Bear Rocks Preserve, Nature reserve at Allegheny Plateau, United States
Bear Rocks Preserve is a nature reserve on the Allegheny Plateau featuring subalpine heath barrens, ancient bogs, and rock outcrops along the Eastern Continental Divide. The 477-acre site displays stunted red spruce trees, exposed rocky areas, and wet habitats typical of this high-elevation landscape.
The landscape changed from dense red spruce forest to open areas due to logging and livestock grazing in the early 1900s. This human activity created the exposed heath conditions visible today.
Native plants like blueberries, mountain laurel, azaleas, and rhododendrons thrive here and support local wildlife throughout the year.
Visitors must stay on marked trails to avoid unexploded military munitions from World War II era training and to protect fragile habitats. Following designated paths keeps you safe while preserving the reserve's sensitive ecosystems.
High-elevation cranberry bogs form here in autumn months and thrive in decay-logged soil conditions at the continental divide. These specialized bog habitats are uncommon elsewhere in the region.
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