Over 200 primitive campsites. It offers a peaceful setting for singles and families to enjoy some water-related outdoor activities. The Bluestone River and the rugged and ancient gorge it has carved is a richly diverse and scenic area of the southern Appalachians. It is a beautiful flat water lake with 140 acres of tranquil Class I water. From source to mouth, the following towns, cities, and villages are located on or near the Bluestone River. Photos? In memory of Blankenships love of nature and at the request of the Bluestone Water Trail Committee, the county commission named the committees May 14 kayak trip on the Bluestone River from Coopers to Riverside ATV Camp the Zachary Blankenship Memorial Kayak Float. Information on lodging, dining, and recreation on and near the Bluestone River may be found in our guide to travel in the Bluestone Region, in southern West Virginia. The geographics of the lake makes it a hidden gem, which means that only a few people get to kayak and explore the area. From this intersection it is 8.5 miles to Bluestone State Park. It is a difficult river to navigate, especially if you dont know the terrain or are new to kayaking. The water is quite still and reflective, which makes kayaking easy-peasy. Just 20 minutes down the road you'll find even more to do at Bluestone State Park on the banks of Bluestone Lake. Worried about having no balance? CAMP CREEK Three people kayaking on the Bluestone River were rescued early Monday morning after they lost the kayaks and inner tube they were riding and became stranded. From the Mountain Creek Lodge, follow the moderately difficult River Trail downstream for one mile to access the beginning of the Bluestone Turnpike Trail. West Virginia has many scenic kayaking spots, including Tygart Lake, The Bluestone river, The Gauley river, and Lake Stephens, to name a few. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mountain Creek Dining Room at the Mountain Creek Lodge is known for its unique menu and high-quality presentation. There was a problem saving your notification. For full obituary information, please visit www.roselawnmontevista.com. Sitting on the east rim of the Bluestone River Gorge, Pipestem offers something for everyone including exhilarating zipline tours, guided trout fishing trips, mountain bike excursions and more. West Virginia, The Mountain State, is known for its breathtaking mountain scenery, unparalleled outdoor recreation possibilities, and some of the friendliest people in all of the United States. The aerial tramway is not the zipline. Work begins on kayak landing spot on Bluestone River. 9. You have permission to edit this article. One of the first things that you'll learn in white water kayaking is how to use your paddle. Snacks and drinks provided. The Bluestone State Park features a marina with boat rentals, a boat ramp, a picnic area and camping grounds. Pipestem Resort State Park gets its name from the native pipestem or meadowsweet plant. Adults and youth can enjoy the views and calm, flat water that makes this an adventure to remember. If you brought your camera with you, you might be lucky to spot and take photos of the black bear, deer, raccoon turkey, mink, and the blue heron. Call 304-466-0156 to hear a recording of river levels before heading out. If you are a beginner, dont worry, the waters can still accommodate you in various sections where it is a bit calm and quiet. PO Box 6018 | 2001 Recreation Center Drive | Morgantown, WV 26506 Price per boat rental. West Virginia State Parks thanks you for your service. Book your reservation today by calling 1-833-WV-PARKS Paddle Boats $8/Half Hour This trail begins at the Mountain Creek Lodge parking area at Canyon Rim Center. The 6 Best Inflatable Tandem Kayaks in 2023, The 5 Best Inflatable Whitewater Kayaks in 2023. Residents of Lilly were forced to move during the mid-1900s when the construction of the Bluestone Dam began. River levels can be obtained by calling 304-466-0156. Several visitors have been lucky enough to see and photograph the black bear, deer, and even some blue heron. Jump on the Turnpike Trail, a 9.5-mile wooded trail that follows an old river road. The park officially opened on Memorial Day 1970. The geology of the upper river is interpreted at Pinnacle Rock State Park. Fun in the sun awaits at Pipestems Splash Park and Adventure Lake. Sunny. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 7 a.m. 7:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 9 a.m. 9 p.m. Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park. Stand-Up Paddle boarding (SUP) is a rapidly growing sport. It also happens to be one of the best spots in the state for white water rafting and canoeing. After wading the river, it is an easy 0.75 mile walk to Mountain Creek Lodge. Even though its huge lakes are primarily built to prevent flooding, they have the advantage of creating diverse ecological zones, which are often more diversified than natural lakes. Request a free copy of our travel guide to start planning your next getaway. Bluestone National Scenic River is preserved as a living landscape that provides an unspoiled experience for visitors and a haven for a variety of plants and animals. Spend some time on the water at the parks new adventure lake and splash park or set out on a kayaking and stand-up paddle board tour, tubing or whitewater adventure on the Bluestone River. Its unrivaled access to wildlife, along with its spectacular beauty, will have you spending countless hours in the water, with all of your attention fixed on the scenery around you. You will spot a handful of fishers and kayakers as you find your way around during spring and summer. and another property is pending. Flatwater kayaking is popular in West Virginia, especially in the western lowlands, where streams meander through the wooded hills and meadows on their way to the Ohio River, and in the eastern panhandle, where the Potomac River runs down through the valleys on its way to the Atlantic. They book up fast. Along your trip, you can enjoy the panoramic wildlife and the ecology around. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Another scenic waterway is the Bluestone river that offers you an excellent opportunity to be away from civilization and start a journey to distinctive isolation. Kayaking is popular in spring and during floods. That event is starting to shape up. It travels through mixed forest 0.6 mile to its junction with the Lake Shore Trail. When you think of Mercer County, many great ways to explore the rolling, green mountain landscape come to mind: ATV, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking. Pipestem also has an outdoor amphitheater for outdoor concerts and plays. The overlook offers an excellent view of the Bluestone River Gorge and Mountain Creek Lodge. This steep, somewhat rugged trail begins at the Nature Center parking lot, comes through the edge of the yard and then travels a short distance toward the stables. Archer went to the site with a chainsaw to get the work underway. Enjoy the trails of Pipestem by horseback. 20). The cheat river, from its name, gives you something you have never experienced before. The owner just decided to donate it to the county. View the Black Bear Grill and Lounge Menu. Artist says former West Virginians captivated by West Virginia imagery, Storytellers to weave tales at Saturday program in Beckley, Downtown Beckley getting even odder, say fair organizers, Peculiar rock face near Ripley, W.Va., attracting more visitors, HarpersFerryNational Historical Park pilots cashless fee collection, New River Gorge ranked top national park for scenic views, activities, Visitors encouraged to hike lesser-known New River Gorge trails, W.Va. to invest $10 million at Coopers Rock State Forest, WVU earns $8M for rare earth elements extraction facility, W.Va. awards $9.7 million for pedestrian, recreation trails, Rich West Virginia honey benefitting consumers, producers, Applications for Outdoor Heritage Conservation grants due April 28. West Virginia State Parks thanks you for your service. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Trail ride prices per person are $20 for a half hour, $35 for one hour and $60 for two hours. Theres also Bramwell, a Victorian town with lots of character. 735. The nearby Bluestone Wildlife Management Area is a favorite spot for hunters. Get out there and dip your toes in! West Virginias lakes are all the result of impoundment due to the states rugged geography. Bluestone Lake WMA At-a-Glance Open: All year Size: 16,718 acres of land, 2,040 acres of water Elevation: 1,400-1,928 feet Robert Lambert who is the chief maintenance man at the Gardner Center cuts down small trees to make way for the first kayak launching site on the Bluestone River located in Coopers. This trail begins behind McKeever Lodge. Choose from leisurely loops to challenging courses on the parks 20 different hiking trails. The rugged mountains were once home to several coal mining camps, and some historical artifacts and buildings remain. In the 1960s, West Virginia received financial assistance to buy property to create a park that would attract visitors who could help grow the local economy. Theres a railroad museum, veterans museum, antique theatre, and dozens of intriguing boutiques and antique shops. Follow in the footsteps of the Cherokee and Shawnee along the Bluestone Turnpike Trail. If you are planning to kayak here, make sure you are really ready for the thrill and have exercised enough for the task ahead. Starting from the park road across from the McKeever Lodge and beside the arboretum, this short, steep paved trail offers easy access to Long Branch Lake. Make sure always to follow any state rules and regulations. Tygart Lake has a Class I rapids classification, making it a suitable flatwater kayaking experience. 8+ YearsAll participants must wear a life jacket and complete the waiver form for entry. The 8-mile lake is just 300 acres on the North Fork of Hughes River, North bend state park is a beautiful place to learn how to kayak and even improve your skills. The most difficult task associated with canoeing the Bluestone, is to find the right time to go. Go ahead, do yourself a favor and search for some images on Google of Moncove Lake. This shallow water is ideal for any kayaker, including kids. Every day. Its like you could almost walk down into the river. This is a video from 2014 on the Bluestone River. The Bluestone River is in southern West Virginia, just north of Princeton. Cool off in the warmer months at Pipestems brand new Adventure Lake and Splash Park offers 15 inflatable features and water fun for even the smallest adventurers. We would borrow a big fiberglass canoe from my Uncle Bob, pack up the The sprawling 4,050-acre park is located on the border of Summers and Mercer counties and features 26 cabins and two lodges, one of which can only be accessed by riding the parks aerial tramway to the bottom of the Bluestone River Gorge. The Shenandoah River, WV ' The Shenandoah River' by Virginia State Parks is licensed under CC BY 2.0 Class II-III - 4.5 miles long (Camp Creek State Forest to Bluestone River) Ski Areas Near Bluestone: Winterplace, West Virginia , 9 miles away, 603 foot . Native Americans and early pioneers used the hollowed-out twigs as shafts for tobacco pipes. Before you head out, make sure you purchase a current West Virginiafishing license, available atwww.wvfish.com. Regardless of your skill level, West Virginia is filled with kayaking spots that cater to all kayakers alike. Take the route less traveled and float atop a cool mountain stream, lake, or river to see the region from a new angle. Later, communities such as Matoaka, Spanishburg and Bramwell would develop in that valley. From your sit-on top kayak, you will get some exercise in the great outdoors. The park protects a 10.5-mile section of the Bluestone River in southern West Virginia. Mountain Creek Lodge and Restaurant are seasonal by nature. It is nothing like your typical river as it presents a wide range of experiences throughout its 40-mile stretch. West Virginia is a welcoming state for new and seasoned paddlers alike! Experience the thrill of soaring through the treetops of West Virginia and beholding panoramic views of flourishing forest and river below on thePipestem Peaks Zipline. European settlers began to explore and establish homes along the river in the mid-1700s. Veterans Salute Discount: Take 10% off your entire stay with offer code VETS10. The New River makes its way through the New River Gorge National Park, so youll undoubtedly get to see some beautiful scenery while paddling through the rapids. The trail connects Cottage and Lake Shore trails and in 0.4 mile joins with Lake Shore Trail. From $299. Calling all veterans and active duty military personnel! If you dont have a kayak, the rental shops around will sort that out for you. East Lynn Lake; Wayne County Source: Brian M. Powell (user Bitmapped on en.wikipedia) / Wikimedia East Lynn Lake The rapids here range in difficulty from Class I to the intensities of Class V, requiring you to paddle continually a difficult task if you are not used to it. more information on current conditions Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details. For more information, check the American Whitewater website: more information on current conditions http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/3091. To show our appreciation, were offering 10% off all lodge room, cabins and campsites. About - Bluestone State Park is a lakeside retreat located in southern West Virginia. Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. Like any sport, there are an overwhelming amount of options when it comes to purchasing a kayak. Native Americans and early pioneers used the hollowed-out twigs as shafts for tobacco pipes. 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