Bear Rocks and Beaver Dam Loop

Starting on Bear Rocks Trail, hike down to the Red Creek. Sometimes water levels can be high, but most of the time you can cross the creek without getting any deeper than your knees. Link up with the Raven Ridge Trail and head south. Enjoy the views through this section, as it's a great place to stop for a bit to refuel. After heading south, you'll intersect with the Dobbins Grade trail. Head east/northeast on that trail until you find the Beaver Dam trail. Head east on Beaver Dam until you reach FR 75, which you can take north back to the Bear Rocks trailhead. 

Although there are longer loops throughout Dolly Sods, this one is relatively short and offers a good taste of what the area has to offer. If you're up to it, tack on an extra 5-10 miles by heading south on the Upper Red Creek trail and linking up with Blackbird Knob trail. 

Dolly Sods is notoriously muddy, soggy, and wet. It's hard earned miles. So, bring along a trash bag for when you get back to your car, 'cause your boots, socks, and pants will need to go somewhere. Bring a change of clothes, too, if you don't want an awkward encounter at a gas station later on. 

Find a trail map on the Forest Service website.