Bluestone State Park Trails

River View Trail begins in the sharp curve below the park office, going towards the campgrounds, and ends on the road near the southwest side of the tent area. This trail follows along a creek with several waterfalls before passing a spur trail and continues following the Bluestone River around the campgrounds. River View Trail is excellent for seeing wetland species and birding. (Access may be limited during high-water events.)

Retrace the steps of Mary Draper Ingles on this historic trail. Begin at the gate at the end of the Pits Road boat launch area. The trail ends near Leatherwood Road and offers a fantastic view of Bluestone Dam. Enjoy picturesque views of Bluestone Lake and wildlife viewing opportunities no matter the distance you choose on this out and back trip. **check lake levels to make sure it is below 1412’.

Big Pine Trail starts at the sharp curve below the office on the road to the campgrounds and ends on the roadway just north of Old Mill Campground. The trail offers scenic views of the Bluestone River and ample opportunity to view wildlife and flora.

Eagle Point Trail starts along the main park road halfway between Route 20 and the park office. The trail is challenging and not recommended for children and pets. A rewarding view is found at the end of the trail along high cliffs. This trail gets its name from the view at the top, a great place to spot eagles and other birds of prey.

Park near the historical marker at the sharp curve below the park office going towards the campgrounds. From there it is 0.2 miles along a service road to the trailhead at the mile marker 40 stone. The trail passes cabin 17 and ascends to Sand Knob following the historic Giles, Fayette, Kanawha Turnpike. Among other prominent travelers, Booker T. Washington followed this route on his walk out of slavery at age 9. U.S. presidents Rutherford B. Hayes and William McKinley also utilized this trail. The trail passes through upland hardwood forest, offering several scenic vistas. This is an excellent companion trail to the Cabin Trail or the Rhododendron Trail.

Overlook Trail head begins 200 feet northeast of Meador Campground entrance and ascends to the Big Pine Trail, then continues to a scenic overlook of the Bluestone River and Lake. The Overlook Trail is a good companion to Pawpaw Trail.

Pawpaw Trail is a meandering trail that runs from the tent camping area to the midpoint on Big Pine Trail. Enjoy the Pawpaw trees along the lower portion of the trail and the forest views of the hollows along the top half.

The Rhododendron Trail begins across the road from the Event Building and ends at the boat launch below the state park office. The trail features Rhododendron (West Virginia’s state flower), often in bloom late June into July, and hardwood forest along the upper elevation; and a stream ecosystem along the lower end. (Sections of this trail may be inaccessible during high-water events.) This is an excellent companion trail to the Cabin or Giles, Fayette, Kanawha Turnpike trails.

Boundary Trail starts 150 yards northwest of Cabin 17 off the Giles Fayette Kanawha Turnpike Trail and ends at Big Pine Trail just northeast of the Pawpaw Trail. It offers scenic views, diverse terrain, and an opportunity for viewing wildlife and flora in diverse habitats.

Cabin Trail begins in the field behind the Event Building across the road from Cabin 12 and ends at the first sharp curve beyond the park office going towards the campgrounds. It is a popular area for white-tailed deer and wild turkey.

It is an excellent companion trail to the Giles Fayette Kanawha Turnpike or Rhododendron trails.