Bluestone National Scenic River

IN DEPTH

History The Bluestone River, named for the deep blue limestone streambed of its upper reaches in Virginia, has created a gorge 1,000 feet deep. The bottomland within the gorge...read more

Preservation Leave No Trace You can make a difference. Please practice Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics Plan Ahead and Prepare Know the regulations and special concerns for the area...read more

Just For Kids   Check out New River Gorge National River (it's nearby!) for kids' activities. www.ohranger.com/new-river-gorge...read more

Planning Your Visit With a little advance planning, you can make the most of your trip to Bluestone National Scenic River. Check the contents of this website, contact the park, or once you are here in the...read more

In A Nutshell Operating Hours & Seasons The park is open year round. Access via Pipestem Resort State Park is more difficult during November through April, when the aerial tram is not...read more

Activities & Programs Hiking The Bluestone Turnpike Trail is a 10.5-mile moderate hiking trail that follows the path of an old riverbank road. Along this trail you may see many of the area's wildflowers. Hunting is permitted...read more

Things To Do Hunting In approximately 70% of Bluestone National Scenic River lands, hunting and trapping are permitted. This portion of the park is managed as part of the Bluestone Wildlife Management...read more

Natural World Animals Wildlife is abundant in Bluestone National Scenic River. Deer, turkey, ruffed grouse, bobcat, raccoons and beaver are found here. The area also supports a wide array of birds. Great Blue...read more

Animals Birds Bluestone National Scenic River offers a wide variety of bird habitat along its 10.5 miles. Riparian areas, mixed hardwood forests, old fields, cliffs and the river provide food,...read more