Red Creek

There are always special places in a person's life. Red Creek located along Red Creek Trail in the Dolly Sods Scenic Area (Monongahelia National Forest) is one of these for our family. Throughout our lives Red Creek has been a sanctuary that our family has shared. Dolly Sods Red Creek Trail is 8.2 miles in length. The upper portions of this trail lead through a sub-alpine tundra with vegetation (reindeer moss in abundance) otherwise only found in Canada and arctic areas. The trail leads downward through some boggy areas passing beaver dams, expansive meadows, and aspen and spruce groves. As the trail closes in on Red Creek you will have a couple of minor stream crossings. Descending into the Red Creek canyon, the terrain changes dramatically to the more typical eastern forests, marked by abundant firs, oaks, and maples. There are plenty of swimming holes and waterfalls.

It is in these swimming holes that our girls played in the stream and learned important nature and life's lessons. Camping along Red Creek in Laneville was an annual event and was always a gift as our gals grew and matured into the special gals they are today.

I guess this hot and humid weather that we have been having has emphasized the need to feel once again the cool and healing waters of this marvelous stream.