Free Topo Maps of Bluestone National Scenic River

Download free topo maps of Bluestone National Scenic River. Use the adjoining 7.5 minute quadrangle legend to locate the West Virginia maps you need.

Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend

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  1. Northwest Topo Map: Shady Spring, WV
  2. North Topo Map: Hinton, WV
  3. Northeast Topo Map: Talcott, WV
  4. West Topo Map: Flat Top, WV
  5. Topo Map: Pipestem, WV
  6. East Topo Map: Forest Hill, WV
  7. Southwest Topo Map: Athens, WV
  8. South Topo Map: Lerona, WV
  9. Southeast Topo Map: Peterstown, WV
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Bluestone National Scenic River

Bluestone National Scenic River protects over ten miles of the Bluestone River and parts of the surrounding landscape in West Virginia. The Native Americans who lived here called the Bluestone River "Momongosenka" or Big Stone River based upon boulders found in the lower gorge. There are numerous Paleo-Indian burial sites and evidence of a diversity of Indian tribes that lived in this region for thousands of years. During the spring through fall, Park Rangers offer an interpretive River Walk along the beautiful Bluestone River which is approximately two miles long. The Turnpike Trail is about ten miles long and is also led by a Ranger along the riverbed trail. There are also a number of recreational opportunities including warm water sport fishing. Hiking along the River affords exceptional views of some of nature's loveliest natural settings. The surrounding areas offer biking, restricted areas for hunting, and springtime usually offers adequate river levels for canoeing and kayaking. Camping is not allowed; however nearby Pipestem State Park has many camping areas and Pipestem also has an aerial tram that takes you to the gorge at Bluestone River. There is also the "Lost Town of Lilly" which was once a prosperous community that was required to abandon the area when construction of the Bluestone Dam began; as concern of flooding made remaining there a hazard. The trail to Lilly is still accessible, where foundations and remnants of the town remain. The Lilly family, who settled here in the 1700s, still holds their family reunions on grounds where they lived; and it is considered the largest family reunion in the world. There are many stories in the region, including the ordeal of the Ingles family who experienced devastating encounters with Indians during the French and Indian War, and years later during the Revolutionary War. On a lighter note, there are legends of moon-shiners that once made their own distilled corn whiskey using spring water to produce a 100 proof clear corn whiskey.