Bluestone National Scenic River

Bluestone National Scenic River
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape)[1]
Bluestone Gorge near the upstream end of the National Scenic River section.
Map showing the location of Bluestone National Scenic River
Map showing the location of Bluestone National Scenic River
Location of Bluestone National Scenic River in West Virginia
Map showing the location of Bluestone National Scenic River
Map showing the location of Bluestone National Scenic River
Bluestone National Scenic River (the United States)
LocationWest Virginia, United States
Coordinates37°32′30″N 80°59′57″W / 37.54167°N 80.99917°W / 37.54167; -80.99917
Elevation1,637 ft (499 m)[2]
Established1988
OperatorNew River Gorge National River
WebsiteBluestone 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.

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.

  1. ^ "Bluestone National Scenic River". Protected Planet. IUCN. Retrieved 30 April 2018.
  2. ^ "Bluestone National Scenic River". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. August 17, 2000. Retrieved March 16, 2010.