Dobbin Grade Trail

Dobbin Grade Trail is a named hiking route in the Dolly Sods Wilderness on Monongahela National Forest lands in West Virginia. The route runs between Bear Rocks Trail and Rocky Ridge Trail, giving a one-way shot across the wilderness interior rather than a short out-and-back.

The trail’s character is defined by wet ground and drainage-basin obstacles. Expect long stretches of open meadow mixed with muddy bogs and speckled forest, with portions that can be ankle-deep in mud where the footpath effectively disappears into wetland.

Water crossings are a regular feature. You’ll pass the headwaters area of Red Creek around mile 1.8, and later encounter the Left Fork area around about mile 3.5; in higher water, crossings may force you to remove boots and socks to get through.

Navigation can be tricky around the transition into the boggy, railroad-berm-like tread that the trail follows. Plan for sections where you may need to pick your way carefully—staying on the signed tread and avoiding unmarked branches that run the same general direction.

This trail is also used as a connecting link for longer loops through Dolly Sods. One common approach combines Dobbin Grade Trail with Raven Ridge and Bear Rocks to form a longer circuit (bearings and signposted trail junctions along the way determine your exact loop shape).

Historically, the tread follows an abandoned railroad alignment. Red Creek Trail’s junction with Dobbin Grade Trail has been reported as being covered by large beaver ponds at times, with the possibility of crossing using newer dams when they’re in place.

More information: Official website, Dobbin Grade Trail - Dolly Sods Wilderness, WV - MyHikes, Y'all weren't kidding about dobbin grade : r/Dollysodswilderness