Featured Activities
Pipestem Aerial Adventures
Take to the skies and get a little closer to Almost Heaven on your aerial tour through one of West Virginia’s most popular state parks.
Splash Park & Adventure Lake
Fun in the sun awaits at Pipestem’s Splash Park and Adventure Lake.
Pipestem Adventure Zone
Spend a fun-filled day enjoying activities for the whole family with the new Pipestem Adventure Zone at Pipestem Resort State Park.
About This Park
*Please note that due to unusually low water levels, please call Pipestem Adventures at 304-466-1800 before booking your Family Whitewater Experience.
Water levels are being monitored daily, and trips may be postponed or delayed depending on water depth.
Pipestem Resort State Park is West Virginia’s premier family adventure resort. Sitting on the east rim of the Bluestone River Gorge, Pipestem offers something for everyone including exhilarating zipline tours, guided trout fishing trips, mountain bike excursions and more. Spend some time on the water at the park’s new adventure lake and splash park or set out on a kayaking and stand-up paddle board tour, tubing or whitewater adventure on the Bluestone River.
The sprawling 4,050-acre park is located on the border of Summers and Mercer counties and features 26 cabins and two lodges, one of which can only be accessed by riding the park’s aerial tramway to the bottom of the Bluestone River Gorge. Just 20 minutes down the road you'll find even more to do at Bluestone State Park on the banks of Bluestone Lake.
The Canyon Rim Aerial Tram to Mountain Creek Lodge at Pipestem is closed for replacement. Anticipated reopening date is Spring 2025.
Contact
- Phone: 304-466-1800
- Email: pipestemsp@wv.gov
- Address: 3405 Pipestem Dr, Pipestem, WV 25979
History
Pipestem Resort State Park gets its name from the native pipestem or meadowsweet plant. Native Americans and early pioneers used the hollowed-out twigs as shafts for tobacco pipes. For generations, the descendants of Scotch, Irish and English farmers farmed the relatively flat plateau on the east side of the Bluestone River Gorge. The land was rich in beauty but poor in jobs. In the 1960s, West Virginia received financial assistance to buy property to create a park that would attract visitors who could help grow the local economy. The park was built with grants provided by the Area Redevelopment Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce under the administration of President John F. Kennedy. The park officially opened on Memorial Day 1970.
Nature Center
The Nature Center at Pipestem Resort State Park provides opportunities for children, young and old, to explore the wonders of our backyard and beyond. Interpretive activities and programs are available year-round.
Click here to view the full list of Nature Center activities.
Click here to view the list of upcoming Nature Center activities.
Dining
The Bluestone Dining Room at McKeever Lodge is a full-service restaurant offering breathtaking views of the Bluestone Gorge. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Mountain Creek Dining Room at the Mountain Creek Lodge is known for its unique menu and high-quality presentation. This relaxing riverside location, accessible only by the park’s popular aerial tramway. Mountain Creek Lodge is open for overnight reservations on Friday and Saturday nights only beginning May 26 through October 28 in 2023. The Mountain Creek Dining Room will not be open in 2023.
Black Bear Grill and Lounge at McKeever Lodge is a quick-service dining option for families on the go, or for anyone looking for a place to kick back and relax after a long day of adventure. At Black Bear, you’ll find specialty pizzas, as well as a wide selection of craft and local draft beer. View the Black Bear Grill and Lounge Menu. Open Thursday and Friday 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Tramway Sweets & Treats at the Canyon Rim Center is a 1950s themed soda shop and ice cream parlor with sundaes, shakes and other desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Tramway Sweets & Treats overlooks the stunning Bluestone Gorge and tramway down to Mountain Creek Lodge. Open Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Shopping
Everything you need for the perfect vacation is right here, plus a little extra.
Pro Shop – Features logoed golf apparel and unique golf merchandise. Open daily from 7:00 a.m to 7:30 p.m.
Expressions of McKeever Lodge – Features logo apparel, art glass, West Virginia roasted coffee and specialty gifts. Open daily 24/7.
Campground Store – Features staple products, supplies and groceries to make your stay more convenient and enjoyable.
Reflections at Canyon Rim – Offers a wide selection of souvenirs, West Virginia glassware, gifts and souvenirs. Please note: The Reflections at Canyon Rim gift shop will temporarily move to the Blue & Gold Room in the 18-hole championship pro shop complex located near McKeever Lodge. Open Wednesday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mountain Artisan Center – Features West Virginia hand-crafted merchandise.
Recreation Center Specialty Shop – Features logoed apparel, recreation equipment, disc golf and archery supplies.
Mountain Creek Outfitters – Offers outdoor adventure apparel and gear. Open same hours as the aerial tramway.
Serenity Spa
Treat yourself to massages, facials, waxing and nail services at Pipestem Resort’s Mountain Serenity Spa.
For a full list of services, click here.
Make your reservation today by calling 304-466-1800 ext. 735. Appointments are recommended; walk-ins based on availability.
Trails
Download Park Trail MapLake Shore Trail
Bluestone Turnpike Trail
Canyon Rim Trail
Cottage Trail
County Line Trail
Dogwood Trail
Farley Loop Trail
Lake View Trail
Law Hollow Trail
Lick Hollow Trail
Long Branch Trail
North Side Trail
Turkey Spur Trail
River Trail
South Side Trail
Nearby Attractions
National Coal Heritage Trail Interpretative Center
The National Coal Heritage Trail’s Interpretative Center is housed in a charming, reconstructed train depot at 100 Station Square in Bramwell. The center displays relics from West Virginia’s coal history, making for a fascinating and historic excursion.
Hinton Railroad Museum
Learn more about West Virginia’s rich rail history at the Hinton Railroad Museum. Browse through artifacts from the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway from 1873 to the present day. The museum is open June through August in downtown Hinton.
Veterans Memorial Museum
Salute our veterans at the Veterans Memorial Museum in Hinton. The museum features memorabilia dating back to the Revolutionary War to present day, all donated by citizens of Summers County.
“Those Who Served War Museum"
Delve into more historic artifacts, ranging from the Revolutionary War to present day, with special emphasis on World War II.
Chuck Mathena Center
With a nearly 1000-seat theater, state-of-the art audio and visual capability and stunning architecture, the Chuck Mathena Center is one-of-a-kind experience in southern West Virginia. Located in Princeton, the stage plays host to year-long national touring productions, theatre and musicals, concerts, dance and more.
Bluestone State Park
Untamed and majestic, this tranquil lakeside park near Hinton makes an ideal retreat. Modern cabins are available for rent (14 year-round, 12 seasonal) as are 4 campgrounds.
Camp Creek State Park and Forest
Remarkable waterfalls and lush, thick forests make this park a Mercer County highlight. Simple campgrounds for campers (including one for horses) are available for rent. Camp Creek also has a remote pack-in-pack-out site for backpackers– a real treat for anybody who wants to rough it!
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
This park encompasses more than 70,000 acres of land along the New River — one of the oldest rivers in North America. The rugged mountains were once home to several coal mining camps, and some historical artifacts and buildings remain. Recreational opportunities include whitewater rafting, fishing, hiking and rock climbing.