West Virginia State Parks
Vacation plans are the ones we enjoy planning the most. Taking a break from the routine and embarking on a vacation is what one dreams most during the long hours at work. So if you are charting out a vacation plan don’t forget to consider the Pipe stem Resort state park. It is a 4050-acre park located in South Virginia in between Mercer and summers counties. The park name originates from a local commonly used shrub which is used in making pipe stems. The park has something to offer for all. It has a golf course, a horse stable, restaurants, hotels, modern conference facilities, wood cabins and several recreational activities.

Once you chart out a vacation plan the things you ask yourselves is whether your chosen destination is
- Easily accessible,
- has good staying facilities
- has good recreational activities,
- has all the other amenities like restaurants, shopping etc., and
- caters to your sightseeing requirements.
The pipe stem resort gets a tick in all these areas.
The park has a wonderful display of fauna and flora in its Natural center. The Nature center houses the Harris homestead, a historical museum and is open year-round. It also features a meat house and a barn. The naturalist programs conducted here gives an introduction to the Pipe stem area, birding, hiking and nature and heritage aspects. The park was built during the John F. Kennedy regime and is located at the gorge of the Bluestone River. It is the ideal place for nature seekers.
The activities you could indulge yourselves here are innumerable such as swimming, horseback riding, golf, fishing, Aerial tramway and more. You will agree with me that it difficult to find another destination which has so much in store for a tourist. If your vacation plan involves hiking then the Pipe stem resort is an ideal destination for the same. Hiking is done all through the year in this resort. There are close to twenty trails maintained here. If you need to exercise your muscles a bit, then bicycles are available at rent and you could indulge in cycling.
If you are a golf lover and looking for a relaxing game then you would be pleasantly surprised by the golf facilities offered at the resort. The golf course has two well manicured courses and the 18-hole par 72 championship course offers a view of the Bluestone River. It was designed by Geoffrey Cornish. The location of this resort offers excellent areas for fishing if that is one of the activities in your vacation plan. The Bluestone River, Long Branch Lake and the nearby New river offers fishing opportunities. It requires a fishing license and the same can be purchased online. Of course no vacation plan is complete without a relaxing swim in the warm pool. An outdoor swimming pool is located in the Recreation centre and Outdoor swimming parties can be scheduled in the pool with due prior notification. There is also an indoor swimming pool located at the McKeever Lodge.
The Bolar lookout tower, named in honor of Steve Bolar (6th superintendent of Pipe stem) is situated at about 3000 feet high and offers a breath taking view of the park. The horseback riding is available with accompanying staff members. The real thrill is the overnight trail rides which include dinner and stay in the 19th century cabins. It takes you back in time and is sure to be a memorable experience. Riding on the back of the horse in the darkness of the night is really magical.
But the highlight of your trip would be the tram ride. Enclosed cars carry you above 3600 feet show casing some of the outstanding scenery you would get. The view of the Bluestone river gorge would stay on for a long time in your memory. The 6 minute ride in the aerial tramway would give you memories for a lifetime that would stay forever. With winter comes the skiing fun. And a lot of fun it is at the pipe stem resort park.
Of course your vacation plan would include shopping as one of the important aspects and the resort has plenty to offer in that front too. There is an outdoor amphitheatre, recreation centre and lots of places to shop. A variety of other activities also available to make your vacation plan special such as – paddle boating, basketball courts, canoeing, archery, pick nicking and hunting.
So the next time when you sit down to make your vacation plans don’t forget the Pipe Stem Resort Park. It is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.
About Pipe Stem Places:
Pipestem Place Luxury Log Cabins is located in Beautiful Southern West Virginia, and offer a unique getaway for you and your family. Whether you are looking for a romantic time away from home or a vacation for the entire family, Pipe Stem have what you are looking for.
Escape to the mountains at Pipestem Resort Park, the “Year-round Crown Jewel of West Virginia State Parks.”
From beautiful scenic overlooks of the Bluestone Gorge to the two lodges, vacation rental cottages, campgrounds, golf courses, restaurants, modern conference facilities, and much more, Pipestem Resort State Park has something for everyone.
Pipe Stem’s ‘events’ tab has a complete list of unique weekends and packages. You’ll also find other packages and deals being offered throughout the year. Feel free to call to answer questions or provide more information.
Pipe Stem currently have 2 beautiful rustic cabins for you to spend your vacation in. These cabins come with full kitchens, Cable television and DVD, Private Decks featuring Hot Tubs, and for those of you who love cooking in the outdoors, both cabins have propane grills on the back deck. Whether you are visiting us on your Honeymoon, Vacation, or just want to get away from it all, they know that you will find Pipestem Place Log Cabins to be the perfect place.
Pipe Stem are located close to many attractions that make Southern West Virginia a wonderful place to visit.
| Whitewater Rafting | Fishing | Rock Climbing |
| Boating | 2 Golf Courses | Ski Resorts |
| Horse Back Riding | Tennis Courts | State Parks, WV State Fair |
| Putt Putt Golf | Tram Rides | Historical Coal Mine Tours |
| Hiking | Fine Dining | Much, much more! |
| Swimming | Fine Shopping |