Best hiking trails in Bluestone State Park
Several Bluestone State Park hotels are close to the seven official hiking trails, each incorporating its own highlight. Some lead you along the beautiful rivers, others cover more altitude and give you a great elevated view. Several of these paths offer plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife.
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1. Big Pine Trail
This 1.7 mile, difficult trail starts on the road to the camp grounds and offers great lookouts over the Bluestone and the New River. There are not many better places in Bluestone to spot West Virginia's wildlife.
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2. Cabin Trail
This moderate, 0.4 mile walk is a highlight amongst visitors for passing a feeding area for white-tailed deer and you can even spot wild turkeys along the path.
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3. Giles, Fayette, Kanawha Turnpike Trail
A difficult, one mile trail that starts near the historic marker on the main road and leads to Sand Knob. Follow the trail Booker T. Washington took at age 9 on his walk out of slavery. You will pass a beautiful forest, with several picturesque lookouts.
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4. Riverview Trail
From the road to the campsites, this 1.6 mile track offers the best views over the nearby lakes and also passes a waterfall. It’s considered easy to moderate.
Best Family Activities in Bluestone State Park
Bluestone State Park Cabins provide easy access to the park’s outdoor adventures. With the lake and rivers, there is plenty to do in the water, like kayaking or swimming. Even in winter, the outdoor possibilities never cease to entertain visitors.
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1. Outdoor Adventures
During the summer months, Bluestone is perfect for the whole family. The park offers equipment like croquet or shuffleboard to rent for a small fee. Park naturalists offer family-oriented recreation adventures every week.
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2. Boating
The 2,040 acre Bluestone lake has no shortage of water activities. Bring your own boat, canoe or kayak or just rent them at the Bluestone marina.
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3. Biking
The park caters to mountain bikers with a variety of excellent trails to play around on two wheels. In case you can’t bring your own bike, the Pipestone Resort State Park offers hourly, half-day or full-day rentals.
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4. Snow Sports
During the cold time of the year, skiing is popular in the area, especially at the Winterplace Ski Resort. You can rent sleds at the Pipestem Resort State Park for smaller children.