Bluestone Lake & Dam
One of West Virginia's largest lakes, formed by the New River and prime for boating and fishing.
Southern West Virginia · New River Gorge
Things to Do in Summers County WV
Summers County is the quiet southern gateway to the New River Gorge, where the Greenbrier River meets the New at historic Hinton and Bluestone Lake spreads across the valley. Add Pipestem's aerial tram, Sandstone Falls and the legend of John Henry, and you have one of the state's most underrated getaways.
Quick Info
- County Seat
- Hinton
- Best For
- Lakes, state parks, waterfalls, railroad history, fishing
- Best Time to Visit
- April through October, with peak fall color in mid-October
- Time Needed
- 1–2 days
- Getting There
- Hinton sits just off I-77 in the southern New River Gorge, roughly 40 minutes from Beckley and 30 minutes from Princeton.
Base Camp on the New River
Summers County occupies the southern stretch of the New River Gorge, where the river widens into Bluestone Lake and the Greenbrier River flows in from the east. Hinton, the county seat, grew as a Chesapeake & Ohio Railway boomtown and still wears its railroad history proudly along Market Street.
Outdoors, the county punches well above its weight. Bluestone Lake and Bluestone State Park offer boating, fishing and lakeside camping, while Pipestem Resort State Park is famous for its aerial tramway and canyon views.
Downriver, the accessible boardwalk at Sandstone Falls leads to the largest waterfall on the New River, and the nearby town of Talcott preserves the legend of John Henry, the steel-driving man.
Best Things to Do
Top Summers County Experiences
Bluestone State Park
Camping, cabins, a swimming pool and wooded trails on the shore of Bluestone Lake.
Pipestem Resort
Ride the aerial tramway down to the Bluestone River gorge, with lodges, trails and a golf course above.
Sandstone Falls
A boardwalk leads to the largest waterfall on the New River, roaring below Hinton.
John Henry & Big Bend Tunnel
At Talcott, a memorial honors the steel-driving legend who raced a steam drill through the mountain.
Historic Hinton
A railroad-era downtown with a courthouse, museum and storefronts climbing the hillside above the river.
Outdoor Activities
Hiking
Trails at Pipestem, Bluestone and the Bluestone National Scenic River thread the gorge and lakeshore.
Waterfalls
Sandstone Falls is the headline, but smaller cascades hide along the tributary streams throughout the county.
Fishing
Bluestone Lake is known for bass, catfish, walleye and musky, with the New River adding smallmouth water.
Boating & Paddling
The lake's coves and the calmer upper New River are ideal for pontoons, canoes and kayaks.
Camping
Bluestone and Pipestem state parks both offer campgrounds, with cabins and lodges as comfortable alternatives.
Winter Skiing
Winterplace Ski Resort is a short drive away, making the county a cold-weather base for the southern mountains.
Historic Attractions
Hinton grew almost overnight as a Chesapeake & Ohio Railway town in the 1870s and 1880s. Its hillside commercial district, the Summers County Courthouse and the Hinton Railroad Museum keep that story alive.
At Talcott, the John Henry Historical Park marks the Big Bend Tunnel where, according to legend, a freedman outworked a steam drill driving steel through the mountain — a story that became an enduring American folk ballad.
The Bluestone Dam, completed in the late 1940s, transformed the valley and remains an engineering landmark visible from the state park and the lake's overlooks.
Where to Eat & Stay
Hinton Dining
Small-town diners, pizzerias and cafes line the streets of Hinton, with river views at the edge of town.
Pipestem Lodges
Pipestem Resort offers two lodges — one perched on the rim, one down in the gorge — plus restaurants and cabins.
Cabins & Camping
Bluestone State Park cabins and both parks' campgrounds keep you close to the water and the trails.
I-77 Hotels
Chain hotels near the interstate make Hinton an easy overnight stop between Beckley and Princeton.
Nearby Attractions & Day Trips
- Pipestem Resort State Park — the aerial tram and gorge views, minutes from Hinton.
- Sandstone Falls — the New River's largest waterfall and a boardwalk stroll.
- New River Gorge National Park — the southern gorge district begins right here.
- New River Gorge Bridge — the iconic span at Fayetteville, about an hour north.
- Beckley — the Exhibition Coal Mine and Tamarack, about 40 minutes away.
- Princeton and Bluefield — historic southern coalfield towns about 30 minutes south.
Best Time to Visit
Spring brings green hillsides and good lake fishing. Summer is peak season for boating, swimming at the state parks and paddling the New River.
Fall is the most scenic time, with hardwood color peaking in mid-October across the gorge. Winter is quiet, with nearby skiing at Winterplace and snowy overlooks for those willing to bundle up.
Check lake levels, park hours and river conditions before you go, especially after heavy rain.
Suggested One-Day Itinerary
- Morning: walk the boardwalk at Sandstone Falls, then explore Hinton's historic district.
- Late morning: visit the John Henry Historical Park at Talcott.
- Lunch: grab a bite in downtown Hinton.
- Afternoon: ride the aerial tram and hike at Pipestem Resort State Park.
- Evening: sunset over Bluestone Lake from the state park.
Suggested Weekend Itinerary
Day 1: fish or paddle Bluestone Lake in the morning, then visit Hinton and Talcott, finishing with dinner and a lake sunset.
Day 2: spend the day at Pipestem and Sandstone Falls, then drive north to the New River Gorge Bridge or Beckley on the way home.
Summers County on the Map
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the county seat of Summers County WV?
Hinton is the county seat and the largest town in Summers County.
What is Summers County WV known for?
Bluestone Lake and State Park, Pipestem Resort's aerial tram, Sandstone Falls, historic Hinton and the John Henry legend at Talcott.
How many days do you need in Summers County?
One day covers Hinton, Sandstone Falls and Pipestem; two days let you add time on Bluestone Lake and a nearby day trip.
When is the best time to visit?
Late spring through fall for boating, fishing and hiking, with the best fall color in mid-October.
About Discover WV Today
Discover WV Today is an independent travel publication covering West Virginia's destinations, outdoor adventures, history and food. Our Summers County guide is built to help you plan a better southern New River Gorge trip.
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