Into the Sods at Canaan Valley, WV

Last year, my best friend and I went on a hike of a lifetime.

No strangers to the beautiful nature of America's greatest parks, we have hiked both the East and West Coasts on trails local to us, and far away. Between the two of us, we have also explored the islands of Hawaii and the Caribbean, the majestic Rocky Mountains of Canada, and parts of Europe and East Asia.

Looking for more of a challenge, and a change in scenery from the drone of suburban life, we headed on a road trip to West Virginia's backcountry, the Dolly Sods Wilderness.

Despite our combined experience, we were wholly unprepared for this little known gem in the middle of Monongahela National Forest. It wasn't so much the difficulty of the hike, the diversity of terrain or vegetation, or the breathtaking summit views that made Dolly Sods so special so much as it was the rawness of nature.

Dolly Sods is not officially a national park. There is no visitor center or public restroom, no formal parking lots or shuttle buses. No park rangers will come to save you.

There is only one sign at the entrance of the hike and a few trail posts along the way.

Otherwise, you are completely on your own.