Bluestone River

Bluestone National Scenic River

National Scenic River ยท West Virginia

NPS Photo

๐Ÿ“ StateWest Virginia
๐Ÿ›๏ธ TypeNational Scenic River
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ EntryFree
๐Ÿƒ Activities15
Official NPS Website โ†’
Bluestone National Scenic River

4,310 acres in West Virginia (US) managed by the National Park Service

The Bluestone National Scenic River protects a 10.5-mile (16.9ย km) section of the Bluestone River in Summers and Mercer counties of southern West Virginia. It was created 26 October 1988 under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and is protected by the National Park Service.

WikipediaWikidataSource: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

About Bluestone National Scenic River

The Bluestone River and the rugged and ancient gorge it has carved is a richly diverse and scenic area of the southern Appalachians. Bluestone National Scenic River is preserved as a living landscape that provides an unspoiled experience for visitors and a haven for a variety of plants and animals. The park protects a 10.5-mile section of the Bluestone River in southern West Virginia.

Park Photos

Bluestone River
Hiking the Turnpike Trail
Ranger giving information to park visitor
Youngster enjoying the Bluestone
river with trees
river with trees

Activities

Operating Hours

Bluestone National Scenic River

The park is accessible year-round at two entrance points, Bluestone State Park and the former Lilly townsite, and seasonally at Pipestem Resort State Park. The park is open 24 hours a day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Bluestone National Scenic River?

Bluestone National Scenic River is free to enter.

What are the best activities at Bluestone National Scenic River?

Popular activities at Bluestone National Scenic River include: Biking, Mountain Biking, Boating, Fishing, Freshwater Fishing, Guided Tours, Hiking, Hunting and Gathering.

What is the weather like at Bluestone National Scenic River?

Summer: Temperatures range from low to mid 60's at night to middle to upper 80's during the daytime hours. Winter: Temperatures average from the mid 20's to the mid 40's. Snowfall amount varies, but averages 5" per month Dec. - March. Spring and Fall: temperatures and rainfall variable. Peak fall foliage is usually mid-October.

How do I get to Bluestone National Scenic River?

Bluestone National Scenic River is most easily accessed via Bluestone State Park and Pipestem Resort State Park. A narrow, graveled park road provides access to the Bluestone Turnpike Trail at the former Lilly town site at the confluence of the Little Bluestone River. To reach these parks from I-64, take exit 139, then south on Rt. 20. From I-77 take exit 14 to Rt.20 north. Either direction, Bluestone State Park is 15 miles and Pipestem is 22 miles.

Entrance Fees

Free Admission

Weather

Summer: Temperatures range from low to mid 60's at night to middle to upper 80's during the daytime hours. Winter: Temperatures average from the mid 20's to the mid 40's. Snowfall amount varies, but averages 5" per month Dec. - March. Spring and Fall: temperatures and rainfall variable. Peak fall foliage is usually mid-October.

Directions

Bluestone National Scenic River is most easily accessed via Bluestone State Park and Pipestem Resort State Park. A narrow, graveled park road provides access to the Bluestone Turnpike Trail at the former Lilly town site at the confluence of the Little Bluestone River. To reach these parks from I-64, take exit 139, then south on Rt. 20. From I-77 take exit 14 to Rt.20 north. Either direction, Bluestone State Park is 15 miles and Pipestem is 22 miles.

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Location

Coordinates37.5658, -80.9837

Official Resources

NPS Official Website