The most photographed spot in West Virginia – or one of them, at least – is finally getting the national recognition it deserves. Bear Rocks Preserve, adjacent to the Dolly Sods Wilderness, was recently named America’s 600th National Natural Landmark.

Jagged grey boulders jut from a vast tundra speckled with colorful shrubbery. Trees grow, but they are few, stubby, and lopsided from a constant, prevailing wind. Range upon range of blue mountains stretch as far as the eye can see.
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What is this place? Alaska? Canada? No, my friends. It's right here in West Virginia, in one of the most photographed areas of the state.
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Welcome to Bear Rocks Preserve, where the sky is as big, the views as long, and the scenery as colorful as any in the world.
COTraveller33/Tripadvisor
Located just adjacent to the Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest and making up part of the Allegheny Front and the Eastern Continental Divide, Bear Rocks is a 477-acre preserve managed by The Nature Conservancy.
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Many visit Bear Rocks Preserve and the surrounding areas each year for the beautiful views (from Bear Rocks proper, on a clear day, you can see all the way to Virginia's Shenandoah National Park) and the beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
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But don't go expecting clear weather on every visit!
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The area typically receives upwards of 60 inches of rain and 160 inches of snow per year.
Still, cloudy or clear, rain or shine, it's a little piece of Almost Heaven that's well worth a spot on your Bucket List.
Duane Dombeck/Google Maps
Even the journey to this area is magical. But be forewarned: you won't find this road empty during a peak fall weekend!
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Try mid-week or off season if you want to have the area a little more to yourself.
Have you clambered up Bear Rocks and taken in the views from one of the prettiest perches in the state?
Dan H/Google Maps

To learn more about Bear Rocks Preserve or plan a visit to this gorgeous area, head over to The Nature Conservancy’s website.

For more beautiful, inspiring spots in West Virginia that belong on anyone’s bucket list, check out these 9 natural wonders in West Virginia.

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Bear Rocks Preserve, Forest Rd 75, Davis, WV 26260, USA