Bluestone
National Scenic River
More Bluestone River information is available on our Bluestone River News page.
This scenic river preserves relatively unspoiled land in southern
West Virginia and contains natural and historic features of the
Appalachian plateau. In its 11 miles, the lower Bluestone River
offers excellent warm water fishing, hiking, boating, and
scenery.
- ACREAGE:
- Total: 4,290.50 Federal: 3,032.00 Non-Federal: 1,258.50
- VISITATION:
- Highest in July and August; lowest in winter.
- LOCATION:
- Between Athens and Hinton, WV
- ADDRESS:
- P.O. Box 246
Glen Jean, WV 25846
- TELEPHONE:
- (304) 465-0508
- OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:
- Open year-round.
- CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
- Climate is varied, without prolonged extremes of temperature
or precipitation. Sturdy shoes or boots, rain gear, adequate
protection from heat or cold suggested. During spring and fall hunting seasons, trail users are advised to wear blaze orange.
- DIRECTIONS:
- Access is through Bluestone State Park or Pipestem State
Park, off route 20, south of Hinton, WV, and northwest of Athens,
WV.
- TRANSPORTATION:
- To Park: by road on Interstate 77 or 64 to Route 20. AMTRAK
stops at Hinton.
In Park: a trail connects Bluestone State Park with Pipestem State
Park. A tram takes visitors to the Bluestone River from Pipestem
State Park.
- FEES, COSTS, RATES:
- No admission fees.
- FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
- Visitor Center/Exhibits:
None.
- Trails, Roads:
- The eight-mile Bluestone Turnpike Trail parallels the river.
- Programs/Activities:
- Ranger-led hikes and programs are offered seasonally.
- Lodging and camping facilities:
- No camping or lodging in the park. Available at Pipestem
State Park and Bluestone State Park.
- Food/supplies:
- Local restaurants and grocery stores.
- Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and
- Opportunities:
None.
- RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:
- Hiking, fishing, hunting, whitewater boating (dependant on
spring runoff or heavy rainfall), photography.
- RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:
None.
- BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
- No hunting or trapping is permitted in the upper 3.5 miles of
Bluestone National Scenic River.
- ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
- Bluestone State Park, Box 3, Athens Star Route, Hinton, WV
25451, (304) 466-1922
Pipestem State Park, Box 150, Pipestem, WV
25979, (304) 466-1800
Camp Creek State Forest, P.O. Box 119,
Camp Creek, WV 25820, (304) 425-9481.
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Write: Park Headquarters, P.O. Box 246, Glen Jean, WV
25846, (304) 465-0508.
______________________________
Last Updated:Wednesday, 30-Jun-99 09:25:29
http://www.nps.gov/blue/