Bluestone River
Wild & Scenic
Mercer / Summers Co. · 77 mi · Class II–III
282CFS/ 3.50 ft
Optimal
Stable
Water temp: 55°F
Optimal: 200–1500 CFS · USGS #03179000
Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
77 mi
Length
Class II–III
Difficulty
200–1500 cfs
Optimal
420 cfs
Avg Flow
380 cfs
Hist. Median
#03179000
USGS Gauge
National Wild & Scenic River (1988) · Bluestone National Scenic River

The Bluestone cuts a dramatic 1,000-foot gorge through the southern West Virginia mountains on its way to join the New River at Bluestone Lake. The lower 10 miles flow through Bluestone National Scenic River and Pipestem Resort State Park — a remote backcountry float with clear water, smallmouth bass, and Class II–III rapids. Access requires a tram or a long hike into the gorge.

Trip sections
Upper Bluestone — Spanishburg to Pipestem, Class I–II, pastoral valley
Bluestone Gorge — Pipestem to Bluestone Lake, Class II–III, 10 mi wilderness
Bluestone Lake backwater — flatwater paddling and bass fishing
Outfitters
Pipestem Resort State Park
Tram access and rentals for Bluestone Gorge
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.