Dolly Sods Wilderness Loop

The Dolly Sods Wilderness Loop traverses one of the most unique landscapes in the eastern United States—a high-altitude plateau with bogs, heath barrens, wind-sculpted trees, and rocky outcrops reminiscent of Canadian landscapes. The trail passes through diverse habitats including spruce forests, open meadows, and sphagnum bogs while crossing numerous streams. The wilderness was heavily logged and burned in the early 1900s, and the recovering landscape has developed into something entirely different from the original spruce forest. Wildlife includes snowshoe hare, beaver, and numerous bird species. Navigation can be challenging in fog, and hikers should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.