Brush Creek Preserve (Bluestone)

Brush Creek Preserve is a 124-acre preserve owned by the Nature Conservancy in Mercer County.  The preserve protects the downstream portion of Brush Creek upstream of the confluence with Bluestone River.  This area is an excellent place to see spring wildflowers and migratory birds.  A trail along Brush Creek and Bluestone River begins at a state owned property and passes Brush Creek Falls before entering the preserve.  The trail ends at the confluence of White Oak Creek and Bluestone River.

Directions:

From Beckley, head south on I-77 for about 22 miles to exit 20 for US-19 and Camp Creek. Turn right onto US-19 and make an immediate left on Camp Creek Road. In 0.6 miles, turn right on Eads Mill Road and go 3.1 miles. Turn left on Brush Creek Falls Road and go 0.4 miles to the parking area on the left immediately after the bridge over Brush Creek.

Map:

Trails:

Falls Trail:

The Falls Trail begins at the parking area and leads past Brush Creek Falls and into the preserve.  It follows Brush Creek for over a mile downstream, then turns right to follow Bluestone River downstream, ending at the confluence with White Oak Creek.

Points of Interest:

Brush Creek Falls:

Brush Creek Falls is a 30-foot waterfall on Brush Creek just outside the preserve boundary.

White Oak Creek Falls:

White Oak Creek Falls is a waterfall in three sections immediately upstream of the confluence with Bluestone River.

Wildlife:

White wood aster (Eurybia divaricata)

Common self-heal (Prunella vulgaris)

Blog Entries:

31-Jul-2020: Brush Creek and Pipestem

External Links:

Nature Conservancy website: https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/brush-creek-preserve/