The Grass Bald: Dolly Sods

In my mind one of the prettiest areas in Dolly Sods doesn’t have stunning rock outcrops or crimson colored heath like Bear Rocks. Don’t get me wrong. I love that part of the Sods. But I also love an area called the “Grass Bald.” 

The Grass Bald is a sweeping terrain covered with grass and dotted with a few trees. The grass, known as mountain oat grass, has a subtle silver to white cast that is soothing to the eye. The grass is also called Allegheny fly-back due to the way the lightweight stems “fly back” from the scythe in mowing. Perhaps this is why the grass undulates so gently in the wind. Whatever the reason, the sight of this grass softly swaying in the breeze is mesmerizing. 

Grass Bald on the Bear Rocks Trail

The grass balds cover flat, drier areas of the Sods. No one is quite sure why trees don’t occupy the grass balds. Most think the areas were naturally open prior to logging. Thomas Lewis, a surveyor writing in 1746, reported such an area during his explorations. Some think the climate might be too harsh and the grass too competitive with tree seedlings.

Grass Bald on the Bear Rocks Trail

There are a couple of trails that will take you to grass balds. The easiest way is the Bear Rocks Trail (TR522). About 1.5 miles from the trailhead, the trail breaks out of a forested slope and onto a flat meadow covered in grass. The grass bald continues along the trail for some distance. 

On the Bear Rocks Trail

Another grass bald is located north of Dobbin Slashing. To find this area take the Bear Rocks Trail one mile to its junction with the Dobbin Grade Trail (TR526). Turn right and follow an old railroad grade for about 3000 feet. Then look for an old road heading up a slight grade to the right. A grass bald covers the ridge top. 

North of Dobbin Slashing

With a sea of grass and a limitless sky of blue, a grass bald can capture your imagination. Like so many Dolly Sod landscapes, it’s a scene unlike any other in West Virginia.