The best part is that some of these waterways have not been explored. Can You Take A Kayak On The Hudson River? $25/hour single kayak; $35/hour double kayak. It also happens to be one of the best spots in the state for white water rafting and canoeing. *Offer is not available at Stonewall Resort State Park. Pipestem also has an outdoor amphitheater for outdoor concerts and plays. Before you visit the park, visit the website to learn about all you can do at Bluestone National Scenic River. Eventually other families arrived to the town known as Lilly where they survived by farming and logging. Licenses are available online. From the Mountain Creek Lodge, follow the moderately difficult River Trail downstream for one mile to access the beginning of the Bluestone Turnpike Trail. Remnants of mining communities stand alongside the river, including that of Bramwell, West Virginia, much of which is now preserved as a national historic district. Access also is possible by hiking the entire length of the River Trail in its entirety. Kayaking the Bluestone River NPS photo/Shari Quinn The Bluestone River is not thrill seeking, adrenaline frothed whitewater, nor is it a river that is navigable year round. It is however a journey to distinctive isolation, majestic beauty, and unparalleled access to wildlife. Hiking is a great year-round activity and is one of the most popular things to do at Pipestem. 2023 West Virginia University. Check out photo galleries, videos, and social media. The Long Branch boat dock is open in the summer and rowboat, paddleboat, paddleboard, kayak, and canoe rentals available. Mountain Creek Lodge and Restaurant are seasonal by nature. The museum is open June through August in downtown Hinton. Native Americans and early pioneers used the hollowed-out twigs as shafts for tobacco pipes. This easy trail begins at the park road behind Cottage Number 1 and travels down to Long Branch Lake where it joins the Lake Shore Trail. So, make sure you bring your fishing gear, binoculars, and camera with you. The Bluestone River courses beneath the I-77 Bridge north of Princeton, West Virginia, in Mercer County, in the Bluestone Region of southern West Virginia. Work begins on kayak landing spot on Bluestone River. The fertile valley, locally known as "Clover Bottom," was settled as early as 1775 by Mitchell Clay, who lost two children to Shawnee warriors shortly after settling. The first 3 miles are moving water ending at a dam. Like many other lakes in West Virginia, this Lake is a human-made impoundment that was created in 1959 by the damming. The nearby Bluestone Wildlife Management Area is a favorite spot for hunters. The trail has about nine launch points along, and the setting is sereneperfect for a great kayaking experience. The water is quite still and reflective, which makes kayaking easy-peasy. If youre planning a fishing trip and need overnight accommodations, check in to a cabin or lodge room. Sunny. The trail then loops around and returns to the parking area. It can be a tricky river to maneuver, especially if youre unfamiliar with the area or new to kayaking. West Virginia is undoubtedly one of the most incredible locations to go kayaking. 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. This type of kayak is perfect for a beginner who wants to enjoy gliding across flatwater or slowly cruising down a stream or other body of water, like the Bluestone River. BRAMWELL Plans for creating a system of kayaking and hiking trails took a step from planning to reality recently as work got underway to create a kayak launching site along the Bluestone River in Mercer County. Lilly, West Virginia, was one of the first settlements in present day West Virginia. Treat yourself to massages, facials, waxing and nail services at Pipestem Resorts Mountain Serenity Spa. Its unparalleled access to wildlife coupled with a majestic beauty will have you spending countless hours in the water with your eyes glued to the ecology surrounding you. Pipestem, As seen in the video, the utility car used for carrying boats out is small; therefore, keep group sizes small as well. It is nothing like your typical river as it presents a wide range of experiences throughout its 40-mile stretch. . (Camp Creek State Forest to Bluestone River) Bluestone, Mercer/Summers County, 4 miles away Class II-III - 21.3 miles long (Eads Mill to Bluestone State Park) 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. Open daily from 7:00 a.m to 7:30 p.m. Many of the state parks have paddling destinations and kayaks for rent! Request a free copy of our travel guide to start planning your next getaway. It is also worth noting that Thurmond has several rental options, so dont worry if you do not have your own equipment. BRAMWELL Plans for creating a system of kayaking and hiking trails took a step from planning to reality recently as work got underway to create a kayak launching site along the Bluestone River . Activities: Black Bear Grill and Lounge at McKeever Lodge is a quick-service dining option for families on the go, or for anyone looking for a place to kick back and relax after a long day of adventure. The cheat river, from its name, gives you something you have never experienced before. This adventure is great for those 8 years old and older and can also be a nice rainy-day activity. The Bluestone River is intermediate whitewater flowing through the beginning of the Bluestone Gorge. The Bluestone Dining Roomat McKeever Lodge is a full-service restaurant offering breathtaking views of the Bluestone Gorge. 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. The Bluestone River rises along the northern flank of East River Mountain, 2.5 miles southwest of Springville, Virginia, and flows northeast 83 miles through Mercer County and Summers County in West Virginia to join the New River. Go ahead, do yourself a favor and search for some images on Google of Moncove Lake. Bluestone River (Spanishburg to Eads Mill) Description: The Bluestone River is intermediate whitewater flowing through the beginning of the Bluestone Gorge. The Grom Life is an independent publisher. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Take the whole crew and enjoy a day running the rapids of the New and Bluestone rivers. Bring your own sled or cross-country skis or stop by Pipestems Pro Shop for rental information! You can only access this 10.5-mile national waterway from the two adjacent state parks if that tells you anything. Measuring at 300 ft with speeds up to 50 mph, the Pipestem Peaks Zipline Tour offers nine zips, a cable bridge and a belay to satisfy the adventure seeker and nature lover in all. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. They book up fast. Make you reservation by clickingBook Now! Adults and youth can enjoy the views and calm, flat water that makes this an adventure to remember. 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. The trail then continues downstream for another mile where it ends at the junction of the Farley Loop Trail and the Bluestone Turnpike Trail. We got in Coopers one 99-year lease for a lot from a property owner down there, Archer said. The Upper Gorge section, accessible from Hinton, has some slightly calmer waters rated as Class III rapids. That will be for our May 14 kayak run, he said. Call 304-466-0156 to hear a recording of river levels before heading out. The Bluestone State Park features a marina with boat rentals, a boat ramp, a picnic area and camping grounds. This type of kayak is perfect for a beginner who wants to enjoy gliding across flatwater or slowly cruising down a stream or other body of water, like the Bluestone River. If you are lucky, you will spot deers, turkeys, waterfowls, rabbits, squirrels, and doves. The most difficult task associated with canoeing the Bluestone, is to find the right time to go. This moderately difficult trail begins at the junction of the Farley Loop and River Trail in Pipestem Resort State Park. The clear, inviting waters will tempt you to plunge right in the Lake, which is not a good idea. Open daily 24/7. For fees, rentals and tee times, call 304-466-1800 and dial Ext. The Best Spots To Go Kayaking In West Virginia, Kayaking The Sandy Hook Bay In New Jersey. . Its close to the Appalachian Mountains, and the surrounding forests and hills provide a scenic view that is to-die-for. Another half mile of steep, rocky switchbacks takes you through a pine thicket to the patrol cabin. South Fork American River California. a real treat for anybody who wants to rough it! Its good to note that boat ramps and kayak rentals are available at Moncove Lake State Park. The LakeFor complete details, contact Pipestem Resort State Park. We have an extensive map which has all the detail you need to plan your next adventure. 9:00AM & 1:00PMCertain restrictions may apply. This trail begins along park road 0.1 mile down the hill from Park Headquarters. Kayakers can enjoy a variety of activities here, including swimming, camping, picnicking and kayaking. The Lake offers more than just bird watching as it is the primary habitat for wildlife, fish, and forest-dwelling birds. That event is starting to shape up. From there the river is class II-III with the harder rapids coming at the end. 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. Pipestem also has a driving range, and a nine-hole par 3 short course at the recreation center. By kayak! Just use code VETS10 when you make your reservation and present a valid military ID at check in. Its kind of like riding a bike once you get the hang of it, youre set! This 1,750-acre picturesque lake near the Allegheny Mountains is bordered by trees and hills. The village of Lilly is no longer inhabited, but its ruins have been preserved by the National Park Service. Stay up to-date with all the goings-on around Mercer County, West Virginia, from the adventures to the creations to the just plain offbeat. 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. This vast river tends to flood and overflow its banks, making it a favorite spot for paddlers to host festivals. According to most sources, settlers on the headwaters of the Bluestone River named the river for its course over bed of blue-tinged limestone. Appointments are recommended; walk-ins based on availability. For complete details, contact Pipestem Resort State Park. 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. First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Recreational opportunities include whitewater rafting, fishing, hiking and rock climbing. 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. In fact, one of the trickier aspects of this location is determining the optimal time to kayak because the waters are frequently low. A post shared by Randy Mills (@itsrandymills) on Nov 7, 2015 at 4:36pm PST. From your sit-on top kayak, you will get some exercise in the great outdoors. Strap in and zoom then return to the beginning via aerial tram and witness a complete view of the Bluestone River Gorge. From swirling hydraulics to big waves and sweeping waterfalls, West Virginia gives you a taste of everything. 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. Learn more about the people, place, and stories that make up the rich cultural history of the Bluestone Gorge. Now for something a little more on the wild side. The Mountain Creek Dining Room is currently CLOSED. Womxn's Whitewater Kayaking Clinic I | South Fork American River, CA. On the Lower Gorge, which runs downstream from Thurmond, the New River can provide some of the best whitewater in West Virginia, with some of those wild Class V rapids. This is a video from 2014 on the Bluestone River. 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. 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. Check out the New River Gorge kids page for info about our Junior Ranger program and other activities for kids. Our instructors will tailor a progression for your skill level to help you get comfortable with the board. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Enjoy the trails of Pipestem by horseback. Sign up for the newsletter, and we'll send a weekly update on news and stories to your email. Camp Creek also has a remote pack-in-pack-out site for backpackers a real treat for anybody who wants to rough it! Read More. However, dont get bogged down in the details. Open to current or ret Three Rivers Avian Center (TRAC) is live at Pipestem Resort on Sunday, September 3, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Just 20 minutes down the road you'll find even more to do at Bluestone State Park on the banks of Bluestone Lake. 3. The Shenandoah river is the perfect spot for beginners. Downtown Hinton is rich with coal and train history. Its scenic views and various rapid classifications make it ideal for beginner and experienced kayakers alike. Surrounded by mountains, the Bluestone River Valley offers plenty of boating, fishing, hiking, and animal-watching. $8/Half HourAvailable at Longbranch Lake. Mountain Creek Lodge and Restaurant are seasonal by nature. Visit for homemade desserts, entrees, and drinks. The scenic vistas offer you the perfect setting for multiple outdoor activities. From source to mouth, the following towns, cities, and villages are located on or near the Bluestone River. The lower reach of the river is entrenched in a narrow gorge, within which itis joined by the Little Bluestone River, its largest major tributary. Mercer County has been working with other counties across the region to establish rural trails for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding along with opportunities for kayaking on the Bluestone River. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph.. Mostly clear. The bluestone river, unlike Gauley, is not adrenaline frothed nor thrill-seeking, but it is navigable. Our stable is located 2.5 miles from McKeever Lodge and open Tuesday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Riders must be seven years or older. Take the route less traveled and float atop a cool mountain stream, lake, or river to see the region from a new angle. The owner just decided to donate it to the county. In a calm river, you may not use your paddle frequently, but in whitewater, you'll use it to steer your kayak, brace yourself against rapids, and maneuver through tight passages. Learn More. After about a 0.25 mile of steep descent, the trail becomes relatively level. 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 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 . 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. Make sure always to follow any state rules and regulations. Sit-on top Kayak trips explore the natural beauty of West Virginia with a scenic paddling experience in the pristine waters of Pipestem or Bluestone Lake. Start with paddle instruction from your professional guide, learn basic strokes and boat control, then journey to the most special places on the lake. The overlook offers an excellent view of the Bluestone River Gorge and Mountain Creek Lodge. The kayaking event will honor the late Zachary Blankenship, an eight-year veteran of the Montcalm Volunteer Fire Department. The massive Gauley River has been designated as a haven for expert kayakers and adrenaline junkies alike. Eleven miles of its lower course are protected by the National Park Service as the Bluestone National Scenic River. High 64F. Attraction is located outside of the park. Pipestem is a boaters paradise, surrounded by Long Branch Lake, the Bluestone River and the New River. Its like you could almost walk down into the river. ATV Touring Biking Birding Camping canoeing Caving Climbing Day Trips Fishing Football Geocaching Hiking Hunting Irish Road Bowling Kayaking Photography Powerboating Rafting Rail . It travels through mixed forest 0.6 mile to its junction with the Lake Shore Trail. Mercer county, Spanishburg to Eads Mill section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information. During the spring and summer, youll most likely see a few fishermen and kayakers as you make your way around. West Virginia University Theres bird watching, miniature golf, tennis courts, radio control race tracks and the Bolar Observation Tower. Kayaking in West Virginia is nothing short of breathtaking, and there are suitable locations for all kayakers, no matter what your skill level or experience is. The lake is beautiful, with a reflection of the adjacent mountain in it. The Bluestone River is in southern West Virginia, just north of Princeton. Pipestem offers some of the best trout and smallmouth bass fishing opportunities in West Virginia. Hours are subject to change. For a truly exhilarating experience, bike through Pipestems picturesque trails on your mountain bike. East Lynn Lake; Wayne County Source: Brian M. 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