Bluestone National Scenic River
The Bluestone National Scenic River protects a 10.5-mile (16.9 km) section of the Bluestone River in Summers and Mercer counties of southern West Virginia. It was created 26 October 1988 under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and is protected by the National Park Service.
| Bluestone National Scenic River | |
|---|---|
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape) | |
Bluestone Gorge near the upstream end of the National Scenic River section. | |
Location of Bluestone National Scenic River in West Virginia Bluestone National Scenic River (the United States) | |
| Location | West Virginia, United States |
| Coordinates | 37°32′30″N 80°59′57″W |
| Elevation | 1,637 ft (499 m) |
| Established | 1988 |
| Operator | New River Gorge National River |
| Website | Bluestone National Scenic River |
The nation’s Wild and Scenic Rivers System was established for the purpose of protecting for the present, and preserving for the future, undeveloped, free-flowing rivers that possess “Outstandingly Remarkable” scenic, natural, cultural, geological and recreational values. Currently one hundred fifty six entire rivers or sections of rivers are protected under this system of publicly owned water resources.
A section of Bluestone NSR is also protected by the West Virginia State Park System within Pipestem Resort State Park. The remaining portion is within a West Virginia Wildlife Management Area.