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.
Photo: NPS Photo
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.
- LocationPipestem, WV
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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Weather now74°F Overcast
- Alerts No active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Birds
- Deciduous Forests
- Farming and Agriculture
- Fish
- Forests and Woodlands
- Geology
- Mountains
3 more topics
- River and Riparian
- Rock Landscapes and Features
- Trails
Things to Do
15 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
- Hiking
- Wildlife Watching
- Fishing
- Boating
- Paddling
- Biking
- Guided Tours
- Birdwatching
- Junior Ranger Program
- Canoeing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Hunting
Show 3 more activities
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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Sandstone Visitor Center
Facility
Sandstone Visitor Center is located in New River Gorge National River near Sandstone, WV, and is the primary National Park Service information site for Bluestone…
Pipestem, WV Directions
Details
Sandstone Visitor Center is located in New River Gorge National River near Sandstone, WV, and is the primary National Park Service information site for Bluestone National Scenic River. Information can also be obtained at Bluestone State Park and Pipestem State Park, both which border Bluestone National Scenic River.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · Bluestone National Scenic River
Hours details
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Bluestone National Scenic RiverOpen 24 hours, daily
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.
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
3405 Pipestem DrivePipestem, WV 25979
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
74°F
Overcast · feels like 70°
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Today
75° 61°
Overcast61% rain
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Tomorrow
64° 58°
Light rain shower93% rain -
Sunday
64° 56°
Light rain shower94% rain
Updated 5 hr ago
What to expect by season
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.
Photos
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A young hiker makes his own connection with Bluestone National Scenic River. — NPS Photo / Eve West -
Getting There
Pipestem, WV 25979
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.
Full directions
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.
Mailing address: P.O. Box 246, Glen Jean, WV 25846
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