We can take great pride in the impressive West Virginia state parks scattered throughout the state. Each offers fantastic opportunities for outdoor recreation. But if you’re having a hard time choosing which one of these gems to visit next, consider taking the trip to one park that truly has it all. Located in southern West Virginia, Pipestem Resort State Park has outdoor activities for every type of adventurer in the family. Not to mention the gorgeous, panoramic scenery you’ll admire (via tram or zipline, no less!) Without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about Pipestem Resort State Park.

Table of Contents

About Pipestem Resort State Park

The lovely Pipestem Resort State Park is tucked away in southern West Virginia and measures 4,050 acres in size.
Brian M. Powell / Wikipedia
The park is named for pipestem, which is a local shrub also referred to as narrow-leaf meadowsweet that's used to make pipe stems.
With its abundance of beautiful views and endless recreational activities, Pipestem might just be one of the state's best parks.
Management / Tripadvisor
And what a state park it is! Boasting a resort with three restaurants, seven shops, luxurious accommodations, beautiful mountain views, a plethora of hiking trails, a beachfront waterpark, and more, Pipestem Resort State Park has something for everyone.
J. Stephen Conn / flickr

Activities In Pipestem Resort State Park

When it comes to things to do at Pipestem Resort State Park, there's simply no shortage of activities. Truly, there are tons of memorable adventures for all ages.
TripAdvisor/Greg_Dianne_Mc
If you're looking for a little excitement, how about taking a plunge into the park's adventure lake and splash park?
Management / Tripadvisor
Or maybe you'd rather kayak or tube the Bluestone River. Or maybe you'll choose to sink your feet in the sand and soak up some sun on the lake beach.
The newest attraction at the park is the Pipestem Peaks Zipline Tour. Take to the air and soar through the canopy for views of the river and forest below.
West Virginia State Parks
Those who would rather keep their feet planted firmly on the ground can immerse themselves in nature on the trails. From leisurely loops to challenging paths, this park has 20 unique hiking trails to explore.
TripAdvisor/Steve R
You can also hit the 18-hole championship golf course. There's also a driving range, a shorter 9-hole course, and miniature golf for the kids.
TripAdvisor/Greg_Dianne_Mc
Slow things down a bit and cast a line. Long Branch Lake and the Bluestone and New Rivers are all prime spots for anglers within the park.
Google Images/Bruce Kramer
For a more exciting water adventure, there are thrilling white water rafting opportunities available on the rivers.
AllTrails/Rebecca Brouwer

Pipestem Resort State Park Tram

Without a doubt, the best way to experience the park is via tram. And this particular tram happens to be headed to an incredible West Virginia restaurant!
Management / Tripadvisor
Mountain Creek Dining Room, located in Mountain Creek Lodge, is only open from late spring to early fall, and it's only accessible by aerial tramway.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
The restaurant is located at the bottom of the Bluestone River Gorge.
The tram soars over creeks, through woods, and into gulleys on an adventurous, scenic trip to the lodge itself.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Each tram car holds up to four people.

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As you can imagine, the tram ride is especially beautiful at sunset.
TripAdvisor/hokie86
The dining room has large windows, perfect for viewing the scenery while you eat at one of the most unique restaurants in West Virginia.
Jennifer Allison/Google
But, as amazing as the views are, they're not even the best part. There's still the food.
sturner / TripAdvisor
For only being accessible by tram, Mountain Creek Dining Room sure cooks up a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds!
Mountain Creek Dining Room is open seasonally from mid-May through October.
sturner / TripAdvisor
Always call ahead to double-check their hours and availability as well as the tram status. The restaurant can be reached at (304) 466-1800, extension 387.

For other dining options, try Black Bear Grill and Lounge in McKeever Lodge for a quicker, more casual option. And then, there's the proverbial icing on the cake: a 1950s-themed soda shop and ice cream parlor located on the rim of the Bluestone Gorge! It goes by the name Tramway Sweets & Treats.

Hiking Trails In Pipestem Resort State Park

In terms of hiking trails, there are at least fifteen distinct options.
Management / Tripadvisor
You can hike around the lake, you can hike along the rim of the gorge, you can hike beside the river, you can hike to an observation tower, you can hike a loop through the woods - and that's just for starters!
The most popular hiking trail in Pipestem Resort State Park is the Longbranch Lake Circuit.
Teresa Davis / AllTrails
This lovely 3.7-mile loop offers beautiful views of the lake, forest, and surrounding mountains.
Looking for even more natural wonders? Tucked away just 25 minutes from Pipestem, Camp Creek State Park offers waterfalls, miles of trails, nearly a dozen old family cemeteries, and multiple campgrounds to explore.
Cristy / OIYS
Mash Fork Falls is the smaller of the two waterfalls found in Camp Creek State Park, but it has a beauty all its own. Coins glimmer at the base of the falls, evidence of past good wishes from other visitors. The falls are visible from the parking lot, and the viewing platform is ADA-accessible.
You'll hear the second falls before you see them: Campbell Falls, a multi-tiered cascade with a serene swimming hole at its base, is another must-visit wonder nearby.
Cristy / OIYS
If you do find yourself with some extra time here at Camp Creek State Park, don't miss the opportunity to hike one of the peaceful trails or connect with the past at one of the many small historic sites throughout the park.
Laura S. / Used With Permission
There are also picnic shelters, playgrounds, and campgrounds here at Camp Creek!

Staying In Pipestem Resort State Park

As you've learned, Pipestem Resort State Park is an outdoor enthusiast's dream come true, and you won't want to rush your stay here.
Facebook/Adam Ciner Photography
The park's dozens of campsites afford the chance to sleep under the stars in a lovely wooded setting. Or, for a more luxurious stay, reserve a spot at one of the lodges.
Facebook/Friends of Pipestem Resort State Park
The McKeever Lodge is a year-round accommodation offering 111 guest rooms and suites, many of which offer stunning views of the gorge.
WV State Parks / Wesbite
Amenities include pet-friendly rooms, a sauna, an indoor heated pool, and a game room.
The Mountain Creek Lodge is only open seasonally and, like the on-site restaurant, can only be reached by tram.
WV State Parks / Wesbite
Each of the 30 rooms offers a stunning view of the Bluestone River.

So, the next time you’re craving a little outdoor adventure, head to Pipestem Resort State Park. Let the beautiful setting be the backdrop for your next outing. Don’t take our word for it, though: visit Pipestem Resort State Park for yourself and experience the majesty of this corner of the Mountain State.

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More to Explore

State Parks In West Virginia

Beth C. | October 18, 2023

What is Pipestem State Park known for? 

Pipestem Resort State Park is an outdoor enthusiast's dream! In addition to its myriad of outdoor activities and attractions, the state park is perhaps most famous for its tram, which visitors can take to a seasonal restaurant. Pipestem also showcases breathtaking views of the Bluestone River Gorge.

What are the best state parks in West Virginia?

Some of the best state parks in West Virginia to visit include the following:

  • Audra State Park in Buckhannon, WV
  • Babcock State Park in Clifftop, WV
  • Beartown State Park in Hillsboro, WV
  • Beech Fork State Park in Barboursville, WV
  • Berkeley Springs State Park
  • Blackwater Falls State Park in Davis, WV

 

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Featured Addresses
Pipestem Resort State Park, 3405 Pipestem Dr, Pipestem, WV 25979, USA