Pipestem Resort State Park

Pipestem Resort State Park is a large nature reserve in the Bluestone River Gorge with forests, waterways, and open spaces. The facility includes multiple lodges, wood cabins, hiking trails, golf courses, and a cable tramway that carries visitors down into the gorge.

The protected area was established in 1963 to boost regional development and tourism. Its creation was part of a broader effort to revitalize the rural economy.

The name comes from a plant that Native Americans and early settlers used to make pipe stems for tobacco pipes.

The park is open year-round with trails suitable for different fitness levels. Visitors should prepare for hilly terrain and wear comfortable walking shoes.

A distinctive feature is the aerial tramway that descends steeply into the river canyon, providing access to otherwise isolated areas. Without this conveyance, certain forest sections would require lengthy hikes to reach.

Location: Summers County

Inception: 1963

Operator: WV Division of Natural Resources

Website: https://wvstateparks.com/park/pipestem-resort-state-park

GPS coordinates: 37.53420,-80.99830

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:41