The Bluestone River and the rugged and ancient gorge it has carved is a richly
diverse and scenic area of the southern Appalachians. 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. The
park protects a 10.5-mile section of the Bluestone River in southern West
Virginia.

The Bluestone River and the rugged and ancient gorge it has carved is a richly diverse and scenic area of the southern Appalachians. 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. The park protects a 10.5-mile section of the Bluestone River in southern West Virginia.

Bluestone National Scenic River offers a quiet getaway.

Bluestone River

Ranger Richard leads a guided walk on the Turnpike Trail

Leading a hike

NPS Ranger Richard Altaire provides an overview of the park map to a visitor to the Bluestone NSR.

Bluestone Turnpike Trail

The ten mile Turnpike Trail parallels the Bluestone, connecting Pipestem Resort State Park and Bluestone State Park.

The Turnpike Trail

A young hiker makes his own connection with Bluestone National Scenic River.

Enjoying the day

Bluestone National Scenic River

Bluestone Dam spans the New River, forming Bluestone Lake, the third largest
lake in West Virginia. With a 2,040 acre surface area, the lake provides
boaters, water skiers, and fishermen with great recreational opportunities.
The State of West Virginia operates Bluestone State Park with cabin rentals,
picnicking and camping facilities. Also, a swimming pool, gift shop, two boat
ramps, and a marina are operated for the convience of the visitors. Camping
opportunities are also available at the state's Bluestone Lake Wildlife
Management Area.

Bluestone Dam spans the New River, forming Bluestone Lake, the third largest lake in West Virginia. With a 2,040 acre surface area, the lake provides boaters, water skiers, and fishermen with great recreational opportunities. The State of West Virginia operates Bluestone State Park with cabin rentals, picnicking and camping facilities. Also, a swimming pool, gift shop, two boat ramps, and a marina are operated for the convience of the visitors. Camping opportunities are also available at the state's Bluestone Lake Wildlife Management Area.

## Overview

Bluestone Lake Picnic Shelter is a day-use area near the shores of Bluestone
Lake in southern West Virginia.  
  
The 2,040 acres of water provide boaters, water skiers and fishermen with
plenty of recreational opportunities.  
  
With a capacity of up to 100 guests and dozens of activities and amenities,
the day use area is a hot spot for large gatherings and outdoor fun. It is
very popular among Little League Baseball groups and fishermen.

## Recreation

The New River is the best warm water fishery in West Virginia. Year after
year, it produces more citation game fish than any other warm water river in
West Virginia. Anglers can cast a line for smallmouth, white and striped bass,
bluegill, catfish, crappie and muskellunge.  
  
A short drive to the popular Bluestone Lake Wildlife Management Area won't
disappoint for hunters interested wild turkey, white-tailed deer and various
small game.

## Facilities

The accessible picnic shelter is equipped with electric and water hookups, as
well as restrooms and ample parking. There are 12 picnic tables located around
the shelter which seat approximately 75 people.  
  
Basketball, baseball, horseshoe, playing fields and a playground are sure to
keep visitors active during their visit.  
  
A boat ramp, dock, pier and marina are a short drive away for the convenience
of boaters and anglers.

## Natural Features

Visitors won't want to miss the scenic views of West Virginia's third largest
lake and its surrounding thick forests.  
  
Bluestone Dam spans the New River, forming Bluestone Lake. The New River is
the oldest river in North America and partially follows the path of the
prehistoric Teays River.  
  
The area is also rich in cultural history, with 103 archaeological sites
located on federal property around the lake.

## Nearby Attractions

Bluestone State Park has cabin rentals, picnicking and camping facilities, as
well as two boat ramps and a marina.

<h2>Overview</h2>
Bluestone Lake Picnic Shelter is a day-use area near the shores of Bluestone Lake in southern West Virginia. 
<br/><br/>
The 2,040 acres of water provide boaters, water skiers and fishermen with plenty of recreational opportunities. 
<br/><br/>
With a capacity of up to 100 guests and dozens of activities and amenities, the day use area is a hot spot for large gatherings and outdoor fun. It is very popular among Little League Baseball groups and fishermen.<h2>Recreation</h2>
The New River is the best warm water fishery in West Virginia. Year after year, it produces more citation game fish than any other warm water river in West Virginia. Anglers can cast a line for smallmouth, white and striped bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie and muskellunge. 
<br/><br/>
A short drive to the popular Bluestone Lake Wildlife Management Area won't disappoint for hunters interested wild turkey, white-tailed deer and various small game.<h2>Facilities</h2>
The accessible picnic shelter is equipped with electric and water hookups, as well as restrooms and ample parking. There are 12 picnic tables located around the shelter which seat approximately 75 people.
<br/><br/>
Basketball, baseball, horseshoe, playing fields and a playground are sure to keep visitors active during their visit.
<br/><br/>
A boat ramp, dock, pier and marina are a short drive away for the convenience of boaters and anglers. <h2>Natural Features</h2>
Visitors won't want to miss the scenic views of West Virginia's third largest lake and its surrounding thick forests. 
<br/><br/>
Bluestone Dam spans the New River, forming Bluestone Lake. The New River is the oldest river in North America and partially follows the path of the prehistoric Teays River.
<br/><br/>
The area is also rich in cultural history, with 103 archaeological sites located on federal property around the lake.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Bluestone State Park has cabin rentals, picnicking and camping facilities, as well as two boat ramps and a marina.

Bluestone National Scenic River

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Bluestone Lake