The headwaters of the Bluestone River begin at an elevation of 3,500 feet on East River Mountain near Bluefield, Virginia, and flow for 77 miles to Bluestone Lake near Hinton, West Virginia.
The Bluestone is a tributary of the New River, draining parts of southwestern Virginia and southern West Virginia. The responsibility of protecting the Bluestone National Scenic River is shared between the National Park Service, West Virginia State Parks, and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
A section of Bluestone National Scenic River lies within the boundaries of Pipestem Resort State Park, and the remaining portion is also a West Virginia Wildlife Management Area. Spectacular views of the river gorge may be seen from overlooks at Pipestem.
The lower 10 miles of the designated segment flow through an 800-foot deep gorge and offer warmwater fishing, whitewater boating when water level permits, and hiking along the river on a trail between Bluestone and Pipestem State Parks.
A major portion of the lands are managed by the state to provide hunting opportunities; wild turkey is the featured species.
Photo: NPS
