It does have some awesome views but it offers very little solitude. Sadly this area is becoming quite popular and it stays pretty busy, especially when the weather is nice. It's such and amazing place though, I was willing to overlook the people. Thanks for watching!
I've hiked the Appalachians for over 30 years and Dolly Sods is one of my very favorite spots. Truly amazing. Consider a visit to the more-remote Nelson Sods at Pike Knob (Nature Conservancy Preserve). It's an amazing place, just like Dolly Sods, only more elusive. WV's highest peak Spruce Knob sits across the valley from Pike Knob. The views take the prize - best I've ever seen in the Appalachians.
Thanks so much for watching! Yes I agree the Sods is an amazing place and tough to beat for sure. There are so many amazing places it would be hard to rank them, but the Sods and Spruce Mountain, that general area, definitely ranks up there near the top. Thanks for suggesting Pike Knob. I have not been to the preserve but two years ago I had the pleasure of visiting some private land nearly adjacent to it that gave me a little taste of what to expect. I do plan to visit next time I'm in that area.
Thanks so much for checking it out. Indeed it is similar to Canada up there...its a unique combination of elevation and weather patterns that allows the spruce forests and heath barrens to flourish so far south. It's a fantastic area up there.
It is a fantastic preserve. It's pretty small, only a few hundred acres I believe, but it is immediately adjacent to the north end of the Dolly Sods Wilderness. I checked this out and then did a 3 day backpacking hike in Dolly Sods (similar to the "Lion's Head Loop" on HU). If you ever get the chance to head up there, go check it out, you won't be disappointed.
Thanks, man. It was an awesome trip. I too was long overdue to do something "big" and the Sods trip more than fit the bill for it. I would have loved to have had another day or two to spend but that's just how it is. I'm already thinking about the route for my next visit. I know its a pretty far trip for you, but if you get the chance to go up there definitely go check it out. You would love it.
Yes you definitely need to go up to the Sods, my friend. Its a spectacular place and I know you would enjoy it. It's definitely a tough life up there for some of the plant and animal species. Thanks for watching!
Thank you Smell N Roses. I needed this. I am not familiar with the eastern divide. The map and information was nice to read as well. Pleasant music choice.
Glad you enjoyed the video. You definitely cannot go wrong with those awesome views from up there. Thanks so much for checking out my video, I really appreciate it!
The Bear Rocks Preserve actually was not that busy when I was there, but I drove past it a couple days later (when it was a weekend day) and it was a circus up there. While on my 3 day hike in Dolly Sods, I didn't see that many people on the trail but camp sites filled up quickly. Both nights I camped, I found myself stopping much earlier in the afternoon than I normally would have in order to claim a good camp site. It's a large area so people get spread out, still some solitude can be found, but it is a popular place, located not too far from some heavily populated areas, so it can get busy at times, more so than I am used to.
Pretty cool -- I really want to go to Dolly Sods one day. Pretty cool sign you showed that talked about the divide in climate and rainfall (yes, I'm a nerd and enjoy kind of thing LOL). 2:40 looked like somewhere we would like to explore for caves!
The Sods is awesome, my friend. You should totally go up there, its not far away at all for you. I did a 3 day hike in the Sods as well as this short stop at Bear Rocks in a weekend. Yeah that spot kind of looked like a smaller version of that Pete's Cave we went to haha! I don't think there are any caves on the Sods, not sure, but there are definitely some nearby. Speaking of caves, man I'm dying to go check some out but can't find willing partners. If you're up for it, let's do it. I don't know of any on public land near Harrisonburg, but I think there are some down towards Covington and Clifton Forge. There's always the Sinks too over towards Spruce Knob. There are a couple of old iron mines off the Blue Ridge Parkway, down towards Buchanon, that are not gated. I'm sure there are others, can find them with a little research. Let me know.
Excellent video again! I remember watching Sintax's video a few years ago and Dolly Sods didn't seem like a very good place to visit. They missed some of the best viewing areas. You now had two very good videos showing us awesome views! 👍
Thanks, man! This is a really neat property owned by the Nature Conservancy immediately adjacent to the north end of the Dolly Sods Wilderness. It has some of the best views for sure. I recall watching one of Syntax vids too, few years ago. It wasn't one of his best videos, sometimes he is hit or miss on capturing what he sees out there, or maybe it was the route he chose. Dolly Sods offers some fantastic stuff no matter what section you are in, but most of the big sweeping views are in the open bogs and meadows up on the north end. Man I appreciate you taking time to check out another video, as always thanks for your views and comments. I'm a little behind right now on all my favorite channels. Been busy at work and I am about to leave on a big trip and I'll have limited internet access while I am away. I can't wait to watch your Pictured Rocks video but I may not get to it until I get back in a couple of weeks so bear with me LOL!
I'm also way behind on watching videos. I still haven't watch Shug's last two videos and he has been one of my favorites for a long time. It can be harder to find the time to watch the longer ones.
What a beautiful spot. As a hiker, I've heard mention of Dolly Sods many times over the years, so it is great to get a glimpse of this special corner of it.
Thanks so much for watching. Glad you enjoyed it. Indeed it is like a "preview" of the Dolly Sods Wilderness. This small preserve is actually immediately adjacent to the northern end of the wilderness area and shares a common parking area for hikers. I actually just checked it out briefly before heading off on a 3 day backpacking hike through Dolly Sods.
Glad you enjoyed it, man. It was awesome up there. Thanks for watching! I have not forgotten about the tag, it will take me a while to get around to it but I'll do it for sure.
It is an awesome place for sure. I took a stroll through some of Bear Rocks before heading off to my big Sods hike. I barely scratched the surface. I'd actually like to go back and hike deeper into the area. I'd like to go all the way to Stack Rock. It looks pretty cool. I had forgotten that its the highest plateau in the east. I was checking the map as I went and I was over 4000 feet along many of the ridges. Even way "down" at Forks of Red Creek it was still over 3000. Thanks for watching, man!
Yeah there is a USGS marker on a rock outcropping if you keep going. I think it reads 3,997 feet. I have it documented on a couple of my videos. I went far enough to see that little lake/pond which is adjacent to Mt. Storm Lake. Stack Rock sounds interesting...I dont think Ive heard of that one.
I am sharing this one! Well done. I love it when someone does such a nice showcase of my home. WV is one of the most overlooked, but beautiful places to spend time. Again, thank you.
I'm really glad you enjoyed my video. Thanks so much for watching! And yes please feel free to share any of my videos any time. I appreciate your support. WV does often get a bum rap, especially from us Virginians haha! Sadly the state does have a number of issues that have not fared well for the people, but when it comes to natural beauty and outdoor adventure opportunities its definitely a great state. I know places like the Sods and the New River Gorge are pretty popular but I'm kind of glad that WV still has plenty of awesome places that are not so well known or heavily visited.
Thanks so much for watching! Glad you enjoyed the video. It really is a spectacular spot. Sadly I did not spend the time here that it deserved. I just checked it out quickly and then went on to my main purpose, which was a three day backpacking trip that started from the same parking area.
Yeah it is often compared to Canada for parts of the northern U.S. The unique geography of the area allows for some pockets of spruce forests and heath barrens that are otherwise not common in this far south. It's an awesome place. Thanks for checking out my video!
Thank you! Bear Rocks is a fantastic place...stunning views and scenery and its a great little taste of the northern Sods area. I hope you get to check it out, you won't be disappointed. Thanks for watching!
Thanks, man. Yeah it sits right on the edge of the plateau...look to the west and you see rolling hills, look to the east just below your feet off the cliff and you see the steep slopes of Allegheny Front and the rugged mountains that border West Virginia and Virginia. The views are definitely outstanding in all directions. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for watching, my friend. Glad you enjoyed the views. Yes this was the same trip. Its always an added bonus when a single trip yields multiple videos LOL! The Bear Rocks Preserve is a small Nature Conservancy property that is immediately adjacent to the Dolly Sods Wilderness/Monongahela National Forest. In fact, I actually parked my vehicle in one spot and easily walked to both trailheads. Sadly I did not spend the time here that it deserved, as I was anxious to get going on the longer backpacking hike. I hope to return here in the future to explore it further.
Love the sweeping vitas and solitude.
It does have some awesome views but it offers very little solitude. Sadly this area is becoming quite popular and it stays pretty busy, especially when the weather is nice. It's such and amazing place though, I was willing to overlook the people. Thanks for watching!
I Love riding accross Dolly Sods
Beautiful Country, Smell N Rose's. Thank's for video. I really enjoyed it as alway's.
Thank you, glad you enjoyed the video and the views. Its an fantastic place. Thanks for watching!
I've hiked the Appalachians for over 30 years and Dolly Sods is one of my very favorite spots. Truly amazing. Consider a visit to the more-remote Nelson Sods at Pike Knob (Nature Conservancy Preserve). It's an amazing place, just like Dolly Sods, only more elusive. WV's highest peak Spruce Knob sits across the valley from Pike Knob. The views take the prize - best I've ever seen in the Appalachians.
Thanks so much for watching! Yes I agree the Sods is an amazing place and tough to beat for sure. There are so many amazing places it would be hard to rank them, but the Sods and Spruce Mountain, that general area, definitely ranks up there near the top. Thanks for suggesting Pike Knob. I have not been to the preserve but two years ago I had the pleasure of visiting some private land nearly adjacent to it that gave me a little taste of what to expect. I do plan to visit next time I'm in that area.
Wow, gorgeous views! Very cool, and I agree with one of the commenters. It does look a lot like Canada there, how interesting. Thanks for the hike!
Thanks so much for checking it out. Indeed it is similar to Canada up there...its a unique combination of elevation and weather patterns that allows the spruce forests and heath barrens to flourish so far south. It's a fantastic area up there.
Beautiful little area
It is a fantastic preserve. It's pretty small, only a few hundred acres I believe, but it is immediately adjacent to the north end of the Dolly Sods Wilderness. I checked this out and then did a 3 day backpacking hike in Dolly Sods (similar to the "Lion's Head Loop" on HU). If you ever get the chance to head up there, go check it out, you won't be disappointed.
Stunning views and country .Nice video. Thanks for sharing. Atb Darren
I'm glad you enjoyed the views. It is a spectacular spot up there, the camera did not do it justice of course. Thanks for watching, my friend!
Looks like a beautiful place.
It is a really spectacular area. Of course the camera didn't do it justice. Thanks so much for watching!
Nice area that sure has some nice views. This looked like an incredible trip my fiend. I am long over do for extended hiking trip myself.
Thanks, man. It was an awesome trip. I too was long overdue to do something "big" and the Sods trip more than fit the bill for it. I would have loved to have had another day or two to spend but that's just how it is. I'm already thinking about the route for my next visit. I know its a pretty far trip for you, but if you get the chance to go up there definitely go check it out. You would love it.
I really need to get up there! Love the wind stunted Krummholz pines.. 😎❤️🌲
Yes you definitely need to go up to the Sods, my friend. Its a spectacular place and I know you would enjoy it. It's definitely a tough life up there for some of the plant and animal species. Thanks for watching!
Thank you Smell N Roses. I needed this. I am not familiar with the eastern divide. The map and information was nice to read as well. Pleasant music choice.
Glad you enjoyed the video. You definitely cannot go wrong with those awesome views from up there. Thanks so much for checking out my video, I really appreciate it!
Oh wow. My bad. You did a good job taking all that great pov footage while leaving out people.
The Bear Rocks Preserve actually was not that busy when I was there, but I drove past it a couple days later (when it was a weekend day) and it was a circus up there. While on my 3 day hike in Dolly Sods, I didn't see that many people on the trail but camp sites filled up quickly. Both nights I camped, I found myself stopping much earlier in the afternoon than I normally would have in order to claim a good camp site. It's a large area so people get spread out, still some solitude can be found, but it is a popular place, located not too far from some heavily populated areas, so it can get busy at times, more so than I am used to.
Great video brother i think this one is in he top 5 of beautiful places you have taken us along too !
atb john
I agree, my friend. This place definitely ranks up there near the top of the list for sure. Thanks so much for checking it out!
I am sure the camera is not doing that view justice... Beautiful. 👍😀👍
Sadly the camera never does it justice, but in this case it didn't even come close! Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks so much for watching!
Pretty cool -- I really want to go to Dolly Sods one day. Pretty cool sign you showed that talked about the divide in climate and rainfall (yes, I'm a nerd and enjoy kind of thing LOL). 2:40 looked like somewhere we would like to explore for caves!
The Sods is awesome, my friend. You should totally go up there, its not far away at all for you. I did a 3 day hike in the Sods as well as this short stop at Bear Rocks in a weekend. Yeah that spot kind of looked like a smaller version of that Pete's Cave we went to haha! I don't think there are any caves on the Sods, not sure, but there are definitely some nearby. Speaking of caves, man I'm dying to go check some out but can't find willing partners. If you're up for it, let's do it. I don't know of any on public land near Harrisonburg, but I think there are some down towards Covington and Clifton Forge. There's always the Sinks too over towards Spruce Knob. There are a couple of old iron mines off the Blue Ridge Parkway, down towards Buchanon, that are not gated. I'm sure there are others, can find them with a little research. Let me know.
Beautiful video, well done!
Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!
Beautiful video
Thanks so much!!!
Very nice 😆
Thanks, man. It was awesome up there!
Excellent video again! I remember watching Sintax's video a few years ago and Dolly Sods didn't seem like a very good place to visit. They missed some of the best viewing areas. You now had two very good videos showing us awesome views! 👍
Thanks, man! This is a really neat property owned by the Nature Conservancy immediately adjacent to the north end of the Dolly Sods Wilderness. It has some of the best views for sure. I recall watching one of Syntax vids too, few years ago. It wasn't one of his best videos, sometimes he is hit or miss on capturing what he sees out there, or maybe it was the route he chose. Dolly Sods offers some fantastic stuff no matter what section you are in, but most of the big sweeping views are in the open bogs and meadows up on the north end. Man I appreciate you taking time to check out another video, as always thanks for your views and comments. I'm a little behind right now on all my favorite channels. Been busy at work and I am about to leave on a big trip and I'll have limited internet access while I am away. I can't wait to watch your Pictured Rocks video but I may not get to it until I get back in a couple of weeks so bear with me LOL!
I'm also way behind on watching videos. I still haven't watch Shug's last two videos and he has been one of my favorites for a long time. It can be harder to find the time to watch the longer ones.
What a beautiful spot. As a hiker, I've heard mention of Dolly Sods many times over the years, so it is great to get a glimpse of this special corner of it.
Thanks so much for watching. Glad you enjoyed it. Indeed it is like a "preview" of the Dolly Sods Wilderness. This small preserve is actually immediately adjacent to the northern end of the wilderness area and shares a common parking area for hikers. I actually just checked it out briefly before heading off on a 3 day backpacking hike through Dolly Sods.
Great trip Sir! Keep'em coming!
Glad you enjoyed it, man. It was awesome up there. Thanks for watching! I have not forgotten about the tag, it will take me a while to get around to it but I'll do it for sure.
No problem brother!
Awesome man. I love it up there. Highest plateau east of the Mississippi!
It is an awesome place for sure. I took a stroll through some of Bear Rocks before heading off to my big Sods hike. I barely scratched the surface. I'd actually like to go back and hike deeper into the area. I'd like to go all the way to Stack Rock. It looks pretty cool. I had forgotten that its the highest plateau in the east. I was checking the map as I went and I was over 4000 feet along many of the ridges. Even way "down" at Forks of Red Creek it was still over 3000. Thanks for watching, man!
Yeah there is a USGS marker on a rock outcropping if you keep going. I think it reads 3,997 feet. I have it documented on a couple of my videos. I went far enough to see that little lake/pond which is adjacent to Mt. Storm Lake. Stack Rock sounds interesting...I dont think Ive heard of that one.
Nice views
It's an awesome spot for sure. Thanks for checking it out!
I am sharing this one! Well done. I love it when someone does such a nice showcase of my home. WV is one of the most overlooked, but beautiful places to spend time. Again, thank you.
I'm really glad you enjoyed my video. Thanks so much for watching! And yes please feel free to share any of my videos any time. I appreciate your support. WV does often get a bum rap, especially from us Virginians haha! Sadly the state does have a number of issues that have not fared well for the people, but when it comes to natural beauty and outdoor adventure opportunities its definitely a great state. I know places like the Sods and the New River Gorge are pretty popular but I'm kind of glad that WV still has plenty of awesome places that are not so well known or heavily visited.
This looks like such an awesome place, that little canyon at 2:36 was made for exploring! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much for watching! Glad you enjoyed the video. It really is a spectacular spot. Sadly I did not spend the time here that it deserved. I just checked it out quickly and then went on to my main purpose, which was a three day backpacking trip that started from the same parking area.
That looks so like Canada. Hard to believe it is in the US! Like Killarney Park
Yeah it is often compared to Canada for parts of the northern U.S. The unique geography of the area allows for some pockets of spruce forests and heath barrens that are otherwise not common in this far south. It's an awesome place. Thanks for checking out my video!
Great stuff, music was spot on. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it, man. The Sods is a pretty amazing place, you should consider a visit sometime. Thanks for watching!
What a place, stunning, nice video and music, all the best 👍
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video. It is an amazing place, great views. Thanks for watching!
Great job👍 one of your best videos IMO!!! On my list of todos. Was bye there on our way to Blackwater Falls but didn’t have the time to stop.
Thank you! Bear Rocks is a fantastic place...stunning views and scenery and its a great little taste of the northern Sods area. I hope you get to check it out, you won't be disappointed. Thanks for watching!
cool video.. get a real sense of the plateau and the drop off /great views
Thanks, man. Yeah it sits right on the edge of the plateau...look to the west and you see rolling hills, look to the east just below your feet off the cliff and you see the steep slopes of Allegheny Front and the rugged mountains that border West Virginia and Virginia. The views are definitely outstanding in all directions. Thanks for watching!
Beautiful place. Was this part of the same trip as the previous video? This place reminds me of the Channels also in a few of your photos.
Thanks for watching, my friend. Glad you enjoyed the views. Yes this was the same trip. Its always an added bonus when a single trip yields multiple videos LOL! The Bear Rocks Preserve is a small Nature Conservancy property that is immediately adjacent to the Dolly Sods Wilderness/Monongahela National Forest. In fact, I actually parked my vehicle in one spot and easily walked to both trailheads. Sadly I did not spend the time here that it deserved, as I was anxious to get going on the longer backpacking hike. I hope to return here in the future to explore it further.