Bluestone National Scenic River

Things To Do Near Bluestone National Scenic River

The Bluestone National Scenic River is a pristine slice of nature that offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Hikers along the nearly 10-mile Bluestone Turnpike Trail might still discover the artifacts from some of the area's earliest settlers as they pass near the site where the town of Lilly once stood. The Bluestone River winds through a 1,000-foot-deep gorge and offers visitors the chance to try their hand at warm water fishing. When the water is high enough, paddling the peaceful river is a popular way to enjoy the stunning scenery. 

Hiking Trails

• The Bluestone Turnpike Trail

  The Bluestone Turnpike Trail is a roughly 10-mile point-to-point trail that traverses nearly the entire length of the Bluestone National Scenic River. Following an old river road that was once used by farmers and the timber industry, the Bluestone Turnpike Trail now leads nature lovers through a forested land filled with a diverse ecosystem of plants and wildlife. The trail connects on the northern end to Bluestone State Park Campground Road. On the southern end, it connects with Pipestem Resort State Park, where you have the option of descending the 5.5-mile River Trail or descending to the floor of the 1,000-foot gorge via an aerial tram from the Canyon Rim Center. 

  Location

  From Bluestone State Park: Old Mill Way, White Oak, WV 25989; from Pipestem State Park: Canyon Way, Lerona, WV 25971 

  Length

  9.5 Miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

Sightseeing

• The Lost Town of Lilly

  Settled in the 1700s by Robert and Frances Lilly, Josiah Meador, and their families, Lilly was one of the first settlements in the Appalachian region of West Virginia. The two families scratched a living from the rugged land by farming and logging. The settlement became a thriving small community over time. In the 1940s, the construction of the Bluestone Dam forced the residents to abandon their homes. Today visitors can still see a few of the foundations that mark where homes and businesses once stood. 

  Location

  Bluestone River, WV

• Pipestem Resort State Park

  Located at the southern edge of the Bluestone National Scenic River, Pipestem State Park is a 4,050-acre park that offers a wide variety of activities for the entire family. Visitors can hike one of 13 trails, take an exciting zip line tour, or cool off on a hot day at Adventure Lake and Splash Park. If you prefer a slower pace, the park boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, four restaurants, and several shops. 

  Location

  3405 Pipestem Dr, Pipestem, WV 25979

• Bluestone State Park

  Bluestone State Park is located at the northern edge of the Bluestone National Scenic River. Established in 1950, the park's main feature is a 2,040-acre lake that was created by the Bluestone Dam. The Bluestone Marina rents a variety of watercraft for those interested in spending a quiet day on the lake.

  Location

  HC, 78, Hinton, WV 25951

Museums

• Veterans Memorial Museum of Southern West Virginia

  The Veterans Memorial Museum boasts an extensive collection of military memorabilia representing every major American conflict from the Revolution to Afghanistan. Most items in the museum were donated by local veterans. The museum also houses General MacArthur's footlocker and a vintage Jeep. 

  Location

  419 Ballengee Street, Hinton, WV 25951

• Campbell-Flannagan-Murrell House Museum

  Built around 1875 by Edgar Campbell and his wife, the Campbell-Flannagan-Murrell House Museum is the oldest standing residence in Hinton. One of the first merchants in town, the Campbell's, utilized the basement of the home as a general store. The home remained within the family for several generations until 1988. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

  Location

  422 Summers Street, Hinton, WV 25951

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Grandma’s House

  If you are looking for antiques and retro items, Grandma's House is the perfect place to stop. Owned by West Virginian natives Michael and Margie Temple, Grandma's House offers a wide variety of antique finds, vintage kitchen items, and home décor. 

  Location

  407 2nd Ave, Hinton, WV 25951

• The Market on Courthouse Square

  The Market on Courthouse Square is a great place to grab a casual meal with family and friends. With a menu that includes everything from soup to burgers to brick oven pizzas, there's sure to be something to tempt everyone's taste buds. 

  Location

  200 Ballengee Street, Hinton, WV 25951

• Mountain Creek Dining Room 

  The Mountain Creek Dining Room is located at the Mountain Creek Lodge and offers a unique dining experience accessible only via the aerial tram from Pipestem Resort State Park. The menu offers up an innovative menu served in a restaurant surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Bluestone River. 

  Location

  Pipestem State Park Resort, Pipestem, WV

How To Get To Bluestone National Scenic River

The Bluestone National Scenic River is most easily accessed via the two West Virginia State Parks that border it — Bluestone State Park and Pipestem Resort State Park. From I-64, take Exit 139 to Route 20 South. Follow Route 20 South for 15 miles to Bluestone State Park or 22 miles to Pipestem State Park.

From I-77, you will take exit 14 to Route 20 North. Follow Route 20 North for 14 miles to Pipestem or 22 miles to Bluestone. 

From Bluestone State Park, you can reach the Bluestone National Scenic River by following the signage for the Old Mill Campground and continuing to a small parking lot near an iron gate. From Pipestem, you can access the Bluestone National Scenic River via the aerial tram that will take you down to the floor of the 1,000-foot gorge or by hiking down The River Trail. 

The Bluestone National Scenic River is open 24/7 year-round, but no overnight camping is allowed on the trail.

Address

3405 Pipestem Drive, Pipestem, WV 25979

Fee: Entry Fee (per person)

There is no entry fee.

Fee: Tram Fee (per adult) $8.0

Fee: Tram Fee (per child aged 5-12) $6.0

Fee: Tram Fee (per child under 5)

Children under 5 years old ride free with an adult.

The Bluestone National Scenic River is a hidden gem nestled between two West Virginia state parks, making it a perfect stop on a scenic RV trip through the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Whether you're looking to relax and take in the lush scenery, explore the area's history, or try your luck with a fishing pole, the Bluestone Scenic River offers a little something for everyone. Add this destination to your travel plans because you won't want to miss it.