(V-A) -- NORTH FORK MOUNTAIN AREA (p. 247-261)
Introduction (p. 248)
Shuttle service and water drops for North Fork Mountain Trail are offered by Eagle Nest Outfitters, located in Petersburg, WV. Call them at 304-257-2393 (Published in an outdoor magazine in an article by Jonathan Guessford in mid-2000) (The copy sent to this editor omitted the magazine's name.)
(V-B) -- SPRUCE KNOB AREA (p. 262-283)
Large Forest Service signs at the major trailheads now denote the Spruce Knob Unit and the Gandy Creek watershed (between the ridgeline of Allegheny Mountain and Gandy Creek) as the Seneca Creek Backcountry. There are inaccuracies in trail locations in the vicinity of Seneca Creek on Map V-B-2. I will send more details later when I get the chance to check out the situation further [Helen McGinnis, 9/26/02].
The trailhead signs along FR112 (at least between Spruce Knob and Lumberjack Trail (TR534) looked new in September, 2003. [Steve Swingenstein, xplor811@msn.com, 9/03].
Horse traffic is destroying the beauty of all the trails in the Seneca Creek watershed. (The USFS has established a horse corral on Gandy Creek River Road.) [Allen de Hart, 8/1/04]
Lumberjack Trail (TR534) (p. 271)
The statement ". . . is marked with sporadic blue blazes." should be replaced with ". . . is marked with an abundance of new, blue, plastic, diamond-shaped markers."
The trailhead on FR112 is well marked. There is parking for four cars in this area. The trailhead sign is right beside the parking area.
One established campsite is roughly 2 miles in from FR112 on your right. Another established campsite is at the junction of Lumberjack Trail and Huckleberry Trail (TR533). [Steve Swingenstein, xplor811@msn.com, 9/03].
Segment 2 of TR534 running from the intersection with Huckleberry Trail (TR533) northward to High Meadows Trail (TR564) is labeled on Map V-B-2 (p. 281) as TR564. Michael Juskelis [Michael.V.Juskelis@grace.com] believes the error to be on Map V-B-2, not the text on p. 271. If so, change the lower label "TR564" to "TR534".
Short Trail (TR562) (p. 275)
This trail has been abandoned by the USFS. [Allen de Hart, 8/1/04]
Gatewood Trail (TRI-51) (p. 275)
This trail has been abandoned by the USFS. [Allen de Hart, 8/1/04]
(V-C) -- FLATROCK PLAINS-ROARING PLAINS AREA (p. 284-293)
FR70 (p. 285)
This road is not gated and is open to the public during hunting seasons [Helen McGinnis helenmcginnis@meer.net]
Introduction (p. 286)
A large boulder does not block the old grassy jeep trail that leaves the pipeline swath where it makes an oblique turn. Rather, there is a small boulder beside the old jeep trail where it leaves the pipeline swath.
[Steve Swingenstein, xplor811@msn.com, 9/00]
Boar's Nest Trail (TR518) (p. 288)
The MNF Guide's description of the Northern (lower) terminus of the Boar's Nest Trail (TR518) (p. 288) is "15 yards into the parking area off of FR19". This has been changed. When you first turn into the parking area at the intersection actually there is a post on your right with a pair of signs. One points toward the gate and forest road beyond the parking area for South Prong Trail (TR517). The other points directly into the woods for Boar's Nest Trail (TR518) and is further marked by a double blue diamond blaze on a tree. [Michael V. Juskelis, mjuskelis@cablespeed.com 6/17/03]
Note the error on Map V-C-1 (p. 293) There are four major switch-backs and two minor switchbacks downhill from [K]. The lower crossing of South Fork of Red Creek is actually close to the mouth of the nameless side-stream near [I].[Bruce Sundquist, bsundquist1@alltel.net 8/26/04]
South Prong Trail (TR517) (p. 286)
The statement "The last 0.3mi of trail is very wet...cross-logs" is no longer true. This part has been rebuilt and graveled, with about 5 boardwalks over the wettest portions. [Helen McGinnis helenmcginnis@meer.net]
Flatrock Run Trail (TR519) (p. 303 - 304)
Access: After the second sentence add: :".. crosses under the pavement." The road sign at the intersection is actually marked as 45/1 Lanesville Road. "If you are driving from .."
Access: Replace the last two sentences: "The trail begins opposite the sign marking the driveway .. for foot travel only." With:
"Follow 32-2 until you go over a bridge. In 0.25mi on your left is a sign for the Roaring Plains Trail which is opposite the sign marking the James Jordan home. The USFS has acquired a right-of-way from Jordan for foot travel only. Park alongside the road. To get to the trailhead, backtrack to the first driveway east of the trailhead sign and proceed up it and veer left between two barns. Look for a white diamond on a stake about chest-high between two fence posts. Cross through the opening in the fence and follow the trail from there. Blue diamond blazes will appear eventually. [Brian Beard, Harrisonburg, VA 22801]
Major Revisions
Since the publication of MNF7, we have learned a lot more about the Flatrock Plains, the Roaring Plains and the Red Creek Plains and have come to recognize this general area as one of the most outstanding areas on the MNF. Please substitute the material below for the corresponding material in MNF7. Several more map keys have been added, but their locations are described literally below, so you should have no problem drawing them in on your map on p.292-293.
(V-C) -- Flatrock Plains And Roaring Plains Area
Anyone who has ever looked at a relief map of West Virginia spots this area immediately: it may be the most rugged in the entire state. The highest point (Mt. Porte Crayon -- Thunder Knob) is only 93ft lower than Spruce Knob. Broad views and scenery in this area rival almost anything else the MNF has to offer. Like Dolly Sods, it is full of red spruce, heath, and boggy areas. However it has fewer open meadows and windswept rock formations, even though it has a similar geology. Like Dolly Sods, the red spruce are getting bigger, more common, and less wind-affected. Birds that thrive in spruce environments are more in evidence. In spring they have long, shrill, yet melodious songs. They sing incessantly and seem to be communicating with birds hundreds of yards away.
The area has fewer visitors than Dolly Sods, but it has become quite popular and is growing more popular. Signs of bear are more common than in northern Dolly Sods. Since the early 1970s when this hiking guide was first written, significant transformations have occurred. Brushy areas E of the top of Allegheny Front have become oak forest; spectacular views have disappeared behind tall spruce. Red spruce are reclaiming what they once dominated completely, and vegetation is becoming dense, reflecting the rebuilding of soil. The term "Plains" is now only marginally appropriate. Mt. Porte Crayon is now so heavily vegetated as to be a real challenge to hikers. Also, its views are gone. (See below.) Thunder-struck Rock, 0.2mi to the W, is also hard to get to. But it offers a 180-degree view.
Trails described here were originally explored, mapped and described by Helen McGinnis as part of her early 1970s study that ultimately led to Congress declaring Dolly Sods a Wilderness Area. The area's ruggedness demands more hiking experience than usual. In the past decade the USFS and volunteers from hiking groups have done a lot of trail maintenance and improved the areas trails. Trails are now all signed at trailheads, and trails are marked with blue plastic diamond blazes. Major improvements occurred in early 1999 in terms of bridging or otherwise eliminating wet spots and filling in eroded trail. Topographic maps (Laneville, Onego, Harman, and Hopeville) are essential, though tread ways are obvious due to high usage.
Experienced hikers accustomed to off-trail hiking will find some of the area a delight. However some of the area now has such dense vegetation (especially spruce) that off-trail hiking is difficult or impossible. Old abandoned RR grades are common. Views worthy of particular note:
- Views from Green Knob and nearby Haystack Knob;
- Views in the vicinity where the eastern continental divide intersects the pipeline swath;.
- Views at various points along the rim of Roaring Creek Canyon (which you must hunt for, although a long-abandoned trail runs along the W rim).
- Views at numerous points along the NE rim of Long (most of which you must hunt for, although a long-abandoned trail runs along that rim).
- Views from the rim of Allegheny Front, especially from the huge meadow E of the pipeline swath.
General Description
This area encompasses 17.7sq.mi of federal land in Randolph and Pendleton counties. The largest portion is drained by the South Fork and other tributaries of Red Creek, notable Flatrock Run and Big Run, but streams in the SE part flow into Dry Fork River, Roaring Creek, Long Run and Seneca Creek. The eastern continental divide (Allegheny Front) runs through Roaring Plains and Red Creek Plains.
The high plateau that is so well-defined in the watershed of the main (N) fork of Red Creek is more eroded here, leaving Roaring-, Flatrock-, and Red Creek Plains as flat topped ridges. The steep slopes below the ridge tops are covered predominantly with northern hardwoods on the W, and with oaks on Allegheny Front above the Fore Knobs. On the high plains are dense stands of red spruce and rhododendron, thickets of mountain laurel, azaleas, small bogs, meadows, and outcrops of conglomerate with bands of rounded white pebbles. Meadows of blueberry heath with scattered azaleas, mountain laurel and red spruce are a favorite of visitors. Trillium, bleeding hearts (common) and pink lady slippers (an orchid) normally bloom in late May and the first week or so of June. Azaleas normally bloom in the first half of June. At times parts of the area have such a strong azalea fragrance as to remind one of a heavily perfumed room. Laurel bloom in the last 2-3 weeks of June. Rhododendron bloom in mid-July. A cold spring could move these dates back a week or so. Adjacent private lands include many open pastures. In terms of scenic grandeur, the Plains rival the northern Dolly Sods area and the open parts of the summit of Cabin Mountain.
A 66-foot-wide gas pipeline swath mars the wild character of Roaring- and Flatrock Plains. However the portion in the vicinity of the top of Allegheny Front offer outstanding scenery and great views. FR70, a 3.5mi-long gravel road, gated to public vehicular travel, provides access to the swath and a microwave relay station on Flatrock Plains. These facilities were built by Atlantic Seaboard Corporation under lease arrangements with the USFS.
The only recreation facilities are hiking trails and the Dolly Sods Picnic Area. Campsites tend to be small (typical capacity: 2-4 tents). The largest (and most spectacular) sites are located on:
- The pipeline swath where it crosses the top of Allegheny Front (el.4495ft);
- The large meadow just E of the pipeline swath.
- Along Roaring Plains Trail about 0.5mi before it meets Flatrock Run Trail.
The area contains 60% (4.5sq.mi) of the federally owned commercial quality timber in the Red Creek drainage. An intermediate cut is found along the lower part of the South Fork below FR19. Logging and timber-stand improvement (girdling of undesirable trees) has been carried out in the drainage of Flatrock Run. Commercial timber is also found in the watershed of Long Run, a tributary of Roaring Creek.
The area is underlain by as many as five potentially mineable coal seams the Bakerstown, Upper Freeport, Hughes Ferry (Iaeger), Sewell, and Fire Creek. With the purchase of the mineral rights to 24.3sq.mi of federal land in the Dolly Sods area, the USFS became the owner of coal under most of the 17.7sq. miles.
Although the pipeline swath and microwave tower disqualify this region as a potential Wilderness area, it is still exceptionally scenic and largely undeveloped. It deserves special management to retain these qualities. The 1986 Monongahela National Forest Land Management Plan recognized this need to some extent by establishing a 0.6sq.mi semi-primitive non-motorized area near Mt. Porte Crayon, and by classifying 12.1sq. miles for semi-primitive, non-motorized recreation.
Allegheny Front
One of the most interesting features of the area is the mountain ridge on its E edge. Allegheny Front is the eastern continental divide in this region, and is also part of the reason for the scenery and uniqueness of the Dolly Sods area and the Spruce Knob area, two of the more popular and scenic areas on the MNF. Allegheny Front is the backbone ridge of the Appalachian Mountains in W.Va. (and Pa.) and affects weather patterns in this part of the U.S. significantly. Tree species E of the Front are somewhat different from those W of the Front, reflecting the generally drier climate E of the Front. It is fascinating to approach the ridge-top from the W along the pipeline swath and watch how vegetation changes dramatically over a very short distance, from lush and dense to sparse and stunted at the ridge-top. The Front often blocks the eastward motion of clouds, resulting in more precipitation to the W of the Front than to the E.
The E portion of South Prong Trail (TR517) follows along the top of Allegheny Front, but much of this is in trees with only a few good views. The most interesting part of Allegheny Front is the 1.5mi between where TR517 drops N off the Front and where the pipeline swath crosses, in particular the large (0.4x 0.7mi) meadow (Now apparently named "Seneca Meadows") just NE of where the pipeline swath crosses the eastern continental divide at el.4495ft. The pipeline swath, from here E down to where it drops steeply off Roaring Plains [Q] , is also one of the most impressive parts of the region. Boulders beside the swath offer spectacular views of Smith Mountain and its picturesque high-mountain pastures, Seneca Rocks, practically all 24 miles of North Fork Mountain (near the E horizon), Chimney Rocks, the Spruce Knob area, Roaring Creek Valley, Fore Knobs and more. The portion of the swath near where the eastern continental divide crosses it can be camped on. Small, sheltered campsites are found adjacent to the swath. Water is usually available from the tiny stream crossing the swath, as indicated on the map.
Seneca Meadows contains grasses and blueberry heath with scattered azaleas, mountain laurel and red spruce. A grassy old jeep trail (partly blocked by a small boulder) leaves the pipeline swath right at its first bend SE of its highest point. It extends out onto the meadow and then branches. (See o o o o on the map.) Seneca Rocks is visible from points along this trail. If you bear right and go about 0.1mile you come to a spectacular overlook at Seneca Meadows SE rim. From here, even North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River is visible 3000 ft. below you -- not to mention both sets of Fore Knobs, nearly all of North Fork Mountain, Seneca Rocks, Germany Valley and 3-5 ridges E of North Fork Mountain extending into Virginia. There is probably no other view with a 3000ft drop on the MNF. About 30 yards E of the overlook along the meadow's rim is a campsite [Y] one of the most spectacular campsites on the MNF. It is big enough for about 20 people. About 50 yards further is another campsite in a grassy grove of hardwoods (no views). Further on are bogs [X] usually containing trickling water. (The water source on the pipeline swath is better -- see above.) Hours could be spent roaming around Seneca Meadows, especially in June when azaleas and mountain laurel bloom. The meadow is so large that numerous groups can camp out of earshot of each other. There are about three old trails extending from where TR517 drops off Allegheny Front to the large meadow just NE of the pipeline swath, but the average hiker would have much difficulty finding even one of them.
SOUTH PRONG TRAIL (TR517) 5.7mi (9.2km)
SCENERY: |
1 (wooded) |
NOTE: |
B,M,(3) |
DIFFICULTY: |
II (moderate) |
SKI-: |
S4 |
CONDITION: |
A (average) |
ELEV: |
4130/2950 |
MAPS: USFS(A,B), Laneville, Hopeville, V-C-1 & V-D-2 in this Guide
SEGMENTS: (1) FR19 (W) to FR70 - - - - - - - - - - - - 2.7mi
- - - - - - - - - - (2) FR70 to FR19 (E)- - - - - - - - - - - - - 3.0mi
South Prong Trail receives its name from South Fork of Red Creek, near the W part of the trail. The E half is high on Red Creek Plains, where it parallels FR70. You can make a loop by using FR19, the access route for the trail's termini. Because the E portion runs along the top of Allegheny Front (eastern continental divide) for 2.5miles, it offers a number of impressive views. The number of views has decreased over the past two decades due to growth of red spruce. Blue plastic blazes mark this well-used trail. In early 1999 the USFS constructed bridges over the wet areas along the FR19(E) end of the trail. Rutted areas were filled with pea-gravel, putting the trail into excellent condition.
Access: The E end of TR517 is at a parking area (capacity: 8 cars) on FR19 [V] (Map V-D-2) 0.4 mile SW of Dolly Sods Picnic Area, and 0.2 mile E of the FR70-FR19 intersection.
The W terminus of South Prong Trail is on FR19 [A] (Map V-C-1) 1.0 mile from the Red Creek bridge in Laneville. The parking area (capacity: 8 cars) is also the access point for Boar's Nest Trail (TR518), but these two trails begin at separate spots.
Segment 1: Starting from the W terminus [A], South Prong Trail descends from the parking lot gate on a logging road. Wade across South Fork of Red Creek. This could be difficult, dangerous or impossible in periods of high water. A good campsite is near the grade at this crossing. The trail turns left at the pilings of an old bridge over the South Fork, and switches back to climb the hill on the other side on old RR grades. (If hiking in the reverse direction, the old RR grades are more difficult to distinguish.) The trail continues uphill, re-crosses South Fork [B], and crosses FR70 [C] (FR70 continues 1.7mi N to FR19.) Since FR70 is gated to cars at FR19, hikers have the choice of getting back to FR19 by walking 1.7miles along FR70 or 3.0 miles on TR517 (the far more scenic alternative).
Segment 2: South Prong Trail E of FR70 is a scenic old trail, with blueberry patches, small bogs, hardwoods, spruce, rhododendrons, laurel, azaleas, pink lady slipper orchids and good views from conglomerate outcrops. The first 0.4 mile follows close to a small, clear stream that runs most of the year. A large grassy meadow (with nice campsites) is found along the upper reaches of this stream. A few open, boggy areas are found at the S edge of the meadow at the very top of Allegheny Front. An open corridor of boulders leading 0.5mile S along the top of Allegheny Front begins close to these boggy areas. (Note: can be hard to find, even though it begins within 20 yards of the bogs.)
The trail reenters the woods 0.1mile before reaching the top of Allegheny Front. Where the trail direction turns from SE to N atop Allegheny Front, the map shows a trail continuing E. This route is still visible to the sharp of eye. Early trail scouts (early 1970s) found an abandoned house some distance down this trail. Red spruce and laurel dominate the remainder of the trail. The best view [D] is to the NW, N and NE (even Chimney Rocks of North Fork Mountain is visible). It is 10 yards off the W side of the trail, 2.0 mile before FR19. The turnoff (usually marked by a cairn) is just before an unusually steep 30 yards descent. About 100 yards before this steep descent is an easy side-trail leading 20 yards E to a good view of North Fork Mountain. This turn-off is marked by a flat, white sand patch (10 ft diameter) on the E side of the trail. A second good overlook to the W is 1.1mile before FR19 at a large rock outcrop [E] that the trail winds through. The last 0.3 mile of trail is usually wet. These wet sections are now spanned with bridges.
BOAR'S NEST TRAIL (TR518) 2.7mi(4.3km)
SCENERY: |
1-2 (exceptional-wooded) |
NOTE: |
B,M,(2) |
DIFFICULTY: |
II (moderate) |
SKI-: |
S4 |
CONDITION : |
B (average) |
ELEV: |
4290/2950 |
MAPS: USFS(A,B), Laneville, V-C-1 in this guide
SEGMENTS: (1) FR19 to FR70 - - - - - - - - - - 2.7mi
Boar's Nest Trail gets its name from a saloon that once was nearby. Laneville residents did not want disreputable establishments within the town, forcing thirsty loggers looking for a little fun after days of hard work in back-country camps to go up or down Red Creek. (There once was a similar tavern called "Pig's Ear" near Cheat Bridge in the Shaver's Fork watershed.) This popular trail is blazed bright blue and has a well-worn tread way and so is easy to follow. In early 1999 the USFS eliminated the wetness along the S part of the trail.
Access: This trail's N terminus [G] is on the S side of FR19 right at the junction of FR19 and the entrance to a parking area 1.0mi from the Red Creek Bridge in Laneville. Signs mark the parking area. The W terminus of South Prong Trail (TR517) uses the same parking area. Capacity: 8 cars.
The S terminus [M] is on FR70, 3.0mi S of the FR70/FR19 intersection and 1.3mi S of TR517 [C] .
Segment 1: From the N terminus [G], Boar's Nest Trail descends to cross South Fork of Red Creek. Knee-deep wading in fast, cold water is usually necessary. The trail then begins its steep 1340-ft climb involving six switchbacks -- two minor ones almost immediately, and four major ones further up the mountain. The trail curves back to the left [I] above an unnamed tributary of South Fork. The trail parallels the tributary of South Fork before curving away to the left on a footpath in dense red spruce. (Follow blazes carefully.)
[ADDED NOTE: MAP V-C-1 IS WRONG. BOAR'S NEST TRAIL CROSSES SOUTH FORK OF RED CREEK JUST A FEW YARDS UPSTREAM OF WHERE THE UNNAMED TRIBUTARY ENTERS, I.E. A BIT NORTH OF [I]. THERE ARE NOW FOUR MAJOR SWITCHBACKS COMING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN. THESE ARE NOT SHOWN ON THE MAP. TWO MINOR SWITCHBACKS ARE FOUND SHORTLY BEFORE THE CROSSING OF SOUTH FORK.]
As you climb higher, the hardwood forest turns to dense rhododendron and laurel thickets with scattered spruce near the top. Near the top [K] is a spectacular view of Dolly Sods, Cabin Mountain, and Allegheny Front to the NW. Small campsites are seen occasionally between here and the S terminus of the trail. The trail is clear and easy to follow. Before reaching FR70, the trail drops steeply downhill and makes a scenic crossing of the headwaters of South Fork of Red Creek. Several small roadside campsites are found within 0.1mi NE and SW of the junction [M] along FR70. The sign at the S (FR70) terminus points 3.0mi NE to FR19, 1.5mi NE to South Prong Trail (TR517), and 0.5mi SW to Roaring Plains Trail (TR548).
ROARING PLAINS TRAIL (TR548) 3.3mi (5.3km)
SCENERY: |
1 (exceptional) |
NOTE: |
B,M,(0) |
DIFFICULTY: |
II (moderate) |
SKI-: |
S1 |
CONDITION: |
A (average) |
ELEV: |
4690/4200 |
MAPS: USFS(A,B), Laneville, V-C-1 in this Guide
SEGMENTS: (1) TR519 (Flatrock Run Trail) [U] to FR70 - - - - - - - 3.3mi
This trail passes through beautiful stands of young spruce, rhododendron thickets, azaleas, meadows and small bogs. The trail is blazed and easy to follow. Much of the pathway is rocky. In early 1999 the USFS did a lot of work to raise the E end of the trail out of the wetness and ruts using pea-gravel and logs, putting the trail into excellent condition.
Access: The E trailhead [O] is on FR70 where it meets a gas pipeline swath and turns NW along the swath. This point is 3.4mi along FR70 from its gated intersection with FR19. A large USFS sign marks this trailhead. Water is scarce all along TR548 except for the first 0.1mi, so fill canteens at the S Fork of Red Creek a few yd. NW of the E trailhead [O].
Segment 1: From the E trailhead [O] the trail leads SW through rhododendron and spruce. A small campsite (capacity: 4 tents) is 10yd. from the trailhead on the S side of the trail. Water is nearby. A less-desirable campsite is 0.2mi from the trailhead on the W side of the trail. An obvious side trail leads 20yd into the cluster of sites (capacity: 4 tents). The last sure water is 35yd to the right in the headwaters of South Fork. Ascend through dense woods. After 0.7mi reach the top of Roaring Plains [V] and nearly the top of Allegheny Front in an open area. The side trails shown as dashed lines on the map and leading SE from this area no longer exist. Turn right (W) in a flat boggy area and follow beside an old RR grade. About 0.6mi along the RR grade are two small springs [T] within 100yd of each other. A small campsite (1 tent) is nearby on the N side of the trail. These springs are your last source of water on this trail.
Continue another 1.5mi along the RR grade through largely spruce forest to a large, popular campsite [F] on the S side of the trail among large spruce. It is right where Roaring Plains Trail first comes close to the rim of Long Run. About a dozen tents could be pitched comfortably here. More tents can be pitches on the N side of the trail in what could be considered a separate campsite. Spruce needles cover the level ground of both campsites. Two overlooks offer spectacular views of wild, scenic, deep and rugged Long Run. Haystack Knob and Green Knob are seen on the S rim of Long Run. The eastern-most overlook is on a high, narrow ledge near a fire ring. An informal trail leads SE from the fire ring along the rim of Long Run for at least 0.2mi, traveling through open woods and many grassy meadows to a small campsite with spectacular views. (Water is from nearby seeps that could easily be dry.) Bits and pieces of an old trail lead all along the NE rim of Long Run and the W rim of Roaring Creek Canyon, all the way to the headwaters of Roaring Creek, not far from the pipeline swath. Spectacular views some of the most outstanding in the MNF can be seen all along this route. Campsites along the rim of Long Run are good for hearing the roaring winds for which Roaring Plains is named. A boggy area is found on the N side of the trail, just beyond the campsites. This is not a water source.
Continue W on the old RR grade for another 0.5mi, staying on top of Roaring Plains and Allegheny Front. Near the W edge of the Plains the old RR grade becomes Flatrock Run Trail (TR519) [U] . An arrow and a trail sign mark where Flatrock Run Trail begins its 2,200-ft. descent to Laneville. Along this last 0.5mi of Roaring Plains Trail one can leave the trail at many spots and walk 50-100yd N through open, rocky country to spectacular views to the N. A large rock hunter's blind close to [U] offers spectacular views of the SW portion of Dolly Sods Wilderness, Cabin Mountain, Red Creek valley and parts of Canaan Valley.
Note (1): Despite what the map suggests, no readily passable trails go from the E end of the trail ([O] or [V] ) down to Roaring Creek or Smith Mountain, except the pipeline swath.
Note (2): The area near, and S of, Mt. Porte Crayon (0.8mi W of TR519 [U]) has informal trails and rugged terrain to challenge experienced hikers.
Mt. Porte Crayon
Some visitors to the area attempt to climb Mt. Porte Crayon, about 0.8mi W of the W end [U] of Roaring Plains Trail. It is the fifth highest mountain in West Va. and was easy to climb in the early 1970s. To attempt to climb it now, continue W from [U] on an easy, grassy, informal old jeep trail (dashed line on map) for about 0.7mi to a stream-bed (upper-most reaches of the N Fork of Long Run). Climb through fairly open woods on informal trails to the top [H] of a small peak 0.5mi SE of Mt. Porte Crayon. From this partly open, grassy peak (100 ft. lower than Mt. Porte Crayon) are some views in most directions. Walk NW through semi-open woods toward Mt. Porte Crayon. The final 0.15mi are best described as advanced bushwhacking -- dense growths of young, 5-ft. spruce among a tall spruce over-story with numerous fallen, large, dead spruce that are difficult to climb over or go around. The top of Mt. Porte Crayon has no views due to tall (8-10" diameter) spruce, and is quite dark, even on sunny days. A bronze 6" USGS disk on a post with a red flag and a small clearing mark the top. Remnants of an old wood structure are adjacent. Thunder-struck Rock is as hard to get to as the top of Mt. Porte Crayon, even though it is at lower elevation. However it offers a 180-degree view of some wild and rugged country that is hard to get a glimpse of from anywhere else. Getting lost or injured on the way down in this wild, rugged country could have serious consequences.
(V-D) -- DOLLY SODS AREA (p. 294-312)
Dolly Sods Wilderness. The Forest Service is replacing the signs. The whole idea of removing the signs and blazes was a silly idea. It certainly doesn't seem to keep people out of the wilderness areas. It may actually lead to more damage. For example, the Fisher Spring Run Trail was relocated. There are no blazes or signs, so the whole area where the trail starts uphill is badly trampled. The more people wander around looking for the trail, the worse the trampling gets. If the trail were signed and blazed, people would walk through on a single trampled path. Many people in West Virginia believe that signing and trail improvement aren't allowed in wilderness areas. Not so! I can't think of a single western wilderness area where this policy prevails, and not more than one other in the East [Helen McGinnis, 9/26/02].
Big Stonecoal Trail (TR513) (p.300)
The upper end of TR513 is not straight, as suggested on Map V-D-2 on p. 310. [Michael.V.Juskelis@grace.com 6/01/04]
Red Creek Trail (TR514) (p. 301)
The map shows Red Creek Trail (TR514) (p. 301) being high up on the side of the hill at it's junction with Big Stonecoal Trail (TR513) (p. 300). In actuality both trails are down low, close to Red Creek in a lush, grassy, thinly treed area at this point. Traveling downstream, shortly below this junction, one has to scurry up a badly eroded bank to bypass a severe blowout of the creek bank and regain TR514 up on the hill. It then gradually descends back to the old RR grade trail. The "High Trail" around the blowout is fairly obvious in both directions, but for those heading downstream, the very difficult scramble up there from the streamside junction with Big Stonecoal Trail is not obvious. [Michael V. Juskelis@grace.com 9/30/03 and 6/1/04]
Little Stonecoal Trail (TR552) (p. 304)
The map shows the Little Stonecoal ford across Red Creek to be upstream from the mouth of Little Stone Coal Run. This is wrong. Both the sign and Little Stonecoal Trail (TR552) (p.304) continuation is about 30-40 yards downstream from Little Stonecoal Run. I believe the crossing is easier if you go straight across or slightly upstream from the cairn on the south side of the creek but you still have to work your way downstream after crossing to pick up the official continuation of the trail. [Michael V. Juskelis@grace.com 9/30/03]
The High Water Trail to Little Stonecoal Trail (TR552) (p.304) might be on the Guides map but it's not talked about in the text. Even though it requires bushwhacking, it would be good for the user to know about it in case they were stuck on the North side of Red Creek at Little Stonecoal Trail during high water. I can provide a description coming in from Laneville or from Little Stonecoal Trail. [Michael V. Juskelis@grace.com 9/30/03]
Rocky Point Trail (TR554) (p. 305)
The "easy" trail up to the Lion's Head in now well beaten. I missed the Cairn because a log blocked the trail and it. I think a sign at this junction might be worthwhile. It's probably better to have one well-worn route than several bushwhacks up the side. I attacked it just behind the head and had to keep dropping back and working to the left until we got behind it. Once we got to the top we could see the Cairns leading to the "Easy" trail. [Michael V. Juskelis@grace.com 9/30/03]
Dunkenbarger Run Trail (TR558) (p. 306)
TR558 is suffering from overuse. It is now muddy, rocky and rooty, though still a great trail. [Michael V. Juskelis@grace.com 6/01/04]
Wildlife Trail (TR560) (p. 306)
This trail may be abandoned by the USFS. [Allen de Hart, 8/1/04]
Dolly Sods North Map (p. 308-309)
The northern/ western boundary of the land purchased by the USFS from the Nature Conservancy in 1992 as shown in MNF6 is in error. A correction was made on the MNF7 map based on observations of the boundary markers on several backpack trips. But this boundary line is also incorrect, though less so. A map provided by the Potomac Ranger District in June of 1999 gave the correct boundary, though the map was a little vague in spots. The correct boundary runs along an old jeep road (not shown on the map in MNF7) on the ridge ("Raven Ridge") marking the south rim of the drainage of Dobbins Slashings Bog and the north rim of the drainage of Left Fork of Red Creek from Cabin Mountain to the little knob at el.4129 about 0.7 mi. E of Cabin Mountain. From there the boundary continues northeast, following fairly close to the boundary shown on the map on p.309. [Bruce Sundquist bsundquist1@alltel.net (10/01)]
Dolly Sods North Shelters
There were five little shacks in Dolly Sods North as of 6/99. The USFS has removed (or will remove) three of them and leave two remaining for use by ski-tourers. The USFS has a map showing the location of all five shelters in June of 1999 and can provide a topo map of Dolly Sods North showing the location of the two shelters that the USFS plans to leave intact. [Bruce Sundquist (10/01)]
Dolly Sods North Erosion
The USFS has eliminated (or will eliminate) the erosion gullies in the old jeep roads in Dolly Sods North and to seed the smoothed areas to native grasses. The USFS (Potomac R.D.) has a map showing the locations of the eroded old jeep trails. [Bruce Sundquist (10/01)]
