Waterfall Hero Hikes: Pipestem Resort State Park

Pipestem Resort State Park is a 4,050-acre park on the east rim of Bluestone River Gorge on the border of Mercer and Summers Counties. The park is named for the native pipestem plant, the hollowed twigs of which were used by Native Americans for tobacco pipes. In the 1960s, West Virginia purchased land to establish a state park in the economically depressed area to spur tourism and the park officially opened in 1970. Today, the park features trails, camping, whitewater, ziplining, an aerial tram and many other unique amenities.

Contact Information:

3405 Pipestem Dr
Pipestem, WV 25979

Phone: (304) 466-1800
Email: pipestemsp@wv.gov

Directions:

From Beckley, head south on I-77 for about 27 miles to exit 14 for WV-20 and Athens. Turn left on Athens Road and go 2.8 miles and bear left on WV-20. In 9.3 miles, turn left into Pipestem Resort State Park.

Map:

Trails:

Canyon Rim Trail:

Length: 0.7 miles

Blaze: Blue

Canyon Rim Trail descends from Canyon Rim Trail steeply down to Heritage Point with great views of Bluestone River Gorge.

County Line Trail:

Length: 1.9 miles

Blaze: Red

County Line Trail descends steeply from the Nature Center and crosses into Mercer County. It descends along Indian Branch, passing an overlook of Indian Branch Falls, and ends at River Trail.