Bluestone National Scenic River

The Bluestone is a river in West Virginia that cuts through a deep gorge in the Appalachian region. The gorge reveals layers of ancient rock that create steep canyon walls and shape how the water flows through the landscape.

Early peoples used this river as a waterway and built settlements along its banks over thousands of years. Over time, trails and trade routes developed, connecting communities across the region.

This river has long been a place where people gathered and moved through the landscape for thousands of years. Today, visitors can trace some of these same paths along the banks, seeing how the water shaped the ways communities lived here.

You can access the river at several points, with some areas offering easy entry while others require more effort to reach. It is helpful to check water conditions and bring suitable gear before exploring the river.

The name comes from the blue-colored limestone rocks visible on the riverbed underwater. These rocks give the river its distinctive appearance and set it apart from other river valleys in the region.

Location: Mercer County

Location: Summers County

Website: https://nps.gov/blue

GPS coordinates: 37.54170,-80.99920

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:07