Bluestone Lake

A flood control reservoir called Bluestone Lake is situated on the New River not far from Hinton, West Virginia. Bluestone Dam impounds a 10.7-mile (17.2-km) section of the New River and its tributary, the Bluestone River, at its usual pool level. The lake can expand to about 36 miles (58 km) in length at the flood control pool, although typically only 2,040 acres (8.3 km2) in size. The lake stretches into Giles County, Virginia, at higher water levels.

A concrete gravity dam called Bluestone Dam, which is situated slightly upstream of the meeting point of the New and Greenbrier Rivers, creates the lake. The dam is 2,048 feet (624 m) long and 165 feet (50 m) high. The dam was approved by the U.S. Congress in the Flood Control Acts of 1936 and 1938 and by Presidential Executive Order in 1935. Early 1941 saw the start of construction on the project, which was put on hold in 1944 due to World War II. Resuming in 1946, work was finished in 1949 for operational needs.

Bluestone Lake offers a variety of leisure options, such as boating and fishing, due to its size. The lake is partially covered by Bluestone State Park and Bluestone Wildlife Management Area, both of which are maintained by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. These facilities offer camping and other activities.

Location: Hinton, West Virginia