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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.