National Park rangers and Pipestem Resort State Park Naturalist Julie McQuade invite hikers to explore life along the Bluestone River this holiday weekend. The Bluestone Walk and the Bluestone Turnpike Hike begin at Pipestem Resort State Park, offering special chances for in-depth looks at this waterway. Both hikes into the wilds of the Bluestone River Gorge will take place Saturday, July 5, 2014. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Water, snacks, camera and binoculars are useful tools to bring for these free activities.
Bluestone Walk
10 – 11:30 a.m. Meet at the base of Pipestem Resort State Park tramway for a walk along the Bluestone National Scenic River for a mile and return. Along the way, enjoy the flora and fauna of the area and discover regional history. Bring $2 for the return tram ride to Canyon Rim Center. Please allow 10-15 minutes for your tram ride down to the river.
Bluestone Turnpike Hike
It’s a walk on the wild side through Bluestone National Scenic River exploring the beauty and diversity of this remote area from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meet at the base of Pipestem Resort State Park tramway for a 10-mile trek. Hikers will travel with a National Park Ranger along the Bluestone Turnpike Trail, which runs along the Bluestone River to Bluestone State Park. A free shuttle will be provided for the return trip to Pipestem State Park. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring lunch and plenty of water. Reservations are requested by calling 304-466-0417 at the National Park Service office or register at the Pipestem Resort State Park nature center.
Pipestem Nature Center
The nature center is open daily from 12:30 to 4 p.m. and features interpretative displays with a concentration on birding. The comfortable setting invites learning and relaxation. The building is accessible and ample parking is available. There is no fee to visit the nature center. Many of the park’s craft and nature programs are conducted at this area throughout the summer.
Additional activities scheduled at the nature center Saturday, July 5 include:
12:30 p.m. – “The Great Migration Challenge Game” is a learning challenge about birds that migrate from West Virginia. Players become the bird.
5 p.m. – “Reptiles and Amphibians” is an up-close and hands-on look at some of the different types of reptiles and amphibians found at Pipestem.
To learn more about Pipestem, nature hikes, accommodations and more daily activities, visit www.pipestemresort.com or call 304-466-1800.
