Bluestone National Scenic River

Location: Mercer and Summers counties   Map

Length: 10.5-mile (16.9 km)

Elevation: 1,637 ft (499 m)

 

Bluestone National Scenic River, located in Summers and Mercer counties in southern West Virginia, is a 10.5-mile (16.9 km) protected stretch of the Bluestone River, designated in 1988 under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Managed by the National Park Service (NPS) in collaboration with West Virginia State Parks and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, this section of the river is celebrated for its outstanding scenic, natural, cultural, geological, and recreational values. Carving through a rugged gorge in the Appalachian Plateau, the Bluestone offers a pristine, unspoiled landscape, diverse ecosystems, and a rich historical tapestry. Unlike the abandoned ghost towns of Bara-Hack, Dudleytown, and Bannerman Castle, Bluestone is a living, protected natural area, emphasizing preservation and outdoor recreation rather than historical ruins.

 

Geographical and Geological Context

Location and Scope:
The Bluestone National Scenic River spans a 10.5-mile segment of the Bluestone River, from a point two miles upstream of the Summers and Mercer County lines to its confluence with Bluestone Lake, near Hinton, West Virginia. The entire Bluestone River, a 77-mile (124 km) tributary of the New River, originates at 3,500 feet on East River Mountain near Bluefield, Virginia, and flows northeast through Mercer and Summers counties, joining the New River at 1,409 feet. The protected segment lies within a deep, rugged gorge, part of the Appalachian Plateau, with no direct road access, enhancing its remote and pristine character.

Geological Features:
The Bluestone River has carved a dramatic gorge through Mississippian and Pennsylvanian sedimentary rocks of the Mauch Chunk and Pottsville groups, as mapped by researchers at Concord University. The river’s name, derived from the bluish limestone exposed along its bed and canyon floor, reflects its geological distinctiveness. The gorge’s rim is framed by sandstone cliffs of the Mississippian-age Princeton Formation (up to 100 feet thick) and the Glady Fork Member of the Bluestone Formation (up to 40 feet thick). These formations create towering cliffs and boulder-strewn landscapes, contributing to the area’s scenic beauty. The lower gorge’s boulder fields inspired the Native American name “Momongosenka” (Big Stone River), used by tribes like the Delaware, Cherokee, and Shawnee.

Topography and Access:
The Bluestone Gorge’s steep, forested walls and lack of road access make the river remote and challenging to reach. Primary access points are:

Downstream End: Bluestone State Park, via the Old Mill Campground road, provides entry to the river’s lower section.
Upstream End: Pipestem Resort State Park, where a seasonal aerial tram descends to the gorge floor, offering a unique entry point. The Bluestone Turnpike Trail, a 9.5-mile hiking path, runs parallel to the river, connecting these access points and offering the primary means of exploration.

 

Ecological Significance

Flora:
The Bluestone National Scenic River supports over 1,000 plant species across diverse Southern Appalachian forest types. These include:

Upland Areas: Deciduous forests dominated by oaks and hickories.
Riparian Zones: Mixed conifer-deciduous forests with birch, sycamore, basswood, yellow birch, maple, and pine, thriving in microclimates above 2,000 feet.
Ridgetops and Cliffs: Unique habitats supporting specialized flora adapted to rocky soils. The extreme topographic conditions foster a rich variety of habitats, from lush riverbanks to arid cliff faces, making the area a botanical haven.

Fauna:
The park is a biodiversity hotspot, hosting:

Birds: Over 200 species, including belted kingfishers, great blue herons, Louisiana waterthrushes, scarlet tanagers, and more than a dozen wood warbler species. Bald eagles and ospreys, once rare, are increasingly sighted, reflecting conservation success. The park’s “birding hotspots” on eBird encourage citizen scientists to record observations.
Mammals: Bobcats, otters, bears, deer, raccoons, squirrels, and wild turkeys thrive, with the Bluestone Wildlife Management Area noted as one of the best wild turkey habitats in the eastern U.S.
Aquatic Life: The river, classified as a High-Quality Warm Water Stream by West Virginia, supports a carpet of macro-invertebrate aquatic species and diverse fish populations, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, spotted bass, muskellunge, walleye, white bass, rock bass, crappie, sunfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, and non-game species like suckers, dace, minnows, chubs, and shiners.
Amphibians, Reptiles, and Insects: The gorge provides habitat for numerous species, with ongoing monitoring via apps like iNaturalist to track invasive species.

Ecosystem Monitoring:
Bluestone is part of the NPS’s Eastern Rivers and Mountains Network, which conducts long-term monitoring of aquatic animals, water quality, and invasive species. These efforts provide data to preserve the park’s ecological health, with citizen science initiatives like iNaturalist aiding in tracking biodiversity.

 

Historical and Cultural Context

Indigenous History:
The Bluestone River watershed is rich in Native American history, with documented prehistoric sites spanning thousands of years. These include:

Paleo-Indian Period: Nomadic hunting camps from the Ice Age, associated with mammoth and mastodon.
Archaic and Woodland Cultures: Village and burial sites reflecting centuries of settlement.
17th–18th Century Tribes: Delaware, Cherokee, and Shawnee tribes used ancient pathways through the boulder-strewn lower gorge, naming the river “Momongosenka.”
These sites highlight the river’s cultural significance as a corridor for travel and sustenance.

Colonial and Modern History:
Unlike Bara-Hack, Dudleytown, and Bannerman Castle, Bluestone lacks a history of permanent colonial settlement or industrial activity within the protected segment, preserving its natural state. Its designation as a National Scenic River in 1988, under Public Law 100-534 (West Virginia National Interest River Conservation Act), marked a milestone in American environmental preservation. In 2008, the Bluestone was chosen by the Department of the Interior to host the 40th anniversary celebration of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System, underscoring its national significance.

Cultural Significance:
The Bluestone’s pristine landscape and biodiversity make it a “living landscape,” as described by the NPS, offering an unspoiled experience for visitors and a haven for wildlife. Its inclusion in the Wild and Scenic Rivers System, one of 156 protected rivers or segments, reflects a commitment to preserving free-flowing rivers for future generations. The river’s rugged beauty and historical depth also tie it to West Virginia’s identity as “Almost Heaven,” a region defined by its rivers and forests.

 

Recreational Opportunities

Hiking:
The Bluestone Turnpike Trail, a 9.5-mile moderate trail along the riverbank, is the primary hiking route, open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. It offers stunning views of the gorge, diverse flora, and wildlife sightings. Ranger-led two-mile round-trip hikes are available from late spring through fall, providing insights into the park’s geology, ecology, and history. Additional trails in nearby Bluestone and Pipestem Resort State Parks offer varied lengths and difficulties.

Paddling:
Canoeing and kayaking are possible, particularly in spring when water levels are adequate. The river’s low summer flows and occasional rapids require pre-planning, with access via Bluestone State Park or Pipestem’s aerial tram. Paddling offers unparalleled views of the gorge’s cliffs and forests, though the river is not known for thrilling whitewater.

Fishing:
The Bluestone’s status as a High-Quality Warm Water Stream supports excellent warmwater fishing for game fish (e.g., bass, muskellunge, catfish) and non-game species. Anglers with appropriate licenses can fish within the park, following West Virginia regulations.

Hunting:
Approximately 70% of the Bluestone National Scenic River, within the Bluestone Wildlife Management Area, is open to hunting and trapping during designated seasons, with wild turkey as a featured species. Hunting is prohibited in Pipestem Resort and Bluestone State Parks. Visitors must consult West Virginia Division of Natural Resources guidelines for boundaries and regulations.

Swimming:
The Bluestone and Little Bluestone Rivers offer potential swimming holes, accessible via the Bluestone Turnpike Trail or state park entry points. Adventurous visitors can hike to secluded spots, while closer access is available at Bluestone and Pipestem State Parks.

Camping:
Camping is prohibited within the Bluestone National Scenic River to preserve its natural state, but nearby state parks provide options:

Bluestone State Park (8 miles north): Offers 120 campsites across four campgrounds, with RV and tent options, including electric and full hookups.
Pipestem Resort State Park (12 miles south): Features 82 campsites, with 31 full-hookup and 19 electric-only sites, accommodating RVs up to 25 feet (larger rigs may require prior approval). Amenities include laundry, bathhouses, and playgrounds.
Ranger Programs and Education:

Park rangers offer guided hikes and educational programs, while the NPS’s Junior Ranger program engages children. The Sandstone Visitors Center (304-466-9192) provides additional information. Citizen science initiatives, such as eBird and iNaturalist, encourage visitors to contribute to biodiversity monitoring.

 

Management and Preservation

Collaborative Management:
The Bluestone National Scenic River is managed by a partnership among:

National Park Service: Oversees the 10.5-mile segment, ensuring compliance with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
West Virginia State Parks: Manages a portion within Pipestem Resort State Park.
West Virginia Division of Natural Resources: Administers the Bluestone Wildlife Management Area, focusing on hunting and wildlife conservation. This shared responsibility ensures the river’s protection while supporting recreational and ecological goals.

Preservation Efforts:
The NPS and its partners prioritize maintaining the river’s free-flowing state and ecological integrity. Monitoring programs track water quality, aquatic species, and invasive plants, with data informing management decisions. The prohibition on camping within the park and restrictions on development preserve its unspoiled character.

Challenges:
Access Limitations: The gorge’s inaccessibility, with no direct road access, limits visitation but protects its pristine state. Flooding can close access points, such as the Old Mill Campground road or parts of the Bluestone Turnpike Trail.
Low Water Levels: Summer water levels often hinder paddling, requiring visitors to plan for spring or check conditions with Pipestem Resort State Park.
Invasive Species: Monitoring via iNaturalist helps address invasive plants, which threaten native biodiversity.
Balancing Recreation and Conservation: Hunting and fishing must be managed to avoid ecological disruption, while the prohibition on camping within the park directs visitors to nearby state parks.

 

Modern Context and Visitor Experience

Visitor Experience:
Bluestone National Scenic River offers a serene escape from civilization, with activities like hiking, paddling, fishing, and hunting set against a backdrop of majestic scenery. The aerial tram at Pipestem Resort State Park provides a dramatic descent into the gorge, enhancing the adventure. Ranger-led programs and citizen science initiatives engage visitors, while nearby state parks offer camping and additional amenities. The park’s proximity to the New River Gorge, about five miles north, makes it part of a broader network of southern West Virginia’s outdoor attractions.

Cultural and Educational Value:
The park’s Junior Ranger program, guided hikes, and biodiversity monitoring initiatives educate visitors about the Appalachian ecosystem and Indigenous history. Its role in the 2008 Wild and Scenic Rivers anniversary celebration highlights its national importance.

Challenges for Visitors:
The lack of road access and low summer water levels require planning, particularly for paddling. Flooding can close trails or access points, and visitors must check conditions with park authorities. The prohibition on camping within the park directs visitors to state parks, which may limit spontaneity.