Bear Rocks Preserve Loop Trail (550)

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Features Geological Significance · Views

No facilities of any kind. Higher clearance 4WD/AWD vehicles strongly preferred on Forest Road 75.

The Bear Rocks Loop Trail in Bear Rocks Preserve is not to be confused with Dolly Sods Trail 522, previously know as the Bear Rocks Trail but renamed to the Sundew Trail. The same parking area serves both trails.

The loop hike is not suitable for younger children due to rock gaps along the trail and cliff edges nearby, but will be lots of fund for older elementary age and up.

Come early, the parking area fills up quickly, especially on weekends.

At 4000 feet above sea level, the weather can be windy, colder than expected, and changeable.

Located at the edge of Dolly Sods, the Bear Rocks Preserve may be accessed via Forest Road 75, an unpaved, bumpy affair. Going counter-clockwise around the loop, the first half of the hike features lots of rock hopping, with big views towards the east, especially from higher points near the edge of the cliff. The second half wanders through the shrubby landscape looking towards the edge of the Dolly Sods plateau.

An interesting mix of plants and landscape, rocks, mountains, and plateau occurs here, at the point of the eastern continental divide. Said to be a prime location for sunrise photography of the mountains to the east, with views all the way to the Blue Ridge. Rows of windmills are visible along the ridges to the north. This easy loop hike is a great way to get a first taste of Dolly Sods.

Migrating birds, blueberry, huckleberry, mountain laurel, azalea, rhododendron, spruce trees. See the brochure for more details nature.org/content/dam/tnc/…