Post by GaliWalker on Apr 26, 2015 21:51:20 GMT -5
April 26, 2015: Dolly Sods
Rohrbaugh Plains and Red Creek Falls
One of my favorite places to visit is West Virginia's Dolly Sods region. It is an extremely diverse place, chock full of scenic vistas, rolling grasslands, cascading waterfalls and roaring creeks. This variety keeps bringing me back, even to repeat previously hiked trails and routes. One such set of features that I've visited multiple times in the past is the No Name Vista on the Rohrbaugh Plains trail and Red Creek Falls. Both of these were on the menu for this week's hike.
I'd originally wanted to hike the 2.3mi along the Rohrbaugh Plains trail to the No Name Vista in time for sunrise. Thankfully, an overcast forecast had me delaying my departure from the trailhead until 6:30am, when it was already bright enough to see by natural light and not by headlamp. I say "thankfully", because the trail was a muddy mess, making nimble footwork essential; no way would I have been able to (mostly) avoid the mud holes in the dark.
The views from the No Name Vista were as nice as ever. It was snowing lightly, despite the filtered sunlight that played on the hillsides. I spent about an hour at the viewpoint, before continuing along the Rohrbaugh Plains trail.
Eventually, I intersected the Fisher Spring Run trail, which dropped me down into the Red Creek valley and my second destination of the day: roaring Red Creek falls. I relaxed next to the falls, taking the odd photo and wolfing down the occasional sandwich.
Crossing Fisher Spring Run
It had cleared up nicely; the way back was in brilliant sunshine.
Stats: 9.2mi, 1050ft gain, 7hrs
I was hoping to see some wildflowers, but these were barely poking out. The trees weren't in bloom either, which can be pretty nice to see there. On the plus side, the waterfalls were going well, so it wasn't all bad.