vdeal
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Post by vdeal on Nov 8, 2019 10:18:46 GMT -5
This morning we had measurable snow on Chestnut Ridge, WV, and the temperature dropped to 19°F. That has me thinking of winter outings and actually looking forward to them. Just thought I would see what other folks have planned for the cold season ahead? Maybe I'll get some new ideas.
As for me, I'll continue hiking. Not really sure where. We pounded the Canaan Valley area last winter so maybe Otter Creek. For dayhikes we don't travel as far due to the shorter days so that limits our options. I'm thinking of backcountry skiing again. My skiis are more suited for track conditions. I'm seriously considering getting a pair of Altai Hoks which are more of a skishoe. I might rent some snowshoes at Canaan Valley State Park and do a hike there also. Never been on snowshoes.
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Post by trailnotfound on Nov 8, 2019 10:33:53 GMT -5
Working at a university, winter and summer are the only times I can really get out. Last winter break was my first visit to the Dolly Sods, and it was a fantastic solo backpack around an empty snowy trail system. I was dumb and left my showshoes in the car, which made me cut short the trip by a day due to more forecast snow.
I'll definitely be getting back there for another backpacking trip this winter, and have tentative plans for more time in Pine Creek, Moshannon, and around Hammersley. Winter's the best time for off-trail (or abandoned trail) exploration, since the mud's frozen, the weeds & ticks are gone, and you get much better views even in the thick woods.
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vdeal
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Post by vdeal on Nov 8, 2019 10:37:11 GMT -5
How did you access Dolly Sods in the winter?
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Post by trailnotfound on Nov 8, 2019 10:52:19 GMT -5
How did you access Dolly Sods in the winter? I've only done it once, but I used the Red Creek Trailhead (Google Maps will take you hear if you search the name). The road was closed immediately beyond that, and I don't know if the parking lot is reliably plowed, which is the other part of the reason I bailed when snow was in the forecast. I figured it out using the Purple Lizard map for the Dolly Sods shows which roads are closed in winter; it looks like you may also be able to get in from above/behind Timberline Ski Area. |
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vdeal
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Post by vdeal on Nov 8, 2019 11:00:33 GMT -5
trailnotfound,
Oh, I know all the ways in. Have been there dozens of times. Just curious how you went in. I've considered buying a one way lift ticket at the ski resort and going in that way. The above/behind Timberline option you mentioned can be one of two ways. If you have a condo or know someone who does at Timberline you can literally walk right onto Dolly Sods North. I don't have one or know anyone. The other "option" is off of A Frame Rd. I won't encourage that route since it crosses some private land - although the ownership of that land is locked up in a year's long court litagation.
Speaking of condos though, my hiking buddy bought one at Snowshoe. That opens some possibilities for adventures down that way. It will largely be rented during ski season but there is snow before and after the season usually and we may use it as a base of operations.
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Post by anfhiker on Nov 8, 2019 11:46:37 GMT -5
We have 4-8" of snow here today, so it puts the winter plans into focus. During the cold months I generally hike or snowshoe locally in the ANF or my favorite short hikes on conservation or Audubon lands. I'm a hunter so that will be the next month or so of exercise, with possibly a trip to Oil Creek SP mixed in. I don't mess with anything that doesn't have a shelter when it's snowy unless I can camp on gravel. Anyway, I hope to keep relatively active through the winter and prep for some longer hikes in the spring again.
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Post by trailnotfound on Nov 12, 2019 13:32:09 GMT -5
trailnotfound, Oh, I know all the ways in. Have been there dozens of times. Just curious how you went in. I've considered buying a one way lift ticket at the ski resort and going in that way. The above/behind Timberline option you mentioned can be one of two ways. If you have a condo or know someone who does at Timberline you can literally walk right onto Dolly Sods North. I don't have one or know anyone. The other "option" is off of A Frame Rd. I won't encourage that route since it crosses some private land - although the ownership of that land is locked up in a year's long court litagation. Speaking of condos though, my hiking buddy bought one at Snowshoe. That opens some possibilities for adventures down that way. It will largely be rented during ski season but there is snow before and after the season usually and we may use it as a base of operations. While I've got your attention, I'd love to get your input on something. I'm planning to explore the Roaring Plains this winter (I swear, I'm experienced at severe weather winter camping, despite not bringing snowshoes last time), and am looking at either Flatrock Run and Boars Nest Trails for a descent. Any strong opinions on the matter? |
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vdeal
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Post by vdeal on Nov 14, 2019 13:39:58 GMT -5
Trailnotfound, what part of winter do you plan on going? The gate on FS19 just past the Laneville cabin is closed come Jan 1st. Did you mean ascent instead of descent? If not, how do you plan to get up there. The Flatrock Run trail is not behind a closed gate so it has that going for it but it also has the greatest elevation change of any official trail in WV at around 2200'. Boar's Nest and South Prong are a bit of a walk up FS19. Take your pick. Neither is a good option in my opinion unless you're planning on multiple days and have a winter worthy shelter. In that case I would probably just take South Prong and then walk in FS70 to the pipeline.
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Post by trailnotfound on Nov 14, 2019 14:19:22 GMT -5
vdeal: I'd be likely going in early/mid January. That's when I went last year, and had a blast on a solo backpacking 2-day trip in the snow, circling from Laneville around the west up to Raven Ridge, then down through Red Creek. My plan would be to do something similar (but swapping out some new trails where possible), and then taking Rohrbaugh up to Roaring Plains and descending Flatrock or Boars Nest for a third day. I don't mind a couple miles of roadwalking if it gets me a nicer trail.
I spent years in VT and have plenty of winter experience, so don't worry about me. I'd also be likely going with another very experienced person instead of solo this time.
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vdeal
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Post by vdeal on Nov 14, 2019 15:17:02 GMT -5
trailnotfound. Okay, got it. So you would start at Laneville cabin, head up Red Creek, go somewhere from there and eventually head out Rohrbaugh Trail via Fisher Spring Run Trail. Rohrbaugh Trail comes out fairly close to the South Prong Tr. I would go in it to start with and then your call. You could go the whole way down it or go out FS70 to Boar's Nest or beyond. If there's a lot of snow the Hidden Passage will be hard to find unless you know where it's at. Boar's Nest is likely easier to follow coming down than Flatrock Plains Tr. It's been years since I've done Flatrock Plains but the last I did it the markings weren't the greatest.
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Post by va3pinner on Nov 29, 2019 22:50:04 GMT -5
trailnotfound, Oh, I know all the ways in. Have been there dozens of times. Just curious how you went in. I've considered buying a one way lift ticket at the ski resort and going in that way. The above/behind Timberline option you mentioned can be one of two ways. If you have a condo or know someone who does at Timberline you can literally walk right onto Dolly Sods North. I don't have one or know anyone. The other "option" is off of A Frame Rd. I won't encourage that route since it crosses some private land - although the ownership of that land is locked up in a year's long court litagation. Speaking of condos though, my hiking buddy bought one at Snowshoe. That opens some possibilities for adventures down that way. It will largely be rented during ski season but there is snow before and after the season usually and we may use it as a base of operations. Hey vdeal - its been a while since I've posted but I'm back. I'm sure you know Timberline is closed. I only mention this for anyone else who aren't aware of it. They went into foreclosure, but was purchased by a new owner just a couple months ago. They don't plan on opening this season (2020) but will next year. It's a nice way into the sods, especially on skis, but you'd need good snow cover for all the rocks!
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vdeal
Forum Elder
Posts: 616
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Post by vdeal on Dec 2, 2019 11:23:02 GMT -5
va3pinner, Great to see you back. Us old guys have to keep posting a bit here. :-)
I did know about Timberline and the new purchase. It's good to let others know so they don't go assuming that's an option this year. Thanks.
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hikeer
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Post by hikeer on Dec 7, 2019 12:05:44 GMT -5
My two cents: I think Red Creek to Fisher Spring to Rohrbaugh and then out South Prong to the Hidden Passage, down the pipeline and out to the point along the Rim of Long Run Canyon, then back along the rim to intersect the Roaring Plains trail, then down Flatrock Run would be a great route.
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Post by va3pinner on Dec 7, 2019 13:47:40 GMT -5
My two cents: I think Red Creek to Fisher Spring to Rohrbaugh and then out South Prong to the Hidden Passage, down the pipeline and out to the point along the Rim of Long Run Canyon, then back along the rim to intersect the Roaring Plains trail, then down Flatrock Run would be a great route. That would be a great trip! LONG one in the snow though, and might be a bit tricky on Hidden Passage In snow condtions for those who don't know the route. |
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Post by trailnotfound on Dec 7, 2019 20:24:25 GMT -5
My two cents: I think Red Creek to Fisher Spring to Rohrbaugh and then out South Prong to the Hidden Passage, down the pipeline and out to the point along the Rim of Long Run Canyon, then back along the rim to intersect the Roaring Plains trail, then down Flatrock Run would be a great route. Actually, that's just about what I had in mind, at least after doing a spin through Dolly Sods proper. And I would have gotten away with it if not for that meddling snowstorm.
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