Rocky Knob

The Bear Rocks and Lions Head Loop offers a truly unique wilderness experience within the Dolly Sods Wilderness, feeling more like Canada than West Virginia. This difficult 19.5-mile (31.4 km) hike, with its 1736 feet (529 metres) of elevation gain, takes around 8 hours and 41 minutes to complete, winding through high plateaus, expansive meadows, and distinctive wind-carved sandstone formations. You'll encounter varied terrain, from muddy bogs on the Dobbin Grade Trail to rocky sections along Rocky Ridge Trail, making it a challenging yet rewarding journey for those who love diverse landscapes.

Planning your visit requires some preparation for this demanding route. The loop is a popular backpacking destination, so be aware of numerous established campsites, particularly along Big Stonecoal Trail. It's wise to carry hiking poles to help navigate the rocky sections and muddy areas. Remember to hang bear bags, as bears and coyotes are present in the region. Autumn is a particularly striking time to visit, with vibrant fall foliage adding to the already stunning scenery.

This trail is notable for its iconic vistas, especially the nearly 270-degree panoramic views from Lion's Head and the impressive eastern views from Bear Rocks. The Dolly Sods Wilderness itself is distinguished by its high-altitude, sub-alpine environment. Historically, the area served as a former WWII bomb range, and its preservation is a testament to significant environmental efforts, offering a rich backdrop to your adventure.

The Bear Rocks, Rocky Ridge, and Beaver View Loop offers a truly unique hiking experience through the Dolly Sods Wilderness, where the high-altitude plateau creates a tundra-like environment. You'll traverse windswept heath barrens with stunted red spruce, enjoy expansive open views from Rocky Ridge, and explore diverse scenery on the Beaver View Trail, which transitions from open meadows to darker coniferous forests. Keep an eye out for wildlife like deer, and in summer, you might even find blueberry bushes lining the path.

This moderate 8.3-mile (13.4 km) loop involves 850 feet (259 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 3 hours and 42 minutes to complete. Be prepared for rugged, often unblazed trails that require good navigation skills, possibly with a GPS or compass. Sections, especially the Dobbin Grade Trail, can be very muddy. While the Beaver View Trail lacks direct water, the Left Fork Red Creek is accessible via the Dobbin Grade Trail. Also, be mindful of potential unexploded ordnance from WWII training in the area.

The Dolly Sods Wilderness is a remarkable ecosystem, boasting a mix of heath barrens, rocky outcrops, sphagnum bogs, and dense red spruce forests. Its elevation of around 4,000 feet fosters a northern climate, supporting unique plant species like huckleberries and cranberries, and animals such as the snowshoe hare. The Nature Conservancy actively works to protect and restore this ecologically diverse area, making it a significant conservation site.

The Rocky Ridge Trail is a moderate 6.7-mile hike in Dolly Sods Wilderness, offering 629 feet of elevation gain and taking just under 3 hour