Bear Rocks Preserve - Search Nearby - Added by Sarah Giek
The windswept boulders at Bear Rocks Preserve provide expansive views of the surrounding landscape. On a clear day you can see as far as the Shenandoah Mountains, making it a popular spot for watching the sunrise.
The Bear Rocks Preserve is a 477 acre land tract maintained and supported by The Nature Conservancy. Offering a diverse range of plant species more commonly seen in the Northeast, visitors will find blueberries, huckleberries, mountain laurel, azalea, and rhododendron among the sandstone outcrops at the Bear Rocks Preserve. As one of the most popular attractions in the state of West Virginia, it is not uncommon to find a line of photographers capturing the sunrise from this location.
Bear Rocks is also a popular trailhead for exploring the adjacent Dolly Sods Wilderness. For more information on hiking and camping in the area check out this Camp at Bear Rocks adventure and this Backpacking Dolly Sods adventure. Download a trail map here.
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Nearby Adventures
Camp at Bear Rocks
11.9 Miles Round Trip - 1050 ft gain
Hike the Dolly Sods Wilderness North Loop via Rocky Ridge Trail
10.4 Miles Round Trip - 200 ft gain
Backpack the North Fork Mountain Trail & Chimney Top
24.7 Miles Round Trip
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Overall rating:
What and amazing area!
Bear Rocks is just so cool to see. After driving up and up from the valley floor, emerging on to the mountaintop and seeing how different and exposed the Bear Rocks area is was almost a shock. The view to the east is spectacular - mountains on mountains on mountains - so it would be perfect for sunrise. The view to the west across the alpine area is also great, but not as photogenic. You can explore the area a bit - which can involve trudging through bogs - but the best rocks for photography are in the end the ones that are right next to the parking area. If you're staying for sunset, there's no camping within 1/4 mile of the road on the mountaintop, but if you drive about 1 mile back down towards the valley floor there are several dispersed camping spots right along the road.
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From mild to wild, West Virginia has a little something for every intrepid traveler. Set out and seize your adventure, or bring the whole family. It’s time to roll the windows down and lift your spirits up. Explore now at www.wvtourism.com/fall
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