Best Time to Visit Dolly Sods

wvlcheadless on 2023-07-24

The best time to visit Dolly Sods depends on what you want from your trip to West Virginia. Summer sees the most open roads and best weather conditions, spring’s wildflowers are an unforgettable sight, fall brings vibrant foliage, and winter turns the park into an adventurous wonderland for those who want a challenge.

Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins are located nearby, with one, two, three, and four-bedroom West Virginia cabin rentals available for your Mountain State vacation – no matter what time of year.

Read on for details about the best time to visit Dolly Sods! 

Dolly Sods Wilderness In West Virginia, USA.Visit Dolly Sods in the Summer

If you visit Dolly Sods in the summer, you can expect mid-70s (Fahrenheit) in the daytime with nighttime temperatures dipping to the high 40s. Because of the higher elevation of Dolly Sods, this is quite a bit cooler than the surrounding areas. There are between 10 and 12 rain days monthly during the summer in Dolly Sods.

Some of Dolly Sods best hikes include the Beaver Dam Trail, Bear Rocks Trail, Red Creek Trail, or the Dolly Sods loop of 22.5 miles. The Bear Rocks Preserve is easily accessible by car in the summer months, with gorgeous views just a short walk from the parking lot. Visitors to Dolly Sods in the summer also partake in birding and flower spotting from the trails. 

You can save up to 15% when you book a one-bedroom cabin with a private hot tub at our cabins near Dolly Sods this summer.

Red Creek river flowing water above view in Dolly Sods, West Virginia with colorful autumn fall leaf colors tree foliage at Canaan valley Appalachian mountains.Visit Dolly Sods in the Fall

Visit Dolly Sods in the fall for crisp temperatures and bright autumn foliage. Temperatures range from the high 60s during the day to chilly mid 30s at night. There are between 9 and 11 rain days monthly during the fall in Dolly Sods Wilderness. The best fall foliage views in Dolly Sods happen during the fall, with late September to early October cited as the typical “peak” time for the colorful hues.

The stream at Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins is stocked Labor Day weekend, securing amazing West Virginia trophy trout fishing for those who visit during the fall. Access to this stream is exclusive for guests at Harman’s. Professional fly fishing guides are available when requested in advance. 

The Bear Rocks Trail, an easy to moderate 2.4-mile hike, is a great activity for those who visit Dolly Sods in the fall. The trail is accessible during the fall and has little elevation change, making it an ideal hike for leaf peepers who want to focus on the views. Spruce Knob, West Virginia’s highest peak, offers unforgettable 360-degree views from an observational tower that allow guests to take in the beautiful fall foliage in its entirety. 

Dolly Sods Scenic Area after fresh snow, West Virginia.Visit Dolly Sods in the Winter

Adventurers who visit Dolly Sods in the winter should come prepared for highs in the low 30s and nighttime temperatures in the teens. Dolly Sods averages between 11 and 13 snow days monthly during the winter months, and many hiking trails are unmaintained due to the heavy snow. The Red Creek Trail remains open and is a great hike in Dolly Sods in the winter. 

Fishing is great at Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins in the winter, with the trout stream stocked regularly. Access to this portion of the North Fork River is restricted to guests of Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins and permit holders, giving you near-private access to some of the best trophy trout fishing in West Virginia. 

If you visit Dolly Sods in the winter, a stay at Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins gives you access to Canaan Valley for skiing, tubing, and sledding through the snow. Spend all day on the slopes and retire to your cozy cabin for a night by the fire! 

Mountain Laurel wildflower at Dolly Sods in West Virginia.Visit Dolly Sods in the Spring

When you visit Dolly Sods in the spring, expect temperatures from the mid-60s during the day to chilly nights dipping down to the low 20s. Dolly Sods averages about 12 rain days monthly during the spring, bringing pops of color to the landscape in the form of wildflowers. 

Ride through the beautiful trails on horseback for a new perspective – you can even book a sunset horseback ride, taking you to a gorgeous overlook for sunset views of the wilderness around you. 

See the color return to the landscape from above on a thrilling zipline ride on the North Fork Valley Canopy Tour, just a short distance from Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins. Spring is also a great time to see the area’s waterfalls as the season’s snowmelt brings the streams and falls to their highest water levels. 

Dolly Sods Wilderness in Monongahela National Forest is home to captivating experiences all year long, with each season offering special attractions. Come for awesome weather and hiking in the summer, watch the leaves change in fall, sledding and skiing in the winter, or see the return of wildflowers and the height of waterfall season in spring.

No matter what the season, Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins provide a convenient and comfortable homebase while you explore Dolly Sods. 

What to See in West Virginia

wvlcheadless on 2023-06-21

Vacationers wondering what to see in West Virginia are in luck when traveling to this charming state. West Virginia offers awe-inspiring landscapes, rich history and culture, and warm hospitality.

From majestic mountains and pristine rivers to waterfalls and cultural landmarks, West Virginia is a remarkable destination worth exploring.

Here’s what to see in West Virginia near Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins!

 

Seneca Rocks

Seneca Rocks in West Virginia.About 13 minutes from Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins

Visit the iconic Seneca Rocks, a popular rock formation that towers over the terrain. This is a hot spot for rock climbers and hikers, with trails that range from casual strolls to backpack-required treks. Choose your own adventure depending on what works for your family! 

 

Smoke Hole Caverns

Inside of Smoke Hole Caverns in West Virginia.About 3 minutes from Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins

Explore the underground wonders of Smoke Hole Caverns, a sprawling network of limestone caves that feature stunning rock formations. All tours through the caverns are guided, and provide geological history about the region in addition to taking you deep beneath the West Virginia landscape. 

 

Blackwater Falls State Park

Blackwater Falls in West Virginia.About 50 minutes from Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins

Named for the almost 60-foot waterfall in the park, Blackwater Falls State Park showcases the breathtaking beauty of the Allegheny Mountains. Visitors can bike, hike, take in the sights, and more at Blackwater Falls State Park, which got its name from the tannins from hemlock and red spruce needles tinting the water a deep amber color.

Blackwater Falls is included in our West Virginia waterfalls road trip.

 

Dolly Sods Wilderness

Sunset view over Dolly Sods, West Virginia.About 45 minutes from Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins

Nearly 18,000 acres of green space makes up Dolly Sods Wilderness, part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. The flora generally resembles that of Canada: flowering laurel, rhododendron, and azaleas. During the mid-summer months, Dolly Sods Wilderness is a great place to pick blueberries and huckleberries with the family. 

 

Canaan Valley Resort State Park

things to do near petersburg west virginiaAbout 37 minutes from Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins

Enjoy the scenic beauty of Canaan Valley and the surrounding mountains. With trails that range from easy strolls to stream-crossing adventures, Canaan Valley offers many overlooks throughout the park perfect for wildlife viewing, taking photos, or just enjoying the scenery. 

 

Green Bank Observatory 

A giant satellite tower at the National Radio Observatory in West Virginia.About 1 hour from Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins

Though the observatory looks out of place among the green landscape, it is home to a telescope that is used to study our solar system and a wealth of information that can be fun to learn. Guests at Green Bank Observatory can take guided tours, self-guided tours, or explore the observatory’s miles of trails. 

 

Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks 

Aerial view of Spruce Knob, West Virginia.About 14 minutes from Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins

Take in the 10,000 acre wonder that is Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, the first of its kind to be designated in the USDA Forest Service. See the highest peak in West Virginia, try out some of the best rock climbing on the east coast, and revel in the gorgeous scenery.  

 

North Fork Valley Canopy 

west virginia zipliningAbout 27 minutes from Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins

This thrilling zip line tour takes you through the North Fork Valley’s beautiful canopy, clocking nearly a mile of “zip time” up to 80 feet off of the forest floor. More than a resort add-on or tourist attraction, the North Fork Valley Canopy Tour was created with exploration in mind, giving guests ample time to take in the sights around them and explore the terrain in a new way. 

 

Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

Potomac Eagle train cars in West Virginia.About 1 hour from Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins

All aboard the best sightseeing tour in West Virginia: the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad. Guests can choose from expeditions anywhere between 1.5 and 12 hour trips, traveling by train through remote Trough Canyon, Petersburg, Green Spring, and select other areas. The Trough Canyon trip is the line’s most popular destination to see bald eagles! 

 

Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge

kids climbing over treeAbout 46 minutes from Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins

Nearly 17,000 acres of undeveloped green space makes up Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. See a rare collection of flora and fauna usually found in higher elevations in northern latitudes in this ecosystem of wetland, forested, and successional habitats.

West Virginia’s beauty knows no bounds, with a plethora of sights to see and places to explore. Let the unparalleled beauty and tranquility of West Virginia make your next vacation exactly the trip you need.

You’ll discover the best views of the West Virginia wilderness from the outdoor deck of our West Virginia cabin rentals. Choose from our vacation packages to jumpstart your West Virginia getaway!