PIPESTEM, W.Va. — After two years of construction, a new aerial tram at Pipestem Resort State Park will officially open during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 11 a.m.
The event at the top of the tram at Pipestem will mark a major milestone in the park's history and will highlight the state’s continued investment in its state parks system, according to Brett McMillion, director of the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources.
The ceremony will include remarks by state and local leaders, followed by a ribbon-cutting and a ceremonial first ride on the tram into the Bluestone Gorge.
Guests will then be invited to tour the Mountain Creek Lodge, enjoy samples from its new restaurant menu, and visit the lodge’s gift shop.
McMillion said he was honored to be overseeing the park system at a time when the tram at Pipestem was being reopened.
“For decades, Pipestem’s tram served as a gateway to one of our state’s most breathtaking landscapes," McMillion said, referring to the Bluestone National Scenic River, which protects the river's scenic gorge in concert with Pipestem and Bluestone state parks.
"Now, with the first gondola in the world to feature Doppelmayr’s next-generation control system, Pipestem is leading the way in innovation and accessibility.
“The opening of this new tram is a major milestone for Pipestem Resort and a crowning achievement for West Virginia’s world-class state parks system,” he said.
The tram system is the capstone of more than $15 million in facility and infrastructure upgrades at Pipestem. Its state-of-the-art gondolas feature cutting-edge technology, including a touchscreen monitor that controls operations, records system data, and directly interfaces with the manufacturer to support troubleshooting and ensure the gondolas perform optimally.
The new tram also represents a major advancement in efficiency and safety. Unlike the previous tram, which could not operate in winds over 24 mph, the new gondolas can safely operate in winds up to 54 mph.
The gondolas are also ADA-accessible, can accommodate six passengers, and the tram system features a dedicated freight car for bicycles, kayaks, and sporting gear.
Work on replacing the tram, which had been in service for more than 60 years, began in 2023 and was completed by Doppelmayr USA, which operates its eastern headquarters in Tucker County.
The opening coincides with Pipestem Resort State Park’s 55th anniversary. To celebrate, the park is offering $55 per-night stays at Mountain Creek Lodge on Sept. 4-6 and Sept. 11-13. Visitors can book this deal by using the code "TRAM" at WVStateParks.com.
Pipestem was developed during the 1960s as part of West Virginia’s effort to boost tourism and preserve the Bluestone Gorge. Named after the wild pipestem plant once used by Native Americans and settlers to craft pipe stems, the park officially opened on Memorial Day in 1970.
Its design blended outdoor recreation with resort amenities, offering visitors both rugged mountain landscapes and modern comforts. From its earliest days, it stood out as one of the state’s most ambitious park projects, showcasing cabins, lodges, and miles of scenic hiking trails.
On those same dates, tram tickets will be available for $5.55, and guests can enjoy 55-cent ice cream scoops at The Canyon Rim Coffee and Creamery Company. Prices do not include tax.
Located on the east rim of the Bluestone River Gorge, near Hinton and Princeton, Pipestem has been a premier West Virginia family adventure resort since 1970.
In addition to the new tram and Mountain Creek Lodge, Pipestem features exhilarating zipline tours, a splash park and adventure lake, guided trout fishing trips, mountain bike excursions, a championship golf course, 82 campsites, 26 cabins, and two lodges.
History of the tram at Pipestem
Since its opening in 1971, the aerial tram has been one of West Virginia’s best-known public attractions. Dropping more than 1,100 feet into the Bluestone Gorge, the original tram at Pipestem carried guests from the canyon rim down to Mountain Creek Lodge at the valley floor.
For more than five decades, visitors used it not only to reach the lodge but also to enjoy hiking, fishing, kayaking, and biking in one of the most scenic spots in the state. Its “ride into adventure” quickly became a signature Pipestem experience.
After more than 50 years of service, the beloved tram was retired in 2023 to make way for a brand-new system. The new gondolas are larger, faster, fully accessible, and can carry outdoor gear, such as bikes and kayaks, with ease.
With modern upgrades, greater safety features, and panoramic views, the replacement tram at Pipestem ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy the dramatic journey into the gorge. It remains one of Pipestem’s most unforgettable highlights.
About West Virginia State Parks
West Virginia’s state parks and forests are the vacation destination of choice for more than 7 million people each year. Made up of 36 parks, nine forests, and three rail trails, the West Virginia State Parks system provides endless opportunities for family fun and adventure. Make memories that last forever. Book your adventure at WVstateparks.com.
West Virginia State Parks is managed by the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources, a division of the W.Va. Department of Commerce.
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