A weirdly pleasant surprise 3,600 feet down this remote gorge

There’s a delicious secret at the bottom of the remote Bluestone Gorge— you just have to travel 3,600 feet down to reach it!

Thankfully, Pipestem Resort State Park’s scenic aerial tramway will sweep you smoothly down to the riverbank below, where you’ll discover the Mountain Creek Lodge and Restaurant. Dine on gourmet dishes with one of the most secluded views in the Mountain State.

You can only reach this remote escape from spring through fall— when the scenery is at its peak! Can you even imagine the majesty of gliding down the rocky ledges overlooking the bold spring wildflowers or the sizzling fall foliage?

That’s the view from the dining room, too, right along the the babbling Bluestone River. Take it all in while you indulge in upscale cuisine that’s got a flair of homestyle Appalachian comfort. Each creative dish is crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients and served with elegant Southern charm— and a long list of fine wines to match, of course.

Any of the succulent house-smoked dishes are divine, but the star of the menu? The skillet-fried rainbow trout, which refines a generations-old regional favorite. The locally sourced fish tastes even fresher when anglers are drifting on the river just outside.

Tip: make your reservation at sunset. It’s a one-of-a-kind wonder not many folks get to savor.

Stay awhile

After your meal, just relax. This unique lodge has 30 rooms that bring the comforts of home to this secluded spot with amenities like TV and Wi-Fi.

But if you have time, you can enjoy the natural beauty before tucking in. You can fish the cool waters or take a stroll along the Bluestone-Turnpike Trail, which will wind you through the woodlands deep into the state’s most remote National Park.

Really… what better way to enjoy the beauty and mountain flavor of West Virginia than a 5-star meal in this serene, natural setting?

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This post was last updated on July 24, 2020