Not far from the DC/Baltimore area, the Dolly Sods plateau in West Virginia offers a unique landscape unlike anything else found in the central Applications. Dolly Sods is a rocky, high-altitude plateau with sweeping vistas and lifeforms normally found much farther north in Canada. To the north, the distinctive landscape of "the Sods" is characterized by stunted ("flagged") trees, wind-carved boulders, heath barrens, grassy meadows created in the last century by logging and fires, and sphagnum bogs that are much older. To the south, a dense cove forest occupies the branched canyon excavated by the North Fork of Red Creek.

Day 1)   Meet at a drive-in campsite (you’ll have access to your vehicle) where we’ll get familiar with the surroundings, equipment, and have a light dinner with new friends. With access to all the supplies, we’ll practice setting up/breaking down camp so we’re prepared for a backcountry stay the second night.

Day 2) Hike out and explore a little deeper into the forest. Walking through streams, hearing the wind through the trees, we’ll practice sensory immersion exercises along the route. Returning to base camp after a day hike, we’ll prepare our packs to head back out to the backcountry for the evening.

Day 3) Hike back to the start on the morning of day 3, and close around noon.