Bear Rocks Preserve - Public Access Lands on Waymarking.com

Bear Rocks, a Nature Conservancy Preserve, is located in Dolly Sods, a high plateau atop the Allegheny Front in West Virginia. Due to an altitude of almost 4000 ft., the area is home to many species normally found much farther north. The area is categorized as subalpine heathlands and thus is thickly covered with shrubs such as blueberries, huckleberries, azalea, mountain laurel and rhododendron. Trees, including red spruce and dogwood are stunted from ice and wind. The area around Bear Rocks is dotted with outcroppings of Pottsville conglomerate surrounded by thickets of low bushes, grassy meadows and areas of peat.

One geocache, Dolly Sods, GC570D, is located within walking distance of the Bear Rocks parking lot. This cache is not appropriate for children as it requires a short climb down in rock outcroppings at the edge of the plateau.

The Nature Conservancy's Bear Rocks Preserve is open to the public for hiking and nature study. Visitors should carry the appropriate USGS topographic map. Bear Rocks is found on the Blackbird Knob quadrant; and Blackwater Falls, Hopeville, and Onego quadrants are also needed to cover the entire Dolly Sods area. Topographic maps and additional information about adjoining federal land can be obtained from:
Monongahela National Forest
Potomac Ranger District
HC 59, Box 240
Petersburg, WV 26847
Phone: (304) 257-4488

Directions
From Petersburg:

Take WV 55 west to Jordan Run Road (Rt. 28/7).
Take Jordan Run Road 1 mile. There are two routes from this point: a longer route that takes you through the center of Dolly Sods, and a shorter route that takes you directly to the Bear Rocks Preserve.

Route through Dolly Sods:

From Jordan Run Road (paved), turn left onto Forest Service Road 19(dirt and gravel) and follow it for six miles to the top of the Allegheny Front. (Caution: FS Road 19 is not plowed in the winter and may be closed. Winter travel is not advised.)
At the top of the mountain, turn right onto Forest Service Road 75 (dirt and gravel). Dolly Sods Wilderness is on the left of the road, Dolly Sods Scenic Area on the right. Continue on FS Road 75 for about eight miles to the Bear Rocks Parking Lot (where the road turns sharply to descend the mountain). The preserve is a short walk north of the parking lot.

Route directly to Bear Rocks:

From the intersection with FS Rd 19, continue straight on Jordan Run Road (paved) for about 7 miles until the signed turnoff to the left for Dolly Sods. Continue up the road (dirt and gravel) for less than 5 miles to Bear Rocks parking lot).

Estimated size of the public land (in regional measurement standard: hectares, acres, kms, etc.): 477 acres at preserve. Dolly Sods encompasses 10,000 acres. Is there a trail system?: Yes If there is a trail system, please describe length, terrain, etc.: There are extensive informal trails throughout the preserve. The trails often pass through rock outcroppings and are surrounded by dense low-growing blueberry and huckleberry bushes. Long pants and sturdy shoes/boots are recommended. The surrounding national forest lands of Dolly Sods contain an extensive trail system, as well as a small camp ground, Red Creek, which is about 3 miles south on FS Road 75. What points of interest are there?: From Bear Rocks, the view to the east finds range after range of mountains. Reportedly on clear days the highest peaks in Shenandoah National Park, Hawksbill and Stony Man Mountains can be seen. There is much to see for anyone interested in nature. In addition to plants unusual to the mid-Atlantic, such as three-toothed cinquefoil, and species of heath; there are also animals such as snowshoe hare, saw-whet owls, and others usually found farther north. Two local species, the West Virginia flying squirrel and the Cheat Mountain salamander are both on the federal threatened and endangered species list. From Late August through October, the Allegheny Mountains become a migration flyway. Bear Rocks is an excellent place to watch hawks, eagles, and other birds soar in the thermals rising from the valleys. What activities are available?: Hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, geocaching (In addition to the cache at Bear Rocks, there are several others in Dolly Sods, accessible from FS Road 75.) List of known hazards (cliffs, snakes, poison plants, etc.): Dolly Sods, including the Bear Rocks area, was used for artillery practice during WWII. It is important to stay on existing trails and keep children close. Shells and fragments should not be touched or removed. In winter, wind, snow, and ice can be hazardous. Dogs Allowed?: Yes Is a permit/fee required?: No Please supply the website of the land if available: [Web Link] Hours of accessibility?: Not listed If a permit/fee is required please describe in detail how to get one, how much, etc.: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Visitors are encouraged to supply a picture of either themselves or their GPS at the trailhead and/or signage of the public access lands - describe your experience there and what you saw - tell us why other folks should come visit!

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