Bluestone National Scenic River is a national scenic river run by the National Park Service in West Virginia.
In the park service’s words
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.
From the National Park Service (public domain).
Fees and hours
Entrance fee: No entrance fee.
Hours: Open 24 hours, every day. The park is accessible year-round at two entrance points, Bluestone State Park and the former Lilly townsite, and seasonally at Pipestem Resort State Park. The park is open 24 hours a day.
Getting there
Bluestone National Scenic River is most easily accessed via Bluestone State Park and Pipestem Resort State Park. A narrow, graveled park road provides access to the Bluestone Turnpike Trail at the former Lilly town site at the confluence of the Little Bluestone River. To reach these parks from I-64, take exit 139, then south on Rt. 20. From I-77 take exit 14 to Rt.20 north. Either direction, Bluestone State Park is 15 miles and Pipestem is 22 miles.
| Airport | City | Drive to the park | Straight-line miles | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW) | Beaver, WV | No road route | 17 | Regional |
| Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB) | Lewisburg, WV | No road route | 38 | Regional |
| Roanoke, Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) | Roanoke, VA | No road route | 58 | Regional |
| Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) | Greensboro, NC | No road route | 117 | Large hub |
Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.
Miles are straight-line distances.
Visitor centers
Weather
Summer: Temperatures range from low to mid 60's at night to middle to upper 80's during the daytime hours. Winter: Temperatures average from the mid 20's to the mid 40's. Snowfall amount varies, but averages 5" per month Dec. - March. Spring and Fall: temperatures and rainfall variable. Peak fall foliage is usually mid-October.
From the National Park Service (public domain).
Know before you go
Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.
Nearby
The nearest national park is New River Gorge, about 35 miles away in a straight line.
Sources
Last checked 1 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee at Bluestone National Scenic River?
No entrance fee.
Where is Bluestone National Scenic River?
In West Virginia. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Raleigh County Memorial Airport, about 17 miles away.
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