West Virginia Explorer
Pipestem Resort State Park Dinner Series

Exclusive dinner series at Pipestem Resort State Park showcases new menu

State Parks, Forests

October 6, 2025

David Sibray


PIPESTEM, W.Va. — Tickets are now available for a special dinner series at Pipestem Resort State Park that offers guests a first look at the new upscale menu from the Mountain Creek Dining Room, which is set to reopen in spring 2026.

Fine dining at Pipestem Resort State Park

The tram at Pipestem State Park ascends and descends in the gorge of the Bluestone River.

The tram at Pipestem State Park ascends and descends in the gorge of the Bluestone River. (Photo courtesy W.Va. Dept. of Tourism)

The “Taste of Mountain Creek” dinner series will take place over the last three weekends in October, featuring an eight-course tasting menu by Chef Marion Ohlinger that highlights the restaurant’s refined approach to Appalachian cuisine.

Tickets are $94 per person and include tax, gratuity, entertainment, and a round-trip aerial tram ride through Pipestem Resort State Park’s scenic canyon.

Culinary preview from Chef Marion Ohlinger

“This dinner series is a wonderful opportunity to experience the culinary vision behind the new Mountain Creek Dining Room at Pipestem Resort State Park,” said Dillard Price, acting chief of West Virginia State Parks.

“Guests can enjoy an unforgettable evening surrounded by the natural beauty of Pipestem while getting a taste of what’s to come when the restaurant officially reopens in the spring.”

Dinner Dates and Appalachian-Inspired Menus

Dinners will be held on Fridays and Saturdays during the weekends of October 10–11, October 17–18, and October 24–25.

Each event will feature a unique menu inspired by regional ingredients, such as elk meatloaf, venison filet mignon, smoked trout fondue, sumac-rubbed ribeye, and sweet potato cheesecake.

A social begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and live Appalachian music.

How to Reserve Your Spot

Seating is limited to 30 guests per evening, and tickets are expected to sell out quickly. To reserve seats, visit:

Tickets can also be purchased by calling Pipestem Resort State Park at 304-466-1800. Overnight accommodations at Mountain Creek Lodge inside Pipestem resort are available at a discounted rate for dinner guests.

About Pipestem Resort State Park

Located along the scenic Bluestone Gorge near Hinton, West Virginia, Pipestem Resort State Park is one of West Virginia’s premier destinations for outdoor adventure, fine dining, and family recreation.

Spanning over 4,000 acres, the park offers visitors breathtaking views, abundant wildlife, and a unique blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation.

Its signature aerial tramway carries guests from the canyon rim to the valley floor, where they can explore the tranquil Bluestone River, hike wooded trails, or enjoy the serene atmosphere of the park’s natural landscape.

Beyond its natural beauty, Pipestem offers a wide array of modern amenities, making it an ideal destination for both family vacations and romantic getaways. Guests can stay at the park’s two lodges—McKeever Lodge and the riverside Mountain Creek Lodge—both offering comfortable accommodations and beautiful views.

Additional attractions include an 18-hole championship golf course, horseback riding, ziplining, swimming, and fine dining at the Mountain Creek Dining Room. With its combination of adventure, relaxation, and Appalachian charm, Pipestem encompasses the best of West Virginia’s outdoor heritage.

Hiking opportunities expand at Pipestem

Pipestem continues to draw outdoor enthusiasts with its extensive network of hiking trails that highlight the park’s varied landscape and natural beauty. Spanning more than 20 miles, the trails at Pipestem range from easy walks suitable for families to more challenging routes that descend into the Bluestone River Gorge.

Park officials say the system offers visitors the chance to experience the region’s unique blend of rugged mountain terrain and serene river valleys.

Among the most popular routes are the Lake Shore Trail, which follows the edge of Long Branch Lake, and the Bluestone Turnpike Trail, a seven-mile path that connects Pipestem with Bluestone State Park. The Canyon Rim Trail provides sweeping views of the gorge and is a favorite for photographers and experienced hikers.

Park officials encourage visitors to prepare for changing weather conditions by bringing proper footwear and water, noting that the trails offer not only recreation but also an opportunity to observe native wildlife and the diverse plant life that defines southern West Virginia’s natural heritage.

Pipestem is managed by West Virginia State Parks, a division of the West Virginia Department of Commerce.

Learn more and book your next adventure at WVStateParks.com.

Scenic tram at Pipestem Resort State Park reopens

Tram at Pipestem: New gondolas alllow for greater visibility on the tram rides.

New gondolas allow for greater visibility on the tram rides at Pipestem.

After two years of construction, a new aerial tram at Pipestem Resort State Park has reopened. 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. READ THE FULL STORY HERE.