Pipestem Resort State Park

Pipestem Resort State Park is a 4,211-acre state park in southern West Virginia, about 8 miles from the town of Athens. The land is managed by the State Department of Natural Resources. The park holds 20 trails, which makes it a base for a day or more of hiking across a range of routes rather than a single destination trail. Several of them begin close together, so it's easy to string a few into a longer outing. Late spring through early fall is the most comfortable window. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Athens run from highs around 73°F in May to about 75°F in September, with July highs near 82°F. Right in the park, the Canyon Rim Trail, River Trail and Lick Hollow Trail all start within a fraction of a mile. Farther afield, Camp Creek offers canoeing about 7 miles away, and the Stoned Hinge climbing area sits roughly 7.6 miles out.