Bear Rocks Loop

This particular hike is great as there are multiple camping sites, both established and backcountry, and views for miles around almost every bend. Still not convinced? This high-altitude plateau has characteristics typically found in Canadian landscapes. so you can travel north without leaving your backyard below the Mason-Dixon Line -- high five y'all!

From the parking area on FR75 (go to the second entrance for Dolly Sods for Bear Rocks, GPS: 39.06352, -79.30326) take the Bear Rocks trail, TR522. After the first mile, you will reach a wooden walkway to cross your first bog, then cross Red Creek. There is a great campsite to the right here, with a fire ring and plenty of hammock space. If you wanted to set up camp and explore with a lighter load, this would be the place.

The trail continues to the left, then makes a sharp right once you hit the fern field. Walk over another wooden footpath, through a little forest, and reach your first meadow with mountain views. At mile 2.3, it will intersect with Raven Ridge Trail TR 521 -- continue straight on TR 521. At mile 3.8, turn left on Rocky Ridge Trail TR 524. Shortly after this, you will reach the windswept boulders with the most amazing views and tons of photo opportunities. I camped here (there is a spot to the right with a fire pit) and explored the area with just a camera in hand and dog on leash.

Feel free to continue on the trail, just follow the small rock cairns as this section can be a little tricky. To finish the loop in the morning, at mile 5.5 turn left on Dobbin Grade Trail TR526 as it descends in the valley, follow until mile 8.1 where you will turn left uphill on the Raven Ridge Trail TR521, then finally at mile 9.6, turn right again on Bear Rocks Trail TR 522 and retrace your steps to the parking lot. There are no blazes on the trails here, so bring a map so the trail numbers make sense. Happy exploring and feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the area!