Perched high atop the Alleghany Front, Dolly Sods is a mystery of nature. Upon reaching the top of the mountain, one leaves the deciduous forest and comes onto a desolate area, studded with pine trees whose growth is stunted, resulting in their lopsided appearance. Amidst the acres of huckleberry patches are large lakes of rocks, strewn about and stacked atop each other. Dolly Sods is an area that continues to baffle scientists who strive to explain this enigmatic landscape.

Dolly Sods Wilderness, Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia

Iceland - sod is commonly used for insulating buildings

recreation of sod house from "little house on the prairie"

Sean dropped by the WABA holiday party to hand out fliers for the Happy Holidaze alleycat. Big Bear Cafe, 1700 1st St NW, Washington, DC.

Sod Farm in Hastings Florida.

Dolly Sods, Bear Rocks Preserve

Relaxing in the tub after a long hike in the Dolly Sods wilderness area

Houses, houses and more houses. Braintree Essex

Dolly Sods, Bear Rocks Preserve.

Family Photo.

Perched high atop the Alleghany Front, Dolly Sods is a mystery of nature. Upon reaching the top of the mountain, one leaves the deciduous forest and comes onto a desolate area, studded with pine trees whose growth is stunted, resulting in their lopsided appearance. Amidst the acres of huckleberry patches are large lakes of rocks, strewn about and stacked atop each other. Dolly Sods is an area that continues to baffle scientists who strive to explain this enigmatic landscape.

Bear Rocks at Dolly Sods in West Virginia, the day after an ice storm. We were the only ones at Dolly Sods on that very windy and cold day, which wasn't all that surprising. It was one of the more rewarding hikes that I've done, and certainly one of the more strenuous. Taken on January 23, 2010.

photo by Jack Burton

editing by Lachlan Parkin