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Kitty Kat
So me and my two sons who are both 15 live in dc. We want to go on a hiking trip in the snow somewhere very foresty and isolated. It would be a 2 night trip. We would camp out and bring our own food. Where should we go?
Im a father, and we all run a lot so trail difficulty is not a problem, also trails that gain altitude and may provide views are better!
Answer
I live in southwest PA and have winter camped in a number of areas not that far from you. Shenandoah national Park in Virginia is one but my preference is for the many trails in the mountains of the Monongahela National Forest in east central West Virginia. The area called The Roaring Plains has some wonderful trails, also the Spruce Knob, Dolly Sods, Cranberry Backcountry and Seneca Creek backpacking trails. You do need to check snow levels -- for some trails you might need to rent or bring snowhshoes if the pack is deep enough later in the season.
As you can see in the photos in this link to trail information there, it really is a beautiful place in the winter:
http://www.pocahontascountywv.com/skiing_winter_recreation.aspx
And here is the Wikipedia entry about the Roaring Plains. Most people don't realize it is the largest and highest wild plateau in the Eastern US. Really a little known gem for wilderness hiking and backpacking:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roaring_Plains
You can see how wonderful the views are from the ridges, yet there are sheltered areas great for campsites.
This book, the hiking guide to the area, is excellent and will give you maps and campsite recommendations as well as the names of outfitters in the area who can give you good information.
http://www.amazon.com/Monongahela-National-Forest-Hiking-Guide/dp/0961655313
I have winter camped in the Rockies out west, from New Mexico to British Columbia, as well as the Adirondacks in NY and White Mountains in New Hamphire, but I get just as great a wilderness experience in the highlands of West Virginia and it is much easier to get there. The WV highways are very good and they keep them clear in the winter. I know that you and your boys will love it there.
I live in southwest PA and have winter camped in a number of areas not that far from you. Shenandoah national Park in Virginia is one but my preference is for the many trails in the mountains of the Monongahela National Forest in east central West Virginia. The area called The Roaring Plains has some wonderful trails, also the Spruce Knob, Dolly Sods, Cranberry Backcountry and Seneca Creek backpacking trails. You do need to check snow levels -- for some trails you might need to rent or bring snowhshoes if the pack is deep enough later in the season.
As you can see in the photos in this link to trail information there, it really is a beautiful place in the winter:
http://www.pocahontascountywv.com/skiing_winter_recreation.aspx
And here is the Wikipedia entry about the Roaring Plains. Most people don't realize it is the largest and highest wild plateau in the Eastern US. Really a little known gem for wilderness hiking and backpacking:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roaring_Plains
You can see how wonderful the views are from the ridges, yet there are sheltered areas great for campsites.
This book, the hiking guide to the area, is excellent and will give you maps and campsite recommendations as well as the names of outfitters in the area who can give you good information.
http://www.amazon.com/Monongahela-National-Forest-Hiking-Guide/dp/0961655313
I have winter camped in the Rockies out west, from New Mexico to British Columbia, as well as the Adirondacks in NY and White Mountains in New Hamphire, but I get just as great a wilderness experience in the highlands of West Virginia and it is much easier to get there. The WV highways are very good and they keep them clear in the winter. I know that you and your boys will love it there.
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Title Post: Going camping/hiking in the snow?!?
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