The Bluestone River has carved a gorge up to 1,000 feet deep into the landscape. A 17-kilometer stretch of the river is protected as the Bluestone National Scenic River and lies in Mercer and Summers counties. For those who want to explore the landscape on foot, the Bluestone Turnpike Trail offers a tangible link to the route’s history: the 9.5-mile, moderately difficult hiking trail follows the course of an old riverside road. The area also offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing.
Forests and Trails of Different Lengths
Camp Creek State Park and Forest encompasses nearly 6,000 acres of forest. The park has 15 hiking trails totaling 33 miles, and 27 miles of trails are open to mountain bikers. Hiking and mountain biking are available on separate trail networks in the park.
At Pipestem Resort State Park, a cable car descends over the rim into Bluestone Gorge. The park has 20 hiking trails. At Pipestem Stables, guests can choose rides lasting half an hour, one hour, or two hours. Those traveling on foot have 20 trails to choose from; the cable car leads into Bluestone Gorge, while horseback rides last half an hour, one hour, or two hours.
Trails around Pinnacle Rock State Park also connect with a seasonal nature theme. The park has more than six miles of hiking trails, and nearby Jimmy Lewis Lake is stocked with trout seasonally. Specific stocking dates may vary. White Oak Waterfall is easily accessible via a scenic river trail. Brush Creek Preserve extends beyond the waterfalls through protected areas and offers an additional 1.5 miles of trails.
The Gardner Center Trails wind through about 23 wooded acres and include nearly 7,000 feet of trails. Together with the longer trail distances listed for the state parks, they offer a varied picture of local hiking options, with routes that are not all on the same scale.
Historic Sites, Stages, and Regional Culture
The Historic Bramwell Walking Tour includes 19 stops and offers insights into the town’s families and historic homes. The restored Granada Theater combines an Art Deco-style venue with a specific history: it originally opened in 1928. The Mercer County Fair takes place every July; the exact dates vary from year to year.
The performing arts program also offers a variety of formats: the Chuck Mathena Center hosts children’s musicals, Broadway shows, and symphony concerts, among other events. If you’re planning to attend a particular performance, check the current schedule. The RiffRaff Arts Collective brings together visual art galleries, studios, and a performance stage. At Hammer & Stain Princeton, participants choose a DIY wood project and make their own piece. Workshop dates and booking options can change; check availability in advance if this experience is a key part of your visit.
Several facilities are devoted to the region’s history. The Coal Heritage Trail Interpretive Center features exhibits on the history of coal mining in West Virginia. Mercer County is one of 13 counties in the National Coal Heritage Area. The Mercer County War Museum spans three floors, with artifacts, photographs, memorabilia, and stories; it honors veterans from southern West Virginia, from the Civil War to the present day.
The Princeton Railroad Museum displays more than 100 historic railroad lanterns. It is currently temporarily closed; check whether it has reopened before visiting. Mercer County brings together these natural and cultural themes without requiring any one attraction to define the entire stay.
Discover more destinations: Bluefield, Hardy County, Nicholas County, Berkeley County, Putnam County, Hancock County, Ohio, Lincoln County
View the main travel guide: West Virginia.
