Nearby Guide
Pipestem sits high above the Bluestone Gorge, perfectly placed for exploring southern West Virginia's lakes, rivers, railroad towns and mountain scenery.
Pipestem Resort State Park straddles the Summers and Mercer county line, south of Hinton and west of Princeton. Its aerial tram, gorge trails and mountain lodge make it a destination on its own, but the park also works beautifully as a base for the whole southern half of the state.
Distances below are approximate driving times from the park's main entrance near the McKeever Lodge area. Mountain roads are slow, so plan generously.
About 20 minutes · 11 miles north
The Bluestone Dam backs up the New River into a 2,000-acre lake ideal for boating, fishing and paddling, with a swimming area and campground nearby. Bluestone State Park preserves quiet forested shoreline just downstream.
About 20 minutes · 13 miles
A Victorian river-and-rail town with a handsome courthouse, antique shops and views over the New River. It's a great lunch stop and the jumping-off point for Sandstone Falls.
About 45 minutes from Pipestem, Sandstone Falls is the largest waterfall on the New River — a 1,500-foot-wide cascade split into a maze of channels and islands. An accessible boardwalk leads right to the brink, making it one of the easiest big-payoff stops in the region.
From Hinton you can also pick up the New River Birding and Nature Trail or simply follow the river road north toward the southern end of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
Beckley is about 40 minutes north, with the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, Tamarack artisan marketplace and the convention center. It's the largest city in the area for dining and shopping.
In winter, Winterplace Ski Resort is roughly 35 minutes away near Flat Top, offering 27 trails and a snow tubing park — a natural add-on to a Pipestem stay.
For a full day trip, drive about 50 minutes north to the New River Gorge Bridge and the town of Fayetteville. The Grandview section and its horseshoe bend overlook are on the way and make a scenic halfway stop.
Add whitewater rafting, the Bridge Walk catwalk under the span, or a stop at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center to round out a memorable day away from Pipestem.
Boating, fishing and dam views.
20 min · 11 mi
Victorian river town and rail history.
20 min · 13 mi
Largest waterfall on the New River.
45 min
Coal mine tour and Tamarack.
40 min
Skiing and snow tubing in winter.
35 min
Bridge, rafting and overlooks.
50 min
Bass and trout water nearby.
Varies
Rim views around the New River.
Varies
The complete park guide.
Boating and lakeside camping.
Railroad heritage on the New River.
Trails, falls and overlooks.
Lakeside and forest campgrounds.
Link the gorge, lakes and towns.
Bluestone Lake and Bluestone State Park are about 20 minutes away, Hinton about 20 minutes, and Beckley about 40 minutes. Sandstone Falls and the New River Gorge Bridge are easy day trips.
Yes. Bluestone Lake has a designated swimming area, and Pipestem itself offers a splash park and indoor pool in season.
About 35 minutes north near Flat Top, making Pipestem a convenient base for a winter ski weekend.
Yes. The attractions are spread across rural mountain roads and there is no public transit between them.
Discover WV Today is a homegrown guide to West Virginia's state parks, rivers, small towns and scenic byways. Our goal is simple: help you plan a better Mountain State adventure. Learn more about us.
