Bluestone State Park

Bluestone State Park occupies more than 2,000 acres of hillside and shoreline along Bluestone Lake, a 2,000-plus-acre reservoir on the New River created by Bluestone Dam. The park is one of the older units in the state system, developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and expanded when the dam was completed in the late 1940s.

The lake is the main event. Anglers chase largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, walleye, and panfish, while boaters, paddlers, and water skiers make the most of the long, sheltered water.

Bluestone sits directly across the gorge from Pipestem Resort State Park, and the two are often paired on a southern West Virginia itinerary. The historic railroad town of Hinton is just minutes away.

Big Pine Trail — a moderate loop through old-growth pines with lake glimpses.

Island Trail — a short, easy walk along the shoreline, good for families.

Cliffside Trail — a rolling path following the ridges above the lake.

Old Mill Trail — an interpretive route passing remnants of the valley's pre-dam history.

Bluestone Turnpike Trail — a longer backcountry route connecting toward Pipestem along the river corridor.

Bluestone offers a mix of housekeeping cabins and camping. The cabins range from one- to three-bedroom units with kitchens, baths, and porches, and several sit close enough to the lake for an evening walk to the water.

The campground has dozens of sites, including full-hookup RV spots and tent sites, with modern bathhouses, laundry, and a camp store. There is also a boat launch and courtesy dock, so campers can keep a boat in the water for the length of their stay.

Bluestone Lake is one of southern West Virginia's best warm-water fisheries. Expect largemouth and smallmouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, crappie, and bluegill. A valid West Virginia fishing license is required.

The lake is popular with pontoon boats, runabouts, and paddlecraft, and there is a marina and public launch at the park. The outdoor pool is the place to swim — the lake's variable levels and current make it less suited to casual swimming.