Bluestone River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bluestone River |
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Bluestone River in Pipestem Resort State Park
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| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia, West Virginia |
| Counties | Tazewell VA, Mercer WV, Summers WV |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | East River Mountain Tazewell County, Virginia 3,589 ft (1,094 m) 37°10′19″N 81°24′58″W / 37.17194°N 81.41611°W |
| River mouth | New River in Bluestone Lake Summers County, West Virginia 1,424 ft (434 m) 37°36′44″N 80°54′52″W / 37.61222°N 80.91444°W |
| Length | 77 mi (124 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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| Type: | Scenic |
| Designated: | October 26, 1988 |
The Bluestone River is a beautiful river in the United States. It flows for about 77 miles (124 kilometers). This river starts in Virginia and then goes through West Virginia.
The Bluestone River is a "tributary" of the New River. A tributary is a smaller river that flows into a larger one. The Bluestone River is part of a huge water system. This system eventually leads to the Mississippi River!
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Where the River Flows
The Bluestone River begins on East River Mountain in Tazewell County, Virginia. From there, it generally flows towards the northeast. It passes through Mercer and Summers counties in West Virginia.
Along its path, the river flows past towns like Bluefield in Virginia. It also goes by Bramwell and Montcalm in West Virginia. The Bluestone River eventually joins the New River. This happens about 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Hinton.
Bluestone Lake
When the Bluestone River meets the New River, it becomes part of Bluestone Lake. This lake is formed by a large dam. The United States Army Corps of Engineers built this dam on the New River.
Scenic River Section
A special part of the Bluestone River is called the Bluestone National Scenic River. This section is about 11 miles (18 km) long. It's mostly located in Summers County, West Virginia. This area is protected because of its natural beauty.
Pipestem Resort State Park is also found along the river. The river has carved a deep gorge here. This makes the park a great place for outdoor adventures.
Keeping the River Clean
Like many rivers, the Bluestone River needs our care. In the past, some activities, like coal mining, left behind certain substances. These can affect the river's health.
Because of this, experts sometimes give advice about using the river. For example, in Virginia, it's suggested to avoid swimming or wading in some parts. This is to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy.
In West Virginia, there are recommendations for eating certain fish, like carp. These guidelines help people enjoy the river's resources safely. Protecting the river means keeping its water clean for everyone.
Little Bluestone River
The Little Bluestone River is a smaller stream. It flows into the main Bluestone River. It's less than 10 miles (15 km) long. This small river forms where two streams, White Oak Branch and Jumping Branch, meet.
