Bluestone National Scenic River
Description of Bluestone National Scenic River
Bluestone National Scenic River is a picturesque river that carved through a gorge in the Mercer and Summers counties of the South West Virginia. Protected reserve of Bluestone National Scenic River covers a length of 10.5-mile (16.9 km) of its flow through southern Appalachian Mountains. First people settled these lands during Ice Age. Paleo- Indians who hunted mammoth, mastodon and other mega fauna that lived in the valley. Later they were replaced by the native tribes of Cherokee, Delaware and Shawnee. One of the distinguishing features of this park is lack of human presence along much of its length. You won't see roads or houses for most of its flow. The best ways to access is by entering through Bluestone State Park at downstream location or at upstream end in the Pipestem Resort State Park.
Recreation and access
Because Bluestone National Scenic River lies in a
deep gorge with no immediate road access, getting to the area can be
challenging. The best means of access is at its ends. At the
downstream end, guests can enter through Bluestone State Park. At
the upstream end, visitors can ride the seasonal aerial tram at
Pipestem Resort State Park to reach the bottom of the gorge.
A hiking trail, the Bluestone Turnpike Trail, runs the length of the
National Scenic River at the bottom of Bluestone Gorge. There are
limited opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, with the spring
paddling season most likely to provide adequate water levels. The
Pipestem Tram will transport canoes and kayaks as well as bicycles
for an additional charge.
Fishing is a popular activity along
the Bluestone, with game fish such as smallmouth bass and bluegill
being favored in the area. Hunting is also permitted in Bluestone
Gorge; visitors should wear appropriate blaze-orange clothing during
hunting seasons.