West Virginia Bluestone State Park has Recreational Diversity

Bluestone State Park in West Virginia has everything the wilderness enthusiasts could want. This heavily forested park is filled with picturesque terrain, and has over 2,100 acres of excellent recreational opportunity. With both rugged terrain and family-friendly recreational spots, Bluestone has something for everyone.

Accessible from many major highways, the park is located within the southeastern corner of the state. Hiking trails offer panoramic views of Bluestone Lake, the state of Virginia’s third largest water body. Plus, everywhere that guests and residents look, there are plenty of scenic-mountainous views within the surrounding terrain.

Trails include the Big Pine Trail, the Riverview Trail, the Overlook Trail, and many others. Bluestone State Park is a favorite among guests and residents, because it always offers recreational activities that are nature-oriented during the summer months.

During the summer, these special weekly activities may include volleyball, slideshows and movies, softball games, wiener roasts, guided hikes, and much more. For game enthusiasts, Bluestone offers rental equipment for those that enjoy playing horseshoes, shuffleboard, and croquet.

The marina is open from April 15 through October 15, and provides rentals for several water sports activities. Pontoon boats, fishing boats, paddle boats, row boats and canoes are all allowed on Bluestone Lake. Slip rentals and trailer parking are available for the convenience of guests and residents.

West Virginia State Parks offer guests and residents the ability to rent quant cabins and cottages that are pet friendly. Owners must observe campground leash laws and guidelines when camping with their pets. There is a security deposit and other additional fees associated with pet camping. However, animals are only permitted in pet-friendly cabins or cottages. Guests are limited to two pets only, and they must be supervised at all times.

Bluestone State Park in West Virginia offers several points of historical interest, as well. Many outdoor musicals and dramas have been performed within the area. Furthermore, the area is known for its proximity to the famous Bluestone Dam, which is located just at the parks northern edge. The water of the beautiful Sandstone Falls runs within Bluestone Lake, which is just north of the Hinton Bluestone National Wild and Scenic River.

There is more than 17,600 acres of Bluestone wildlife-management area, where hunting and fishing enthusiasts can take precedence. Fisherman may catch large and smallmouth bass, hybrid bass, catfish, crappie, and the record-holding striped bass.

Just 10 miles away, the Pipestem Resort State Park has additional recreational opportunities for guests and residents. Pipestem Resort State Park offers scenic overlooks, mountainous terrain surrounding the Bluestone Gorge, modern conference facilities, golfing, restaurants, and vacation-cottage rentals. This resort also provides an aerial tramway, horseback riding, skiing, sledding opportunities, picnicking and shopping possibilities. Residents and guests can get involved in archery, basketball, and bicycling at Pipestem Resort State Park.

Furthermore, residents and guests can easily visit the nearby Camp Creek State Forest and park. This camping park offers more than 549 acres of recreational opportunity, and more than 5300 acres of forest that is available for hunting deer, wild turkey and other types of small game animals.

Bluestone State Park in West Virginia offers cabin rentals with space available for 2 to 6 persons or more. The cabins can be rented for nightly, weekly and weekend availability. There are several styles of campgrounds available, including the Meander Campground, the Tent Area Campground, the Old Mill Campground, and that East Shore Campground. Camping accommodations include those with a rustic surroundings to those with modern electricity and facilities throughout. Some campground sites are only accessible by boat.

Bluestone also provides equestrian trails, canoeing and fishing in Indian Creek, which is located within the Bluestone Wildlife Management Area. The wildlife area boasts more than 329 primal camping sites and picnic areas. Potential guests of Bluestone State Park in West Virginia should check the website for special-seasonal deals and events.

Students, local guests and residents in the United States military can purchase a West Virginia Fishing License or hunting license to participate in these sports activities at Bluestone. Picnic shelter may be reserved with advances notice, and meeting rooms and kitchens are also available for early booking. The website address is http://www.bluestonesp.com/. Visitors may also contact the park at (304) 466-2805 for more information.