Bear Rocks Preserve Trail Dolly Sods is a premier hiking destination in Tucker County, West Virginia, covering 3.0 miles with 400ft of elevation gain. Stats: 3.0 miles, 400ft gain, Easy. Type: Loop. Surface: Rock/Dirt. Time: 1-2 hours. Fee: Free. Dogs: Yes. Permit: No. Wildlife: snowshoe hares, white-tailed deer, golden eagles, peregrine falcons, timber rattlesnakes. Best seasons: Fall for golden eagle migration along Dolly Sods Ridge; summer for wildflowers and cool temperatures. Bear Rocks Preserve at the north end of Dolly Sods delivers dramatic quartzite outcrops and one of the premier hawk-watch sites in the eastern US during fall migration. Pack plenty of water and layers. Mountain weather in the southern Appalachians can change rapidly — always check the forecast. Leave No Trace: stay on trail, pack out all waste, respect wildlife.