service for AT&T and T-Mobile is minimal, but available at the trailhead where we will be hiking in to the work site. Potable water runs from a spring nearby, but boiling or filtering will be needed. Volunteers need to bring their own tent and personal camping gear; sheets, bedding or sleeping bag; towels; water filtration; and personal cup, bowl, mug, and eating utensils.

Registration Link: https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/american-hiking-legacy-project-dolly-sods-vistas-famous-blackwater-falls-wv/