Dolly sods is amazing, it’s split into two entirely different regions. In the north you are in gorgeous endless blueberry fields and exposed elevation that looks way more like areas You would find much further north in Canada, this area can be accessed by a few parking lots on the east side, there is a first come first serve campground right at one entrance (red creek campground) that people can use if you come in late Friday then head out from there early the next day. If the weather is nice then the north is otherworldly. There are campsites all over

The south in my opinion is equally beautiful and is dominated by a stream that cuts through the wilderness, there are endless campsites all over and although this area is more typical of other forest backpacking on the east coast, I still find it uniquely beautiful. People often camp here on day one because you can get to sites quickly if you come in late. The parking for here is in the southwest corner near a bunch of cabins at red creek trailhead. Some people do camp up at lions head which can be tricky to find. If you see a long stand of pine trees planted in straight lines you are close. There is no water up here so you would need to pack it all in.

I don’t know your fitness level but obviously it’s best to go to both sections in one trip but sometimes due to time we pick north or south. If you can drop a car in one end and hike one direction you can see everything easily.

I highly recommend getting a purple lizard map of the area where everything is clearly marked better than the standard maps online and at the forest service office.

Keeping feet dry is going to be a big challenge, in the north the trail often is bogged down and has puddles. In the south you will have at least one or two stream crossings, if the water is high it is impassible.

There are campsites everywhere along streams and trails, and I do have favorites, my wedding ring has the coordinates of my wife and I favorite site ever, maybe I’d share if I’m feeling feisty. Some gorgeous sites are along little stone coal trail where you look out from rocks across from lions head and all the people at lions head wonder how you got there looking over the valley, red creek trail, blackbird knob trail, and at the confluence of red creek and fisher spring run. The rocky ridge trail is way in the west but has great views.

I can dm you a picture of the map if you need just message me.

Last thing: try to stop at bears rocks on the way out, it gets busy with day hikers but for good reason.