Backpacking the Dolly Sods Wilderness - Three Day Adventure - The Classic Loop
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- Опубліковано 15 жов 2024
- A three day backpacking adventure in the 17,000 acre Dolly Sods Wilderness of West Virginia. The Dolly Sods is a high plateau within the Monongahela National Forest that features diverse landscapes including wind swept plains heath bogs, spruce forests and is similar in character to regions of eastern Canada. Forty seven miles of trails crisscross the Sods making it a paradise for backpacking and exploring. On this unforgettable journey, I teamed up with fellow youtubers @mountainsintomemories @MaksimOutdoors @dayhikedave for a comprehensive 24 mile loop hike into the wilderness that featured, stunning views, waterfalls, beautiful forests, sandstone boulders, and some of the most impressive open country and scenery I have yet experienced. The hike was challenging but immensely rewarding. The weather in the Sods is notoriously unpredictable - freezing temperatures can occur at any time of the year - as the wilderness sits on the highest plateau in the Eastern United States. Our journey started in heavy fog with temps in the 30s and finished with clear blue skies and temps in the 70s. In between, we encountered rain, crossed through the Red Creek twice, bushwacked to unforgettable views from the Lions Head vista, and found one of the most incredible back country campsites one can imagine - camp "nirvana". This film documents our journey - the ups and downs - over the course of three days and two nights that will stick with me forever. I am tremendously proud of my hiking partners - Ryan, Rachel, Bill, and Dave - for your tenacity, strength, and perseverance on this hike that challenged and tested all of us and grateful for the memories and bond created that will last forever... I hope you enjoy the film as much as I enjoyed creating it. #natureadventurediscovery
To help support my work as a creator please check out my Patreon page...
patreon.com/WALTERZOLNANATUREADVRNTUREREDISCOVERY
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/ @maksimoutdoors
/ @dayhikedave
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Filmed with GoPro Hero 11 5.3K 24 fps
Music by Epidemic Sound
www.epidemicso...
One for the ages. Maybe your best production to date. Still not sure why you aren't working for National Geographic or the like. You are a true master and great human. Keep on adventuring and making great content. Looking forward to our next adventure together. God Bless you my friend. 👍🙂🙏🌲🏕
Dave, as I type this I am sitting on the banks of Kettle Creek as the sun is setting. So peaceful here, just what I needed. Working and also relaxing, lol, on my next project, a week long road trip through the PA Wilds. We conquered the Sods brother, and you inspired me with your " true grit". I like that term and the movie. One either has it or doesn't, and you my friend have it. A great memory we can always look back on, I hope there will be many more...
@@WALTERZOLNA Well put!
I concur with that comment on the very professional yet kind way these are filmed, narrated, and produced.
Keep up the great work Walter!
I believe you’ve outdone yourself once again here. I can’t imagine the effort that went into this 45 minutes of awesomeness. Some really incredible shots! I definitely felt like we were back on the trail once more, you really captured all this so well.
Thanks again for joining us on this adventure, I really enjoyed it. It was hard at times, but so very rewarding. I don’t think we’ll ever forget it.
Hey brother you made this happen. When you first contacted me about doing the Sods it lit a fire inside me. Over 10 years I had desired to do this loop and you and Rachel made the dream come alive. What nobody will ever know is how close I was to bailing on this trip. I had the phone in my hand ready to say I can't do it, I was in so much pain. And even through the whole trip I struggled, but the beauty of the Sods and the connection with my hiking partners and the bond that we forged pushed us through. I do have one regret. I wish I would have done a much better job of documenting the interaction and the community aspect of the hike. I failed to adequately represent you and Rachel, and Bill, and Dave in the video. I'm always so focused on the nature, scenery, and feel of the place, sometimes I forget the people. We all have our style, and mine is based on the foundation of solo hiking, it's an area I need to improve on. Well I'm sitting by Kettle Creek in Cross fork, loving life and a few beers... so enough about that, lol. It was a great one my friend, an experience we will always have to look back on ...
@@WALTERZOLNA I definitely was worried when you told me about getting hurt. Backpacking is hard enough without being injured. Not only did you push through, but you helped motivate all of us to push through.
I’ll be honest, I’m not that great at showcasing others that are with me either. It’s not an easy thing. There were so many times I was wishing I had a camera rolling. It was even harder in this instance, being worried about batteries and such.
See you soon!
I grew up with my dad taking me to Dolly Sods, and now I take my own children there to develop their own connection with the special land. This video is long enough to make me feel like I'm there when I can't be. You hit a lot of my favorite spots and views.
@@NDB-w1i it's a special place to alot of people.... Thanks for taking the time to leave your comment and share your story.
Incredible video Walt, simple as that. Enjoyed reliving this adventure once again with everyone it’s one that I won’t be forgetting. You really captured the hardships and highlights of the trip, everything from crossing Red Creek to Camp Nirvana. Looking forward to the next one, bring on Pinchot.
It was great to meet and hike with you Bill. I recognize and appreciate the attention to detail you showed and your desire to film and capture every aspect of the experience. One thing I regret was not doing a better job of engaging with you, and Rachel, Ryan, and Dave on film and incorporating you all more into my video. I focus so much on capturing the beauty and the essence of the place, I need to be more cognizant of recording the human interactions that occur out there on the trail. I have a certain style that has been developed and refined over time based on me being almost exclusively a solo hiker, hiking in a group is quite the different dynamic. Can't wait to see your version of the trip ...
Beautiful scenery! Fantastic production! Oh, and I'm glad the old guy was able to keep up. He sure was a tired and hurting pup when he came home.🤕
Dave is such an inspiration, im so proud of the way he pushed through and finished the hike. I really value and appreciate the times I have been able to hike and go adventuring with him. Is this Mrs Dayhike Dave?
@@WALTERZOLNA haha, well I guess you could say that.
Content like yours is why I love and appreciate the longer videos on YT!
Long form is good as long as you have enough material to work with and the shots have purpose and advance the story. I think I probably could have trimmed about 5-7 more minutes off this one if I had more time to work on it. But its on to the next project!
This was absolutely wonderful to watch! I really enjoyed the scenery of the different landscapes, and being able to see spring start to show off was great! The waterfalls are a favorite! This was a great experience you all had. 😊
I was really surprised by how many waterfalls we saw. By my estimate at least 8 - 10. Of course not all waterfalls are equal and I love the smaller ones just as much as the more grand ones, but for a place noted specifically for it's open plains and expanses, I was really impressed with the diversity of the landscape and amount of falls. And I know for a fact we missed several of them along the way based on my research, but hey there is always next time!
If this doesn’t light a fire within you to get into the outdoors you’re dead inside. I’m currently lacking adequate words to describe what you’ve done here, the raw feelings it’s stirred within my outdoor soul, and the extraordinary effort that went into creating this piece of visual magic. It’s been inspiring to watch this, Dave’s beautiful series, and I’m eagerly anticipating the forthcoming videos from Bill, Ryan, and Rachel too. This is peak outdoor art brother and I’m in awe of what you’ve delivered to the viewers of the channel from a truly special trip with a truly special group of outdoorsman and outdoorswoman. It’s been an honor to watch you grow in your craft, explore some of the best places the East Coast has to offer over the years, having been a part of the channel, and calling you friend. Keep going man!
Once again Cole, your words are hard to follow up on. Backpacking is challenging to say the least, filming on top of that is not easy. This was an exhaustive edit... On the ride home I was sore, and dirty, and tired and I was saying to myself no way am I doing this again. Then by About 48 hours later I was looking at possible future trips, lol. Nature calls to me, what can I say... Thanks for your amazing commentary and support Cole!
That was just incredible. Beautiful scenery, inspiring music, just fantastic. Thanks for taking us along.
My pleasure Kathy, I appreciate your coming along, and I really appreciate your helping to make trips like this possible. Thank you sincerely...
This was awesome! Really enjoyed seeing all of you together experiencing this trail. You captured so many beautiful shots and scenery, but I also liked how you kept in the challenges of the trail too. I think you really captured how special this place looks and what the experience is like to backpack in a place like this.
For all the beauty of the trail and hike, yes there were many challenges and we all had our struggles. The fact that we hung in there and pushed through is a credit to my hiking partners and made the experience that much more gratifying and memorable...
Yess!!! I'm losing my mind just in the intro! Wow!
I spent 9 hours on that intro . I still think there were prob like 2 shots I could of changed up but I had to say enough is enough. That was only 90 seconds, I still had 40 more minutes to get through!
Amazing videos, you have missed your calling! You could do this professionally, great job!
Wow, thanks for that. That would be a dream come true!
BIG Congrats on topping 5000 SUBS!! This was great! It's fun to see you all together. I love the camping, too. Gorgeous episode!! Can't wait to see everybody next week! Thanks for all you do, Walter. Peace & Prayers.
Next week ... I think it's going to be even bigger than last year for sure! Can't wait to catch up, and thanks for the congrats, it feels surreal....
Thank you for sharing another spectacular journey with us. We appreciate all the time you put in to bring us this incredible video. It was a special treat to see friends sharing the adventure together and looking out for one another. I can see the landscape changes were a huge challenge. All of you should be very proud of yourselves.
Thanks so much for those kind words. There were a few dicey moments, especially on day two but we hung in there. I even recorded a few takes talking about how we might have to take a short cut or bail on the full loop but those never made it into the film because everyone toughed it out and we made it through. Thank you sincerely for your kindness, and for your support it means more to me then you can imagine. Already working on the next project!
I’ve been there it’s a cool place near Canaan Valley and Davis wv also cool video ❤
❤😮wow 5k!!!😊🎉❤
Yup West Virginia is awesome, very underrated place. Incredible mountain beauty...
@@debbiehills2928it's surreal to me. I still work just as hard and appreciate every single one as I did when I only had a few dozen...
Thanks!
God bless you Heidi, thanks for that. I appreciate the support so much, you have no idea!!!
Fantastic video. Thanks for sharing. 👍66
Appreciate that my friend thank you!
Great video Walter! You did an awesome job of capturing the grandeur of this loop. Keep up the great work 👍👍
Thanks man I really appreciate that coming from you. Your video definitely inspired me, I have watched it about 6 times by now. And thanks for helping me in my planning and research as well.
Wow, outstanding. So, far, the reward for the best video on your channel goes to Dolly Sods.
The best way to experience nature is on foot. John Muir
Thanks Quiet John. I did put a heck of a lot of effort into this video, I appreciate the compliment. I will say that having to work for every view and vista by walking to it, does make you appreciate it that much more....
I waited until I had enough free time to watch this in one sitting. You never disappoint and you always exceed expectations. It was definitely worth waiting to watch this in its entirety. Thank you for all that you do.
I really do appreciate that man, this was a massive undertaking for me. The planning, the hike itself, the filming, then putting it all together.... It means a lot to me knowing my efforts are noticed and appreciated, thanks Kevin.
Beautiful view from Lion's Head 26:05.
That view is awesome, better than I had expected even. I am so glad we took the time to check it out, 100 percent worth it!
Dolly Sods is my FAVORITE place. I went there for the first time 32 years ago, but didn't get back again until 3 years ago. I spent a week backpacking Dolly Sods by myself and had the most wonderful time. The birds singing down beside Red Creek were more melodious than anywhere else I have camped since. I gave them a standing ovation, it was so wonderful. The water will clog your filter quick, so I recommend flushing it clean after every use. Stone Coal is the hardest trail, I think. Better to go down the trails on the west side to Red Creek and up on the trails heading east - to the top, I think. Avoid Dobbin Grade entirely! It is a swamp. I wish Dolly Sods was closer to where I live. My substitute for Dolly Sods has been Michaux State Forest in Pennsylvania. But really, there is no substitute. I miss Dolly.
I had always planned to do the Sods solo, and just spend 5-6 days just moving about at a very leisurely pace. But the opportunity presented itself to do this trip with this wonderful bunch of folks and I am glad that I did. I agree it is a one of a kind place...
Quite the adventure Walter!!! Lion's Head...WOWOWOWOW!!!! The Sods is now on the bucket list. As always, outstanding production, can't imagine the time you put into your video clips and the huge editting effort. Thank you. Last but not least, a pleasure chatting with you this weekend at the meetup. Take care.
Nice meeting you as well Griz. I think the Dolly Sods video was my single longest and most detailed project to date, so yes it was a heck of an effort to complete. If you ever get a chance to see the Sods you should it's a very special place.
Your photography is incredible. Makes me want to walk beside you.😇
Well thanks for that so much. Hopefully you get a bit of the feeling of being there when you watch the video!
Such a pleasurable experience to watch what you create with your videos! The “Sods” are such a treasure. I have to get back down there!
Thanks for that Jeff. I look at the hike as half of the project, the filming and editing and finished product the other. Yeah the Sods rock!
Years ago my dad and I would frequently hike Dolly Sods. That would have been before cell phones and GPS. Strictly map and compass. The Red Creek Valley was an absolute amazing place before the flood of 1985 (I think, sorry time flies). I still have a camp just to the north at Mt Storm lake. The Sods have always been an Amazing place. Thank You for bringing back the memories!!
I was really impressed at how the landscape changed around every bend. Working through there with map and compass must have been a whole different level of challenge, wow... I love that part of West Virginia, so much beautiful scenery and things to see and do... Great the video brought back some memories...
I finally found the appropriate time to watch from your perspective, and I was not disappointed! I felt like I was experiencing the jubilation and trials along with you. From the natural setting to the camaraderie, I am inspired by you all! The "Nirvana Camp" could be on a West Virginia tourism guide. Beautiful! Thank you for taking us along, and your efforts are highly appreciated! #payoutubersunited
The two ladies who I mentioned and just briefly showed at Lions Head, were the ones who called that camp "Nirvana camp". They had passed by it earlier in the day and implored us not to settle for a lesser camp until we reached that one lol .I wish I would have filmed more there but I was too tired.
❤just awesome! What a view from lions head! Thank you for sharing!!!😊❤
❤🎉😊always love your music choices!!!❤
I'm so glad we didn't skip over Lions Head. I would have loved to been there near sunset.
Thank you.
Thank You my friend. I'm so happy folks are interested in watching these videos it truly makes me happy...
20:02 Thats right, Walter go straight through that stream! It was great to watch you on a multi-day trip, I always enjoy watching the struggle of a hike. Especially with a group that big to keep everyone up to pace. I got to visit the Sods years ago only once and it's definitely a magical place. Great campsites! I always enjoy your music selection and choice of its placement! Great job all around!
I kind of felt bad because I knew that was the only way across but I don't think the others had any idea. Every trip I have been on - which is only a handful - has had a full range of emotions and experiences. Highs and lows literally and figuratively. Moments of sheer joy, excitement, and wonder, and moments of absolute fatigue, struggle, and regret. Maybe that's what is so compelling about backpacking - the full range of emotions and experiences when you push yourself to get out there . Appreciate the comments coming from such an accomplished back packer and filmmaker as yourself.
Looks like an epic adventure.
It sure was...🙂
I finally got around to watching this video. OMG! this was done so well, my friend. As I was watching, I couldn't help thinking that should be seen on the big screen. Keep doing what you're doing...you have a gift!
I put alot of work into this one, I will admit that. The whole experience from the research and planning, to the traveling, hiking, and filming, then finally the edit and putting it all together, was probably my biggest project thus far. I appreciate your watching, comments, and support, thank you .
Not much to say other then truly an outstanding adventurer. What a time your group have shared
Barry, I am very grateful for the experience and having been able to share it with such fine folks. We are creating a community here on UA-cam. A network of individuals who love nature and the outdoors, and I really enjoy hearing everyone's opinion, voice, and perspective. Thanks for being a part of this community brother...
Looked like am amazing area. Your videos are always incredible. Thanks Walter.
Thank you brother, for watching, for your comments, and for your support. I am touched by your kindness. Already working on my next project! 👍
Wow wow wow! I just watched this on the big TV with Gen. I think you outdid yourself with this one. I know I’ve said this before but it just shows constant improvement. It was really good. Like watching a movie. Awesome cinematography and great documentation. Well done. 👍
Thanks Craig I really appreciate that. It was quite a trip we had. I'm always trying to get better with the videos so it's really nice to hear that!
Great trip you did an awesome job capturing the area. I need to make it back to Dolly Sods to explore more of the area.
The Sods are amazing and unique that is for sure. It's the kind of place you want to return to... It was a great experience.
Is the best thing I’ve seen
Appreciate that, thanks so much, it's beautiful country out there ...
It's fun to watch videos shot on the same trip from different content creators. I enjoyed seeing your perspective of one of my favorite areas in West Virginia. Well done!
Thank you my friend. I agree it is interesting to see different takes and styles from different creators. I think it shows alot about ones personality in how they present there content, and I have always been fascinated by these nuances as well. Love those Dolly Sods!
Excellent Dolly Sods Wilderness video... coming from someone who has made a least 30 WV backpacking videos. I love your GoPro videography, narration and musical choices. I have backpacked the Sods at least 25 times in the last 6 years. Looking forward to more of your channel.
Wow that is alot of videos from West Virginia, I will check out your channel, thanks for watching and the kind comments...
Some of the shots were epic.Love the fog moving in and the vast landscape. The waterfalls specifically the slide shots ,excellent! Also was digging the music selection.Thank you for taking your time to produce these masterpieces and bringing them to us
The fog was a perfect accent to the film, I really enjoyed experiencing that. I'm glad you were able to see this one, I really put everything I had into putting this film together. Just a wonderful experience from start to finish with the company kept, amazing scenery, and filming and editing process...
You can feel this one,love when that happens.Your way of bringing that to the screen is epic-well done. I love when the music,lighting and shots all line up
Outstanding video Walter! Thank you for posting.
Thanks alot for the feedback, it was my pleasure!
Epic!
That's what I aim for, lol.Thsnks for watching and dropping a comment!
Definitely a great hike, the mountains look huge. A great video I waited till everyone's videos were up, they were all great. You defiantly have a master piece here watched many times to take it all in. 👍👍
Thank you my friend, I pull out all the stops for the backpacking videos. I have noticed You Tube seems to be much more responsive to "backpacking" as opposed to "hiking" content...
Great work capturing the beauty of that area. Really enjoyed watching this one. Looks like we were down there around the same time. We were a little further south.
There were times where I didn't know where to point the camera because every angle and direction looked great. That part of West Virginia is fantastic...
I finally got around to watching this video and WOW! I am planning to go to the Dolly Sods in August and your video really has me excited to explore! Not venturing into backpacking, but just some day hikes. Gorgeous as always Gator! Thank you for your content!
I think you will love Dolly Sods, Andrea. It's the kind of place that sticks with you, hopefully you get some good weather!
Very well put together video Walter. Thank you for telling a bit about the history of the area!
Thanks Mike, I tried to give alittle perspective on the area, but I feel that I actually should have done aliitle more to explain the uniqueness of the Sods...
Fantastic video. Excellent filming and narration. Brought back memories of last year when I went and excited me for my next trip to the sods later this year. 💪🏻
Thanks for the feedback Jason. It's hard not to get excited about the Sods, isn't it?! The place rocks, good luck on your next visit!
it would have been nice to see this video just a few days ago. My wife and I took our two girls to Dolly Sods yesterday and did the Blackbird Knob trail. Their limit was five miles. We did about half of it. 95% forest. Next time, we will do the Rock Ridge or Bear Rocks. Very good video. Lots of good information and great views.
Thank you. Every section of the Sods is a little different, but it is all beautiful!
Great content
Appreciate that, I strive for excellence.
Wow, Amazingly beautiful.
Incredible scenery all around, just a special place....
Hi Walter.
What a wonderful video!
I've heard of this place, but thanks to this excellent video - now I have a good idea of what it is like.
As always, great photography/filming and detailed but kind narration.
I first saw your video on the views from the AT above Lehigh Gap, and enjoyed that one enough to subscribe.
Look forward to your future work and views into God's beautiful Creation!
Appreciate your comments and subscribing very much, thank you kindly! The Dolly Sods are amazing!
Really well done, thanks for sharing! Love love LOVVVVE Dolly but I don't have the balls to do the whole thing by myself.
We all do what we can. Even simple day hikes there are incredibly rewarding. THanks for the comments!
Beautiful journey with some fabulous people. I have seen @DayHikeDave's production also. I didn't really recognize you at first with a different hat on. More practical for a long journey though. Not to mention the long rugged journey you all did but about how many pounds was your back pack? Another excellent production Mr. Zolna!
Thanks Cathy, my pack weighed about 28 lbs and that includes food and water. That was about as long and scruffy as my beard has ever been on that trip I think, definitely a different look for me. It was a great time out there with all of those guys and we all appreciate your watching and your support.
Outstanding video! It’s been two years since I ventured down to the Sods, I need to get back!
Appreciate that, thanks a lot. Its definitely one of those places that earns a revisit!
Great video! Have hiked the Sods myself several times. Love the area!!!
You should check out Seneca Backcountry!!!❤
Thanks I appreciate that Brian. I will look into Seneca Backcountry, I know there are many more amazing places in West Virginia....
Nice video, great cinematography! Even though the video is quite long, I was never bored by it. How long did it take to dry your shoes after you crossed the Red Creek? Did they ever fully dry again?
Thanks for watching, I really appreciate it. I could have broken the video up into three parts for each day but I just decided to make it one long comprehensive account of my experience. I think this is the longest video I have ever done. After the first creek crossing they never fully dried till I got home. I did have a backup pair of socks and sandals I was able to wear at camp on the second night. The Sods are notorious for very wet and muddy trails, so I came into the hike with the expectation that wet feet would be part of the experience...
Wonderful video! My wife and I have just started our channel. I would love to know what kind of camera you use. I have been using my iPhone and it’s ok. But I have been looking at improving. Any tips or software ideas would be great. Thanks for all you do.
So I use a pretty simple set up. This whole video was filmed on a GoPro Hero 11 in wide format, at 24Frames per second at 5.3k resolution. And I use a mini tripod that also acts as a small selfie stick. I have pretty much stuck with this setup for awhile. It took me a long time through trial and error to get the style and look to my videos that I have now . Just keep trying to improve a little bit with every video, try to make content that you yourself would enjoy watching.... I use wonder share filmora for my editing software and get my music from epidemic sound also. Good luck in the growth of your channel!
@@WALTERZOLNA Thank you. Your work is beautiful My wife and I just finished your Acadia series and we are planning our trip this fall! 🙂
How long was your hike to that first creek?
@@geraldharker2428 if you mean the very first creek we crossed from the parking lot on day one, that was about 2.5 miles I think, maybe less than that ..
Loved the video❤😊. I'm having trouble with your patreon page. Please accept this small token while I figure it out.
If you would like to, and are able to support my work it would mean the world to me, thank you Heidi 🙂
Thanks!
Thanks so much Jennsylvania!!! Super kind of you, wow I really appreciate that 😊!!!
@@WALTERZOLNA ...I pretty much stopped watching television with the exception of an occasional movie on Prime or Netflix. That said, I watch a ton of UA-cam. I've followed your channel for a few years now. You really are very talented...but now that I've started a UA-cam channel, I really appreciate how much effort you put into your videos. It's got to take hours upon hours of editing time. So, $5 was the least I could do.
@@jennsylvania1633 most viewers have no idea what goes into making a video, lol. I no longer watch TV either. Was way too expensive and I always tell people, I'm busy making my own content, I don't have time to watch TV anyway. Actually though my father who lives with me watches tons of TV through digital air. Alot of people don't even know with good old dog ears antenns and a simple programming of your TV, you can get like 40 -50 channels totally free...