Bluestone National Scenic River protects an ancient and spectacular river gorge, rugged sandstone cliffs and overlooks, an unbroken and diverse Appalachian forest ecosystem, and the historic Bluestone Turnpike Trail. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act identifies it as an outstandingly remarkable, free-flowing river and natural area. Passed in 1968 to protect important water resources, especially undammed rivers and streams flowing through natural landscapes, the act provided the framework under which the rugged and undeveloped Bluestone Gorge qualified for inclusion in 1988. Ten miles of the lower Bluestone River, beginning in Pipestem Resort State Park and continuing downstream to Bluestone Lake and the New River, was designated a National Scenic River. It is managed through a partnership between the National Park Service and the State of West Virginia and is one of more than 400 special and unique places in the national park system.