Pipestem Resort State Park

Pipestem Resort State Park is one of the flagship state parks of West Virginia, a premier mountain resort destination in the rolling highlands of Summers County in the southern part of the state, carved dramatically above the Bluestone River Gorge. The park takes its name from the pipestem plant (Virginia willow) that grows along the gorge, and it is celebrated for its dramatic natural setting — the deep Bluestone River Gorge dropping 1,000 feet below the plateau rim — and for its exceptional resort facilities.

Two lodges serve visitors: the main McKeever Lodge atop the plateau and the rustic Mountain Creek Lodge deep in the gorge, accessible only by aerial tramway — a unique and memorable way to descend into the canyon. Golf, tennis, swimming pools, hiking trails, miniature golf, archery and nature programs round out the extensive recreation. The gorge, the tramway, the resort facilities and the wild southern West Virginia mountain setting make Pipestem Resort State Park one of the finest and most distinctive state park destinations in the Appalachians.

Pipestem Resort State Park offers an exceptional range of resort and outdoor recreation. Two 18-hole golf courses (one atop the plateau, one near the gorge), swimming pools, tennis courts, miniature golf, archery, a nature center, hiking trails through the forest and gorge rim, and the famous aerial tramway descending into the Bluestone River Gorge to the secluded Mountain Creek Lodge provide an unmatched variety. Horseback riding, a campground with full hookups, picnic areas and seasonal programs complete the offering. The tramway ride alone — descending into a wild gorge — is a highlight unlike any other in West Virginia state parks.

Spring through fall is the prime season at Pipestem, with all facilities and the golf courses open. Summer is the busiest season for the pools, the tramway and the resort experience; reservations at the lodges and campground are essential in summer and fall. Fall is spectacular, with the colors in the gorge and the surrounding highlands making the tramway descent extraordinary, and the golf and hiking at their best in the cool mountain air. Spring brings the gorge and forest to life with wildflowers. Check ahead for seasonal openings and lodge and tramway schedules.

Pipestem Resort State Park was developed by the West Virginia State Parks system in the 1960s and 1970s as a premier resort destination for the southern part of the state, where the dramatic Bluestone River Gorge provided a spectacular and unique natural setting for an ambitious park development. The aerial tramway — one of the longest in the eastern United States — was a signature feature, making the secluded gorge-bottom Mountain Creek Lodge accessible in a memorable way. The park has grown into one of West Virginia’s flagship resort parks, drawing visitors from across the region to its highland setting.

Pipestem Resort State Park sits atop the dissected Appalachian Plateau of southern West Virginia, where the Bluestone River has carved a spectacular gorge some 1,000 feet deep through the ancient sandstone and shale of the plateau. The gorge exposes layered Pennsylvanian-age sedimentary rock in its walls, and the resistant sandstone cap controls the plateau surface and the gorge rim. The dramatic topographic contrast between the plateau-top resort facilities and the gorge-bottom lodge, accessible only by tramway, reflects the gorge’s depth and the rugged geology of the southern West Virginia highlands.

The gorge, forests and uplands of Pipestem Resort State Park host white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, foxes, raccoons and a community of birds including woodland species, hawks, kingfishers and herons along the Bluestone River below, while the gorge shelters diverse plant life in its varied microclimates. The deep, sheltered gorge and the surrounding plateau forest support abundant wildlife. The park’s nature center offers programs and exhibits on local wildlife, and the tramway descent into the gorge provides a unique perspective on the wild canyon and its fauna and flora.

Pipestem Resort State Park protects the upper rim and descent into the Bluestone River Gorge, a dramatic canyon ecosystem where the varying elevations — from plateau top to gorge bottom — create distinct microclimates and plant communities, from the oak-hickory upland forest on the plateau to the more mesic and diverse gorge-bottom forest along the river. The deep gorge, the Bluestone River corridor and the surrounding plateau forest support diverse plant and animal life. Protecting the gorge, the river and the surrounding forest sustains the park’s natural character alongside its exceptional resort facilities.

Pipestem Resort State Park holds a special place as one of West Virginia’s most beloved and distinctive state park destinations — a park where the dramatic natural beauty of the Bluestone River Gorge, the unique aerial tramway, two fine lodges and exceptional resort facilities combine to create an experience unlike any other in the Mountain State. The park embodies West Virginia State Parks’ tradition of placing magnificent resort facilities within spectacular natural settings, drawing generations of families and visitors to one of the state’s most scenic and memorable destinations.

Pipestem Resort State Park is in Summers County in southern West Virginia, off US-20 between Pipestem and Hinton, about 12 miles north of Hinton and near the New River. The park is free to enter (lodging, camping, golf and facility fees apply). McKeever Lodge sits atop the plateau; Mountain Creek Lodge is in the gorge, accessible only by the aerial tramway (fee; seasonal). The park offers a full-service campground, golf courses, pools, trails, a nature center and extensive facilities. Reservations for lodging and camping are essential in summer and fall. Check West Virginia State Parks for rates, reservations, tramway schedule and conditions.

West Virginia State Parks manages Pipestem Resort State Park and its gorge, plateau forest, Bluestone River corridor and resort facilities. Visitors help by staying on trails, keeping back from gorge rim edges (steep and dangerous), packing out trash, protecting the river’s water quality, respecting wildlife and being bear-aware, and following all park rules. The tramway and the resort facilities require responsible use. Protecting the gorge, the plateau forest and the Bluestone River sustains both the park’s spectacular natural character and its value as a premier resort destination in southern West Virginia.

The gorge rim at Pipestem has steep, dangerous drop-offs — stay well back from the edges on trails and at overlooks, and supervise children closely near the gorge. The aerial tramway is a safe, managed ride, but follow all operator instructions. Hiking in and near the gorge involves steep terrain; wear sturdy footwear and carry water. Be bear-aware in the forest and store food properly. Golf cart and road traffic within the park requires attention, especially around the campground and resort areas. Check the tramway’s seasonal schedule and weather conditions before planning a gorge descent.

The park is free to enter; fees apply for lodging, camping, golf, the tramway and some facilities. Reservations are required for lodging and recommended for camping in peak season. Stay on designated trails and back from the dangerous gorge rim. Follow golf course rules and park road regulations. Pets must be leashed and are not permitted on the tramway or in lodge buildings. Be bear-aware and store food properly. No fires outside designated areas. Pack out trash or use park receptacles. Check West Virginia State Parks for current rates, tramway schedule, reservation requirements and park rules before visiting.

Hinton and the New River are a short drive south, with New River Gorge National Park, Bluestone Lake (West Virginia’s largest lake, managed by the U.S. Army Corps), Bluestone State Park and the Gauley River area within reach. The southern West Virginia highlands — coal country meets outdoor adventure country — surround the park. Pipestem anchors a premier southern West Virginia outdoor and resort region, paired naturally with the nearby New River, Bluestone Lake and the world-class whitewater of the New River Gorge.

Ride the aerial tramway down into the Bluestone River Gorge for breakfast or lunch at the Mountain Creek Lodge — the descent is a unique experience, and the secluded gorge-bottom setting is unforgettable. Hike the gorge-rim trails for dramatic views, play one of the golf courses in the cool highland air, and reserve a room at McKeever Lodge atop the plateau well in advance for summer or fall stays. Visit in October for spectacular gorge color during the tramway descent, be bear-aware with food, and combine Pipestem with nearby Bluestone Lake and New River Gorge.