The Bluestone Dam and Bluestone Lake are just a quick drive from Bluestone National Scenic River.
NPS photo/Dave Bieri
Other Nearby National Parks
Dramatic views, historic coal and railroad towns, hiking, rock climbing, biking, and whitewater rafting can all be found at nearby New River Gorge National River.
NPS photo/Gary Hartley
The New River Gorge at Grandview with fall colors.
A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities.
The Gauley River is one of the premier whitewater rafting destinations in the world.
Established in 1988, Gauley River National Recreation Area protects 25 miles of the Gauley River and 5 miles of the Meadow River. Dropping 28 feet per mile through a gorge that averages 500 feet in depth, the Gauley is a world-class destination for whitewater boaters.
West Virginia State Parks
Mash Creek Falls at Camp Creek State Park.
NPS photo/Dave Bieri
The tram at Piepstem Resort State Park provides easy access to the Bluestone River.
NPS photo/Dave Bieri
Pipestem Resort State Park
Located 12 miles south of Hinton, Pipestem Resort State Park sits on the edge of the beautiful Bluestone River Gorge. An aerial tram allows visitors to descend over 1,000 feet to the bottom of the gorge and the gateway to Bluestone National Scenic River. The park contains two lodges, cabins, campground, hiking trails, horse stables, golf course, and swimming pools.
A view of Bluestone Lake.
NPS photo/Dave Bieri
Bluestone State Park
Located five miles south of Hinton, Bluestone State Park is situated at the mouth of the Bluestone River. The park features cabins, campgrounds, a swimming pool, hiking trails, and a marina on Bluestone Lake.
The Bluestone Dam on the New River forms Bluestone Lake.
NPS photo/Dave Bieri
Bluestone Wildlife Management Area
Located just south of Hinton, Bluestone Wildlife Management Area provides opportunities for camping, boating, hunting, and fishing on Bluestone Lake.
Waterfall at Camp Creek State Park.
NPS photo/Dave Bieri
Camp Creek State Park
Located south of the park off Interstate 70, Camp Creek State Park offers scenic waterfalls, hiking trails, camping, picnic shelters, and fishing.
Other Destinations
The John Henry statue stands in front of the Great Bend Tunnel.
The Hinton Historic District includes buildings dated from the late 1800s when Hinton was a railroad center. The downtown Summers County Visitor Center and Hinton Railroad Museum provide visitor services, exhibits, and walking tour information.
John Henry Statue and the Great Bend Tunnel.
John Henry Historical Park
The Great Bend Tunnel, located in Talcott, is the location that spawned the legend of John Henry racing a steam drill while constructing the railroad that would open up this rugged land to the rest of the nation. The John Henry Historical Park is still in development, but visitors can view the tunnel and John Henry statue.
Coal Heritage Trail
Traversing five Southern West Virginia counties between Fayetteville and Bluefield, this 146 mile route features many historic sites associated with coal mining. The trail tells the story of resilient men and women who spent generations mining coal through harsh times and perilous conditions.
