Pipestem Resort State Park welcomes new adventure zone

Adventure enthusiasts are invited to the mountains of southern West Virginia May 26 for the grand opening of the Pipestem Adventure Zone at Pipestem Resort State Park.

The park-within-a-park near the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve will add a second layer of adventure entertainment at a state park travel destination long known for its outdoor recreation, according to Paul Buechler, CEO for the adventure zone

In addition to long-standing park attractions, such as hiking, biking, and golf, the new adventure park will offer skeet shooting, laser tag, 3-D archery, ax-throwing, drone flying, miniature golf, disc golf, electric motor-assisted biking, and remote-controlled car racing.

Lodges at Pipestem overlook the gorge of the Bluestone National Scenic River.

The Adventure Zone is designed to accommodate visitors of any skill level who would like a 1.5-hour sports experience or multiple sports adventures on the same day, Buechler said.

Visitors can pay a la carte for activities that range from $6 to $40 or purchase a one-day pass for $84 that provides for participation in as many as six activities.

Most activities are scheduled at 1.5-hour intervals beginning at 9 a.m., and groups of two-to-12 people can compete during each session before moving onto another activity, he said.

The 4,000-acre state park at Pipestem adjoins the Bluestone National Scenic River, administered by the National Park Service in association with the nearby New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

Zone visitors can take advantage of other Pipestem activities such as zipline tours, nine- and 18-hole golf courses, mountain bike excursions, and horseback riding.

Park outfitters provide inner tubes and inflatable kayaks for water fun and professionally guided rafts on some of the region’s world-famous whitewater rafting rivers.

One of the largest resort parks in West Virginia, Pipestem’s accommodations include two hotel lodges, 26 cabins, and 82 campsites as well as three restaurants.

Activities may be booked after May 15 by calling 1-833-WV-Parks (1-833-987-2757) or by visiting wvstateparks.com. Visit PipestemAdventures.com for more information.