Climbing in Dolly Sods?
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I'm headed to Dolly Sods in August to help with a scout trip and am completely unfamiliar with the area. I've noticed that Seneca rocks in nearby, but is there any established climbing in Dolly Sods? I've tried rockclimbing.com as well but can't seem to find any information one way or the other. Any information (be it the name of a guide book or whatever) would be greatly appreciated! |
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Not so much. |
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Alright, well thanks for the help. That definitely explains why I couldn't find any information. |
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why is there no climbing in Dolly Sods, does anyone know? I recently came across the area and it looks like there is potential for bouldering and some low level trad? |
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It may be because of the unexploded ordnance left behind when the area was used by the military for training exercises during World War II. The trails and backcountry campsites were surveyed for and cleared of shells, but not the rest of the wilderness area. There are signs posted warning you not to leave the trail. |
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wow Leigh, that would do it |
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There is an area with a bunch of boulders though. I have thought about bringing a bouldering pad up there, but I'd need to buy a bouldering pad first. It's around the intersection of trails 521 and 524 in the NW corner of the map. https://www.hikingupward.com/MNF/DollySodsNorth/ Check the pics there some of the boulders. I found some bigger boulders nestled in the woods a bit past the main boulder field. |
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south of the sods, on top of spruce knob there are some pretty big boulders. you can drive up to the top and its a short walk to the field where they are..... might be something to check out thats easy access. |
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I have a place within walking distance of the sods boulder field and have played around there a fair bit. There are a few fun problems, and if you go far enough off the trail on the east side there is a wall with some worthwhile toprope routes (the sandstone is quite friable so I've been reluctant to lead anything there). If you're hiking in the area it may be worth a stop, but given that the nearest public access point makes it a 40+ min approach, you're better off putting the same time into a drive to Seneca Rocks and doing some real climbing. |
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I've backpacked in DS plenty of times and, yes, you could boulder there but is it really worth hauling a pad for? Not really IMHO. I'm sure you could find problems. Why not check out Cooper's Rock? It's a really well-developed place with established problems.
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