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Things to Do

Aerial tramway, golf, fishing, horseback riding, swimming, and more are things to do at Pipestem Resort State Park.

Nature Center

The Nature Center is open year-round and features a wide variety of displays of indigenous plant and animal life of WV, as well as a variety of naturalist lead programs. The nature center and naturalist programs introduces you to the Pipestem area, hiking, birding, nature and heritage aspects, and surroundings.

  • The Harris Homestead, a historical reconstruction of the house, barn and meat house of a 1900 era Summers County family is located near the nature center.
  • Weekly activities .  Click here for activity schedule
  • Birding surveys and checklists about songbirds, eagles, and other topics.  Click here to view lists

Hiking and Trails

Twenty trails are maintained for your exploration. Hike year-round at Pipestem. For hiking trail descriptions, download here

Bicycle Rentals

The bicycles, supplied by Greenbrier Outfitters of White Sulphur Springs, are available at the Championship Golf Proshop and feature Gary Fisher full suspension mountain bikes, front suspension mountain bikes and kids bikes.

Full Suspension: $15/hr, $45/half-day, $60 full-day
Front Suspension: $10/hr, $30/half-day, $50/full-day
Kids Bikes: $12/half-day, $25/full-day

Fishing

Long Branch Lake, the Bluestone River and nearby New River offer anglers, novice and seasoned alike, fishing opportunities. From stocked trout to smallmouth bass, if you’re looking for a well rounded park that includes fishing, it’s Pipestem.  Fishing license is required and online purchase is available.

For fly fishing package info click here
For Bluestone Lake fishing information, click here

Golf Courses

Pipestem features two challenging, beautifully manicured courses. The 18-hole par 72 championship course designed by Geoffrey Cornish, features views of the Bluestone Canyon. Also located at the park is the Short Course, a challenging Par 3 course. View golf page

Pro Shop

Mulligans Sports Lounge is located at the 18-hole course clubhouse. This restaurant features specialty sandwiches and your favorite legal beverages.

Dining

McKeever Lodge Restaurants

  • The Bluestone Dining Room is located in the McKeever Lodge and is open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • The Black Bear Snack Bar features pizza, sandwiches, ice cream, and drinks.

Mountain Creek Lodge at Pipestem Resort

The Dining Room features fine dining each evening with gourmet specialties prepared by Chef Eric Stalnaker, a graduate of the Greenbrier Culinary School. Reservations are suggested. Guests staying at the Mountain Creek Lodge receive a free continental breakfast.

Swimming

An outdoor swimming pool is located at the Recreation Center at Pipestem Resort and open to the public. The outdoor pool is open from 11:00 a.m.-5:45 p.m.on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday; closed on Monday and Wednesday, from Memorial Weekend to Labor Day Weekend.

After hour private outdoor pool parties may be scheduled from 6:15 - 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, or Friday.  Pool parties must be scheduled in advance.

The indoor swimming pool at McKeever Lodge is open to the public and park guests.  The indoor pool is open daily and hours may vary.  Click the 'operating button' in the left column for open hours and rates.

Bolar Lookout Tower

Bolar Lookout TowerAt 3,000 feet, the view of the Pipestem area from Bolar Lookout Tower is inspiring.  Named in honor of the 6th superintendent at Pipestem, Steve Bolar, the tower is located near the park entrance.  A .2 mile paved path leads up a rather steep terrain. 

Horseback Riding, Stables and Hayrides

Guided horseback rides are available year-round at Pipestem. Rides offered include ½-, one- and two-hour trails rides. Ring rides where horse are led by staff members available.  Overnight trail rides are wonderful and include dinner, breakfast and a stay in a 19th century cabin are by reservation only.  Trail rides require riders to be at least seven years of age. Hayrides and wiener roasts available for group gatherings.

  • Hayrides
    Ages 12 and older: $10; Under 12, $5
  • Hayrides and wiener roast
    Ages 12 and older: $12.50; Under 12, $6.50
    Hayrides and hayride/wiener roast require a minimum of 10 individuals and one day’s notice. Hayrides generally depart at 6:00 p.m.  To book your group hayride, call, 304-466-1800, ext. 373. The stables and horseback rides are under the management of Pipestem Stables, Joe Rhodes. For rates and open hours, click here

Aerial TramAerial Tramway

The aerial tramway is a highlight at Pipestem. The enclosed cars carry you on a six minute ride of 3600 feet along some outstanding scenery to the Bluestone River Gorge below. The tram generally opens during the first full-week in May into October. For all facility hours, including aerial tramway at Pipestem, click here

Sleds and X-C Skiing

Winter fun starts at Pipestem. Cross-country skiing and sledding, as weather permits is welcome at Pipestem.  Equipment rental  is available at Pipestem Pro Shop. For equipment rental information, click here

Outdoor Amphitheater

Nestled in a natural bowl of the forested hills is the Pipestem amphitheater. It is a beautiful setting for weekend summer entertainment such as oldies, rock, blues, gospel, bluegrass musical groups and theatrical plays. For the Summer Amphitheater Schedule, click here

Recreation Center

The recreation center features an olympic size outdoor pool, miniature golf, lighted tennis courts, and the Short Course, a challenging par 3 golf course.

Indoor Pool and Fitness Center

A heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, exercise room and game room are located at McKeever Lodge.

Picnicking

There are three picnic shelters for daily rental at Pipestem. Advance reservations are available two years out.  All shelters offer approximately 10 tables, electric service and lighting, water, and a charcoal grill.
Print a picnic shelter reservation application.

Gift ShopShopping

Three gift shops offer a wide assortment of shopping possibilities.

  • McKeever Lodge Lobby Shop offers unique gifts and provides sundries frequently needed by guests.
  • Canyon Rim Center, located above the Bluestone Gorge, features two gift shops: The Mountain Artisan Shop and Canyon Rim Gift Shop.
  • Mountain Artisan Shop provides WV handcrafted items, furniture and quilts. Canyon Rim Gift Shop has a great selection of souvenirs, toys, and clothing and features Reflections Glass Showcase. A wide variety of hand blown glass from throughout the state including Fenton, Pilgrim and Blenko is available.

Miscellaneous Recreation

A variety of other activities are available including:

Conference Facilities

From small family gatherings to large corporate conferences, Pipestem is a great choice. A professional sales staff assists with planning a major event or a small group functions. For group services information, click here

Wireless service

For your convenience, the lobby and conference facilities at Pipestem Resort offer wireless service.

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