Overview
The Rohrbaugh Plains Trail reaches the western section of the Dolly Sods Wilderness in Monongahela National Forest, a portion that sees significantly less foot traffic than the more popular Red Creek trails. The Rohrbaugh Plains themselves are the most open and exposed terrain in the wilderness: wide-open heath barren with no tree cover to obstruct views in any direction, creating a landscape that feels more like the Scottish moors or the barrens of Newfoundland than West Virginia.
The 5-mile out-and-back covers the primary plains section of the wilderness. At 600 feet of elevation gain over 5 miles, the moderate rating reflects the cumulative effort of the trail and the variable footing in the bog and heath sections more than any steep climbing. The trail gains and loses elevation in short pitches as it crosses the undulating plateau. The trickiest aspect of navigation is in the open areas, where trail markers are widely spaced and the broad views can obscure orientation.
Late September is the most visually dramatic time to visit Rohrbaugh Plains. The blueberry scrub turns deep crimson, the azalea foliage goes orange and red, and the dark spruce islands scattered across the barrens stand out against the color. On clear autumn days with the Allegheny ridges stretching west to the horizon, this is as good as any fall color experience in the East.
The Route
Miles 0 to 2: From the Forest Road 19 trailhead, the trail immediately enters the open heath. The scale of the plateau becomes apparent within the first quarter mile the horizon is visible in multiple directions, and the sense of space is unusual for an eastern forest. Several seasonal streams cross the trail; these are often wet.
Miles 2 to 2.5: The trail enters a section with slightly more spruce cover before opening again to the broadest plains area, which provides the best long-distance views on the route.
Miles 2.5 to 5 (return): The turnaround point is at a wilderness interior trail junction. Return on the same path.
When to Visit
June through October is the hiking season. June brings flame azalea bloom on the Allegheny Front spectacular and worth planning around. August ripens the blueberries. September and October bring fall color. Winter and spring are inaccessible due to road closures on Forest Road 19.
Weather on the plateau is genuinely variable. Check conditions before visiting and always carry layers and rain gear.
What to Bring
- Many hikers carry 2 liters of water. Seasonal streams are available but treat all natural water. Individual needs vary.
- A map and compass or GPS: navigation in the open areas is important
- Warm layer and rain jacket: this is one of the colder and wetter spots in West Virginia
- Waterproof boots: the bogs can be very wet
- Blaze orange in hunting season (October through January)
Practical Details
No facilities at the trailhead. No fee (as of 2026). Dispersed camping permitted. Follow Leave No Trace principles. Practice proper food storage if camping. See national forest camping rules for dispersed camping guidance.
Getting There
From Petersburg, West Virginia, take State Route 28 north to Forest Road 19 (Dolly Sods Road). The Rohrbaugh Plains trailhead pull-off is approximately 5 miles west on FR-19, on the south side of the road. GPS coordinates are approximately 38.98°N, 79.40°W. High-clearance vehicle recommended for FR-19.