Bluestone National Scenic River

Bluestone National Scenic River

Parks Directory of the United States / US National Parks / National Wild & Scenic Rivers

Address:104 Main St
PO Box 246
Glen Jean, WV 25846
Phone:304-465-0508
Fax:304-465-0591
Web: www.nps.gov/blue/
Size: 4,310 acres. The Bluestone River is 77 miles in length, of which 10.5 miles are designated national scenic river.
Established: Authorized on October 26, 1988.
Location:Near Route 20 between Hinton and Athens, West Virginia. Accessible through its two neighboring state parks, Bluestone State Park to the north and Pipestem Resort State Park to the south (see separate entries in West Virginia state parks chapter), which are connected by trail. A tram takes visitors to the Bluestone River from Pipestem State Park.
Facilities:Visitor center at nearby New River Gorge National River (see separate entry for description).
Activities:Fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding. The upper Bluestone River is a popular whitewater run during higher springtime flows. This upper is rated Class III-IV and is for experienced boaters; the lower section is suitable for beginning paddlers.
Special Features: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 section designated as a national scenic river preserves relatively unspoiled land in southwest West Virginia and contains natural and historic features of the Appalachian Plateau.

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See other parks in West Virginia.

Parks Directory of the United States, 5th Edition. © 2007 by Omnigraphics, Inc.