My family and I have visited Pipestem State Park many times over the years.  The entrance to the park is at the base of the mountain, and as we drove toward the lodge and deeper into the park, the mountains enfolded us into their bosom.  Once inside the park, I find there is little reason to leave; with lodgings, food and activities all within Pipestem State Park, the resort is completely self-contained.

There are several options for lodging inside Pipestem.  My family and I have visited the park on more than one occasion and have stayed in both the main facility, the McKeever Lodge, at the mountain’s summit and at the Mountain Creek Lodge, nestled in the Bluestone Gorge alongside the Bluestone River.  While both lodges are comfortable and offer unmatched views of the breathtaking Bluestone Mountains, a favorite of my family is the Mountain Creek Lodge because of its unusual access; by aerial tramway!  My family has also taken advantage of the large campground at Pipestem.  While the campground will accommodate recreational vehicles, we enjoy “roughing it”, camping in a tent with friends and cooking outdoors over an open fire.  Although we have never made use of them, Pipestem also offers rental cabins.

From childhood to adulthood, I have always found new and interesting activities to take part in at Pipestem.  As I child, I enjoyed the guided horseback rides through the park where I have seen all manner of wildlife native to West Virginia.  Pipestem also offers a miniature golf course, which is an enjoyable distraction on a cool autumn evening.  Another of my favorite childhood memories of Pipestem is being out on the lake near McKeever Lodge, taking a paddle boat with my father.  Canoe rentals are also available, but we have never been brave enough to attempt navigating a canoe.  As an adult, I have enjoyed

My family and I have eaten at almost all of the restaurants offered at Pipestem, but our favorite has always been the Bluestone Dining Room at McKeever Lodge.  Whether we have the buffet for dinner or order from the menu for breakfast, our meal is always delicious.  The view from the lodge into the valley only serves to enhance the dining experience; in the morning, with the mist rising off the mountains, or watching the sun set in the evening, you really feel like you’re in the wilderness, away from the world and taking it easy.  For a quick afternoon snack, we like to dine al fresco at the Black Bear Snack Bar, also located in McKeever Lodge.  For some reason, it just seems like hamburgers and hot dogs and a soda just taste better when you have a beautiful view accompanying it!  My family and I have never eaten at either of the other two restaurants in Pipestem State Park, but you may also choose from Mulligans Sports Lounge at the 18-hole golf course or the restaurant at Mountain Creek Lodge.

If you find yourself looking for activities outside Pipestem State Park, nearby attractions include the Tamarack, a showcase of West Virginia foods, crafts and craftsmen; the Exhibition Coal Mine, where you can experience what many West Virginians do, every day, to make a living; WinterPlace Ski Area, one of the East Coast’s foremost ski resorts; and the New River Gorge National River, celebrating the oldest river in the United States.  I have visited many of these attractions myself, and they are interesting, but I have found that once I get to the park, there’s simply too much to do there to occupy my time. 

Open year-round, Pipestem State Park is a resort that will appeal to families of all sizes.  You’ll be treated like a member of the family, and you and your family will feel the true heart of West Virginia.