Pipestem Resort State Park

Found on the edges of the beautiful Bluestone River Gorge, Pipestem Resort State Park provides glorious views of the adjacent Bluestone River. This 4050-acre park is located on the borders of Mercer County and Summers County, both of which offer several amenities for out of state guests.

Pipestem Resort State Park features over 20 hiking trails that total 17 miles in length. These paths offer everything from challenging uphill struggles to sedate, flatland strolls. Almost all of these trails provide excellent sightseeing opportunities for both the wildlife and plants contained within. 

Guests are reminded that this area can be prone to sudden weather shifts, so make sure to check the day's forecast before heading out to avoid getting washed out. Dogs have always been welcome on the trails within Pipestem Resort State Park, as long as their owners keep them restrained throughout their stay and clean up any messes they leave behind.

Feel free to cast a line on the Long Branch Lake, which hosts the best trout and smallmouth bass fishing in the area. You can also drop a pole in the New and Bluestone Rivers, provided you've come with the proper West Virginia license and stamps. Dogs are allowed to accompany anglers on all shorelines within the park, provided they're on a leash and don't bother other guests.

Pipestem Resort State Park also contains an Olympic-size outdoor swimming pool located at their recreation area. If the weather isn't cooperating, guests can also enjoy an indoor swimming pool housed at the McKeever lodge which also contains a fitness center and steam room. Cost for the public pools is $6 for adults and $4 for children. If you've got a canine in tow, they have to stay outside while you check out the facilities. 

Campers have their pick of 82 different campsites that are open throughout the year. These all have heated bathhouses, campground stores, and coin laundry adjacent to them in case guests need to get clean in a hurry. Canines can stay with their owners on these sites as long as they stay leashed up during their stay.