Little Bluestone Community Forest

Let’s build a forest!

This forest neighbors the National Park Service Bluestone National Scenic River and surrounds the Cooper’s Mill historic site owned by the Summers County Commission. In 2020, the Summers County community approached the WVLT to partner on the purchase and preservation of the Little Bluestone property.

Preserve Management Plans

The West Virginia Land Trust has acquired approximately 370 acres in Summers County, through the support of many individuals, organizations, and municipalities, including the Summer County Commission who maintains ownership of the historic Cooper’s Mill located within the Little Bluestone Community Forest. In 2024, the National Park Service and WVLT teamed up to acquire funding from the National Park Foundation which will support improvements such as a welcome kiosk, interpretive signage, and a trail just over a mile in length which will connect visitors directly to the Bluestone Turnpike trail. Improvements to signage and trails on the NPS side of the connection will also take place, letting visitors to the Bluestone National Scenic River (BLUE) know that there is a connection to the historic Cooper’s Mill via the Little Bluestone Community Forest.

The property is not yet open to the public and will rely on support from donors like you to make our vision a reality.

Community Comments
Each special place has unique attribute and purposes that will frame the site’s development. While we are developing our recreation areas for public use, we are open to your comments! Click here to make a suggestion.

Those interested in supporting the campaign to purchase and develop this nature preserve for public use, may donate and designate your gift to the Little Bluestone Community Forest project.

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