Brett W. McMillion, Budget Travel Explorer

Summer is the best time to explore the beautiful hills and valleys in West Virginia. And there’s nowhere better to experience it than at Pipestem Resort State Park. As the state’s premier family adventure resort, it is complete with activities for those of all ages like zipline tours, guided trout fishing trips, mountain bike excursions, rock climbing and more.

The 4,050-acre park sits on the east rim of the Bluestone River Gorge and features outdoor activities, stunning mountain views and opportunities to create lifelong memories for you and your family. Learn about some of the new activities available at Pipestem this year:

Pipestem Peaks Zipline Tour

See the Bluestone River Gorge from a whole new perspective – soaring over the treetops. You can experience panoramic views of lush forest and the river below on the new Pipestem Peaks Zipline Tour.

Measuring at 300 feet long with speeds up to 50 mph, the Pipestem Peaks Zipline Tour has nine zip lines, a cable bridge and a belay. After taking in the adventure and beauty of nature, ride back up to the top via aerial tram.

Treat yourself to a weekend getaway and book a tour to complete your experience in Almost Heaven. Book your tour here.

Splash Park & Adventure Lake

Pipestem Resort State Park is home to the new Splash Park & Adventure Lake, which are across from McKeever Lodge and Longbranch Lake. It is expected to open in early June 2019. It will feature 15 inflatables for nonstop water fun.

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding and Lake Kayak Guided Adventure

If you’re not spending time on the water at the park’s new adventure lake and splash park, you can set out on a kayaking and stand-up paddle board tour, tubing or whitewater adventure on the Bluestone River.

Accommodations

Enjoy cabin, camping, or lodge-style accommodations at Pipestem Resort State Park. Choose from 26 cabins located around the park, 82 year-round campsites, or two lodges with full amenities. The Mountain Creek Lodge, which is open May through October, has 30 rooms that offer relaxing views of the Bluestone River and is one of the only lodges in the world accessible only by aerial tramway.

BIOGRAPHY

Brett W. McMillion is the superintendent of Pipestem Resort State Park. He has spent more than 20 years at state parks, including Panther State Forest for 3 years and Bluestone State Park for 17 years. A Nicholas County native, McMillion attended Richwood High School, Potomac State College and West Virginia University, where he received a bachelor of science in recreation.

This post was last updated on March 18, 2022