West Virginia is a state known for its natural beauty, and Chimney Top, just 2.3 miles from Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins, offers a challenging hike with some of the most rewarding views in the area.
The Hike
The hike to Chimney Top is a 5-mile out-and-back trail, typically considered challenging. The trail winds its way up North Fork Mountain through a mix of forest and open areas. Hikers can expect a steady incline throughout, with some steeper sections towards the summit. The path can be rocky and uneven in some spots, so be sure to wear proper footwear.
Despite the difficulty, the trail is well-maintained and offers stunning views along the way. For those looking for a challenge, the final ascent to Chimney Top is particularly rewarding. Here, hikers will find themselves scrambling over large rocks to reach the exposed summit.
The Payoff
Once at the top, hikers are treated to a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. The views encompass the surrounding mountains, valleys, and forests, making it a perfect spot for a picnic lunch and a photo opportunity.
Planning Your Trip
The best time to visit Chimney Top is from April to October when the weather is pleasant, and the trails are clear. While the trail is dog-friendly, be aware that some sections are steep and may be difficult for some canine companions.
The trailhead is located on Smoke Hole Road and has a small parking area that can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. An early start is recommended to secure a parking spot. There are no amenities along the trail, so be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks.
Chimney Top: A Must-Do for Adventurous Hikers
If you’re looking for a challenging hike with stunning views in West Virginia, Chimney Top should be at the top of your list. Just be sure to come prepared for the climb, and you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable experience.
Additional Tips
By following these tips, you can ensure that your hike to Chimney Top is safe and enjoyable.
We’ve rounded up the best Dolly Sods hikes that all hikers should try. Dolly Sods—also known as Dolly Sods Wilderness—resides within the Allegheny Mountains of Monongahela National Forest. The area provides phenomenal views of West Virginia’s natural landscape, making these trails perfect for West Virginia fall foliage viewing and summer adventure.
The trails listed below range in difficulty from easy to difficult and length. But most are perfect for day hikes and only require your hiking gear and a will for adventure. No matter your skill level or preferences, you’ll have no problem finding the right Dolly Sods hiking trail to enjoy!
The Top Dolly Sods Hiking TrailsDistance: 0.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Max Elevation: 4,060 feet
At just 0.7 miles, Beaver Dam Trail is one of the shortest trails in Dolly Sods Wilderness. The hike is moderately trafficked and features beautiful wildflowers. Great for all skill levels, this trail is typically used for nature trips, walking, and birding during the warmer months. The trailhead begins at the northeast corner of Monongahela National Forest, eventually connecting to Dobbin Grade Trail. Dogs can also enjoy Beaver Dam Trail, but must remain on a leash.
Distance: 1.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Max Elevation: 3,860 feet
Encompassing 1.3 miles of scenic hiking, Upper Red Creek Trail is an enjoyable, quick hike. The area is surrounded by lush forest and impeccable views of valleys and hills. Towards the north end of the hike, you’ll run into the Red Creek. This hike is great for all skill levels, with most of the hike traversing through the valley.
Distance: 1.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Max Elevation: 4,156 feet
Harman Trail is a connector between Blackbird Knob Trail and Rocky Ridge Trail. Encompassing 1.4 miles, Harman Trail is a handy loop for hikers. Attractions include rivers, creeks, and plenty of wildflowers like the mountain laurel.
Distance: 2.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Max Elevation: 4,072 feet
This easy to intermediate trail features many gorgeous plants, including wildflowers and fruit shrubs. Bear Rocks Trail is accessible year-round, making it a great hike for fall foliage viewing and summer hikes. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed. With little elevation and limited hiking hazards, this Dolly Sods hike is great for families. The trail connects with Raven Ridge Trail and Dobbin Grade Trail.
Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Elevation: 3,927 feet
This Dolly Sods hike boasts several creeks and river views, creating gentle sounds of rushing water. Breathed Mountain starts at Blackbird Knob and Big Stonecoal trailheads. The trail ends at Red Creek trail where hikers can either take Red Creek or loop back through Breathed Mountain. Dogs are allowed on Breathed Mountain Trail and do not have to be leashed.
Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Elevation: 3,990 feet
Fisher Spring Run Trail is a great option for nature viewing. The trail is mostly cool and shady, providing beautiful views of West Virginia fall foliage as the leaves change in the fall. The trail is also located near a small downhill stream and runs past small creeks and waterfalls. The trail intersects with Rohrbaugh Trail and the Red Creek.
Distance: 3.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Max Elevation: 4,156 feet
Sitting at an altitude of 3,930 feet and reaching a max elevation of 4,167 feet is the Rocky Ridge Trail within Dolly Sods Wilderness. For about 3.5 miles, hikers will follow the ridge which will provide some of the best views of the Dolly Sods Wilderness. This trail is considered easy to moderate and offers plenty of views and potential wildlife viewing. Rocky Ridge Trail connects with several other Dolly Sods hikes, including Blackbird Knob Trail and Harman Trail.
Distance: 3.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The Rohrbaugh Trailhead begins at the Dolly Sods picnic area in the southeast and winds its way north 3.6 miles towards Wildlife Trail and Fisher Spring Run. The trail features several scenic views, including beaver dams, flowing creeks, and lush meadows. Connect with either Wildlife Trail or Fisher Spring Run to extend this scenic hike. Rohrbaugh Trail is suitable for all skill levels.
Distance: 4.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Max Elevation: 3,902 feet
Big Stonecoal trail traverses 4.3 miles through thick forest, flowing springs, and other natural formations along the south end of Dolly Sods Wilderness. The trail follows Stonecoal Run for a large portion of the hike until it empties into Red Creek. This trail is suited for skilled hikers, with a higher difficulty than other Dolly Sods hikes. Dogs are allowed on Big Stonecoal Trail and don’t have to be leashed.
Distance: 4.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Elevation: 4,067 feet
This longer hike boasts stops by some of Dolly Sods’ major attractions, including waterfalls, swimming holes, and beautiful vistas of the valleys and highlands. The trail features a little of everything. If you begin your hike from the east trailhead, you’ll eventually connect with the Rocky Ridge Trail. The west trailhead connects with Big Stonecoal and Breathed Mountain trailhead. Dogs are allowed on Blackbird Knob Trail but must be leashed.
Red Creek TrailDistance: 6.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Max Elevation: 3,845 feet
Encompassing 6.4 miles from Red Creek trailhead to Blackbird Knob, Red Creek Trail is by the far the longest hike in Dolly Sods. Red Creek Trail boasts several scenic wonders, including waterfalls, flowing creeks, valleys, and more. Several other trails connect with Red Creek, including Big Stonecoal and Breathed Mountain. After 6.4 miles, Red Creek Trail connects with Blackbird Knob Trail. Due to the length of the trail and some difficult climbs, Red Creek Trail is cited as an intermediate to hard hike. Dogs can also use the trail but must be leashed.
The Dolly Sods Loop is about 23 miles, and how long it takes to hike that distance depends on the hiker, weather conditions, and other factors. Dolly Sods Wilderness is home to over 40 miles of hiking trails, with a range of individual hikes that take anywhere from half an hour to a few days to complete.
The best loop in Dolly Sods is up to you! The most popular loops in Dolly Sods are Bear Rocks and Lions Head Loop and the Rocky Knob Loop.
Dolly Sods Wilderness in West Virginia is home to unique bog and heath ecotypes that are typical of areas much farther north than the Mountain State. The stunted red spruces, natural cranberry bogs and huckleberry fields, and sphagnum bogs that characterize Dolly Sods aren’t found elsewhere in the US, and are more common in southern Canada.
There are absolutely bears in Dolly Sods Wilderness. They are typically shy and fearful of humans, but visitors to Dolly Sods should take all recommended precautions against bears, like carrying bear spray, locking food in an approved container, and staying vigilant while outdoors.
Dolly Sods, or Dolly Sods Wilderness, is home to a unique ecosystem of bog and heath, rocky plains, and gorgeous vistas at elevations ranging from 2,500 to over 4,000 feet. Here, travelers will find several day hike trails that wind through unique plant communities and offer incredible mountain views.
Petersburg, West Virginia is the closest town to Dolly Sods. Petersburg is also just 10 miles from Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins.
Seneca Rocks is a haven for outdoor adventure that includes hiking, biking, and rock climbing. All these trails are in or near Seneca Rocks, with some trails extending to the Smoke Hole region and Spruce Knob Wilderness of West Virginia. Each trail is rated by difficulty, making it easier for you to decide which hike is right for you.
With Seneca Rocks just a short drive from our West Virginia cabin rentals, guests will find plenty of opportunities for hiking and adventure.
Read on to find the best Seneca Rocks hiking trails near Harman’s Log Cabins:
Enjoy the sights without too much strain on these easy Seneca Rocks hiking trails.
Distance: 1.3 miles (2.6 miles round trip)
The Seneca Rocks Hiking Trail rises to nearly 700 feet in elevation. An observation platform near the top of Seneca Rocks can be reached via the trail and provides a scenic overlook of the area. Although steep, the trail is typically categorized as easy so all ages can enjoy this quick hike. Seneca Rocks also offers some of the best rock climbing West Virginia has to offer.
Looking for more of a challenge? Check out these intermediate hiking trails in Seneca Rocks.
Distance: 2 miles out and back
Located northeast of Seneca Rocks, Redman Trail is typically categorized as an intermediate in hiking difficulty and is a relatively short hike at just 2 miles. The trail is an out and back and is regularly used for walking, bird watching, and hiking. Redman Trail provides serene views of the lush forest in the Smoke Hole region and reaches over 600 feet in elevation.
Stay at our cabins near Smoke Hole, WV to be near the best hiking in the state!
Distance: 6 miles out and back
Ascending to over 1,000 feet in elevation, the Huckleberry Trail takes hikers from Seneca Creek to the summit of Spruce Knob. Huckleberry Trail winds through small clearings and forests and eventually reaches a ridge. The ridge is where hikers will find amazing vista views of Spruce Knob. This trail is rated as an intermediate hike. GPS can have a hard time with this area – download or print your map beforehand.
Distance: 5 miles out and back
Located near Cabins, West Virginia and Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins, the Chimney Top trail is a hidden gem in West Virginia. Hikers will ascend nearly 2,000 feet before they’re presented with fabulous views and several overlooks that include the North Fork of the Potomac River. This trail is classified as intermediate because of its steep climb. Chimney Top trail is part of the northern portion of the North Fork Mountain Trail.
Distance: 12.3 miles out and back
Red Creek Trail takes hikers through lush forest and along Red Creek near Davis, West Virginia. The trail begins in Dolly Sods Wilderness in Laneville, West Virginia just west of Seneca Rocks. The trail features several campsites, many closer to the trailhead. The trail is rated from intermediate to advanced, with the trail climbing to nearly 1,400 feet. Hikers will eventually cross the stream and several other trails.
Stay at our cabins near Dolly Sods!
Distance: 5 miles out and back
Located in the Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, the cabins near Dolly Sods is one of the most traveled trails in the area. Seneca Creek Trail offers plenty of scenery including flowing waterfalls, streams, and swimming holes. Hikers will traverse through lush meadows and groves that boast a plethora of beautiful plant life. The trail is hiker and mountain bike friendly for its flat paths. The trail also has several creek crossings.
Challenge yourself with these advanced hiking trails in Seneca Rocks!
Distance: 24 miles out and back
A challenging yet rewarding trail, the North Fork Mountain Trail is well-known for near-countless overlooks that provide amazing vista views of Monongahela National Forest. The trail winds its way to nearly 3,000 feet in elevation along the North Fork Mountain. Not for the faint of heart, this trail is classified as advanced in hiking difficulty.
Take in the gorgeous views and challenge your hiking skills during your next trip to Seneca Rocks. Find answers to frequently asked questions from hikers like you below!
It takes most people almost two hours to hike the Seneca Rocks Trail, with variations depending on skill level and how many times you stop to see the sights, watch wildlife, or take photos.
Climbers of all abilities can enjoy Seneca Rocks! There are over 375 mapped climbing routes in Seneca Rocks, with varying degrees of difficulty from the easiest (5.0) to the most challenging (5.12).
You can see Seneca Rocks without hiking – you can enjoy the views from the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center.
Find more hiking trails near Seneca Rocks and other things to do in the West Virginia mountains.
