Bluestone National Scenic River

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Bluestone River
Bluestone National Scenic River offers a quiet getaway.
Hiking the Turnpike Trail
Ranger Richard leads a guided walk on the Turnpike Trail
Ranger giving information to park visitor
NPS Ranger Richard Altaire provides an overview of the park map to a visitor to the Bluestone NSR.
Youngster enjoying the Bluestone
A young hiker makes his own connection with Bluestone National Scenic River.
river with trees
The Bluestone River
river with trees
The Bluestone River
Photos: National Park Service

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.

Quick Facts

State West Virginia
Designation National Scenic River
State Code WV
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.…

Location & Map

Bluestone National Scenic River is located in West Virginia.

Operating Hours

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.

Wednesday All Day
Monday All Day
Thursday All Day
Sunday All Day
Tuesday All Day
Friday All Day
Saturday All Day

Activities

Biking Mountain Biking Boating Fishing Freshwater Fishing Guided Tours Hiking Hunting and Gathering Hunting Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching

Getting There

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.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 3405 Pipestem Drive, Pipestem, WV, 25979
Phone 304-465-0508
Email neri_interpretation@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Farming and Agriculture Animals Birds Fish Forests and Woodlands Deciduous Forests Geology Mountains River and Riparian Rock Landscapes and Features Trails

Visitor Centers

Sandstone Visitor Center

Sandstone Visitor Center is located in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve near Sandstone, WV, and is the primary National Park Service information site…

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