Located in the near center point of West Virginia at the northern tip of New River Gorge National Park in Fayette, WV, Hawks Nest State Park has amazing views and plenty of things to do for anyone visiting this part of Appalachia. With amazing hikes, watersports and even an in-park lodge, you’ll be sure to love a visit to the park, either for a day or for a multi-day stay.
If you are like us and have limited time to visit the area, then it can be really hard to figure out how to best spend your time between all the great sites to see and things to do. We hope this guide helps you get a better idea of the best things to do in Hawks Nest State Park during your visit!
HAWKS NEST STATE PARK HISTORY
Officially becoming Hawks Nest State Park in 1935, the park has undergone a number of improvements, including Civilian Conservation Corps creating the building currently used as the museum and gift shop. The park lodge was added in the late 1960’s.
Today, Hawks Nest State Park contains 370 acres of land for recreation and the protection of wildlife. It’s managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
FUN FACTS ABOUT HAWKS NEST STATE PARK
- Hawks Nest State Park was an active area used for transporting coal. The name “Hawks Nest” was given to the area by those that traveled the rail line, due to the large number of hawks that nested above the cliffs in the area.
- The New River Gorge is one of the oldest gorges in the world, estimated to be between 10 and 360 million years old!
THINGS TO DO IN HAWKS NEST STATE PARK
Hawks Nest State Park map, courtesy of West Viriginia Division of Natural Resources
If visiting for a few hours or for a few days, there are some really great things to do in Hawks Nest State Park for anyone. From fantastic views to hiking to spending time on the New River, we’re positive the time you spend here will be well worth it!
Our recommendations for the best things to do in Hawks Nest State Park include:
Hawks Nest State Park Nature Center and Gift Shop
Located near the main parking area in the east side of the park, the Hawks Nest Nature Center is a great spot to stop when you first enter the park. Here you can learn about the local animals and talk to a naturalist on-staff. There is also a small gift shop and interactive exhibits that are great for kids.
Aerial Tramway
The Arial Tramway is a unique feature of Hawks Nest State Park seen in few other state parks around the country. The tramway runs from the top of the gorge starting at Hawks Nest Lodge and crosses Mill Creek as it heads down to the banks of Hawks Nest Lake on the New River. From here you can check out the small gift shop and get up close to the railroad bridge that crosses Hawks Nest Lake. You can also pickup a jetboat, or just take the return trip back up the side of the gorge.
The tramway was taken down in 2023 for renovations, which will be completed in 2024. The arial tramway runs from late May to early September.
Tickets can be purchased online (which is recommended, as it can get busy!) or you can also get them in-person at the tram office. The prices are very reasonable, but you can get the most up-to-date pricing by calling 304-658-5212, going to the office in-person or booking online.
Jet Boat Rides
Taking a jet boat ride on the New River and heading underneath the New River Gorge Bridge is a great way to get to see the park in way that you can’t do any other way! The boat ride departs from the marina at the bottom of the gorge. You can take the tram down, take the free shuttle offered or drive down to the marina. The Jet Boats are open from Thursday through Monday during the summer months and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tickets can be purchased at the tram office at the Hawks Nest State Park Lodge or in the marina. Allow 2 hours if you include the shuttle ride, though the boat ride is only just over 30 minutes. You can call 304-469-2525 for the most up-to-date information on the jet boat rides.
Boating, Kayaking and Paddling
Two boat launches are located at the marina at the end of Highway 60/2 (Hawks Nest Road), which is accessed by heading south from Main Street in Anstead, WV, which is about 1.5 miles east of the main park entrance. From here you can boat on the New River and Hawks Nest Lake. Getting out on the water is the best way of really exploring and seeing the bottom of the gorge.
Hiking
There are actually a number of hiking trails in Hawks Nest State Park to explore, and we cover them in detail in the next section.
HIKING TRAILS IN HAWKS NEST STATE PARK
We love hiking to really see the scenery, and hiking in Hawks Nest State Park is definitely one of the best things to do in the park! There are quite a few trails to choose from.
Our recommendations for the hiking in Hawks Nest State Park include:
Cliffside Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate / Strenuous
- Distance (round-trip): 1.8 miles
- Elevation gain: 365 feet
- Hiking time (approximate): 1 hour
- Trail type: Loop
- Potential hazards: Bugs, sun exposure, falls from the cliffside due to the steep drop-offs
- Restrooms: Flush toilets located on the trailhead. Toilets are also located across Highway 60 nearby the Hawks Nest Overlook.
- Recommended footwear: Hiking shoes or hiking boots.
- Pets: Allowed, but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Cliffside Trail map, courtesy of West Virginia State Parks
Trail Description
This is the trail to do if you are okay with heights and drop-offs! The trails starts by dropping about 350 feet don along the cliffside while it heads to the west (if hiking clockwise). Along the cliff expect to have great view of the New River and surrounding area. This is the part of the walk where there are relatively steep drops, so watch your step and the younger members of hour hiking crew.
After about 0.4 miles, the trails starts to head to the north before starting to climb up to Hawks Nest Overlook as it heads back to the east. From the overlook you’ll have fantastic views of the New River and the railroad bridge below.
To return to the trailhead, head across Highway 60 and take a right at the fork to find the service road (Short Street). From here you’ll follow the trail back to the parking area.
Cliffside Trail Highlights
- Stunning Views: You will be shocked by the incredible views that you have on this trail. Along the cliffside the entire way out you’ll have great views as well as from the overlook.
- Well-maintained: Some trails are not well marked in the area, but this one is great.
Cliffside Trail Challenges
- Road Walk: Unfortunately, to head back to the parking lot you have to take a service road. This isn’t the prettiest part of the trail, but it’s flat and easy.
- Crowds: This is one of the more popular trails in the park, so it can get crowded.
Trailhead Directions
The Cliffside Trail starts from the southwest side of the Hawks Nest State Park parking area.
Fisherman's Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance (round-trip): 3.0 miles
- Elevation gain: Minimal
- Hiking time (approximate): 1.5 hours
- Trail type: Out-and-back
- Potential hazards: Bugs, sun exposure
- Restrooms: Flush toilets located on the trailhead
- Recommended footwear: Closed-toed-shoes
- Pets: Allowed, but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Trail Description
This flat and easy trail starts from down near the marina and heads east along Hawks Nest Lake. There is little elevation gain. The trail ends at the Hawks Nest Dam and provides great access for fishing. A good option is to just hike part of this trail, and it’s a good thing to do after your tram ride or before you take a boat ride.
Trailhead Directions
The Fisherman’s trail begins on the east side of the parking lot near the riverfront. You can reach this by car, by taking the tram down or by hiking down on the GSYP Canyon Trail.
Lover's Leap Trail
- Difficulty: Easy / moderate
- Distance (round-trip): 0.3 miles
- Elevation gain: 85 feet
- Hiking time (approximate): 15 minutes
- Trail type: Out-and-back
- Potential hazards: Bugs, sun exposure
- Restrooms: Flush toilets located on the trailhead.
- Recommended footwear: Comfortable shoes
- Pets: Allowed, but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Lovers Leap Trail map, courtesy of West Virginia State Parks
Trail Description
This short trail is mostly stairs that lead down to the Lovers Leap Overlook. This isn’t so much as a trail as it is a walkway down nearly 100 stairs. Be advised that the walk back up will get your heart pumping!
Trailhead Directions
The trailhead is right near the upper tram station.
GSYP Canyon Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance (round-trip): 1.4 miles
- Elevation gain: 500 feet
- Hiking time (approximate): 1 hour
- Trail type: Out-and-back
- Potential hazards: Bugs, sun exposure
- Restrooms: Flush toilets located on the trailhead and at the bottom of the trail.
- Recommended footwear: Hiking shoes or hiking boots.
- Pets: Allowed, but must be kept on a leash at all times.
GSYP Trail map, courtesy of West Virginia State Parks
Trail Description
This is one of the more challenging hikes in the park. The trail starts by heading east from the parking area near the lodge. The trail heads north briefly before turning south and starting the gradual descent down to the New River. Switchbacks aid the descent, but it’s still pretty steep on the way down.
At the bottom of the trail you’ll have access to the bottom station of the tram as well as the marina. While it doesn’t follow the exact route of the tram, this is an alternative way to get down the slope to the marina.
The trail has railroad ties to make it easier, but when it’s wet, it will be a bit muddy and slippery. While dogs are allowed on the trail, it may be a bit challenging for some. The return trip is tough, but you can also take the tram using a one-way ticket to head back up.
Trailhead Directions
The trailhead is on the east side of the parking lot.
Hawks Nest Loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance (round-trip): 0.5 miles
- Elevation gain: 160 feet
- Hiking time (approximate): 20 minutes
- Trail type: Loop
- Potential hazards: Bugs
- Restrooms: Flush toilets located on the trailhead
- Recommended footwear: Closed-toed shoes.
- Pets: Allowed, but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Hawks Nest Trail map, courtesy of West Virginia State Parks
Trail Description
This short loop trail is excellent for kids. The trail travels through the forest and gives you good views of the waterfall.
Trailhead Directions
The trailhead starts near the CCC pavilion across the highway from Hawks Nest Overlook.
There are other walks / hikes to consider and you can learn more about these using the Hawks Nest State Park hiking map and guide.
THINGS TO DO NEAR HAWKS NEST STATE PARK
- Perhaps the most popular place to visit nearby is New River Gorge National Park. There is a ton of hiking and exploring to do, including a bridge walk!
- Be sure to also check out Babcock State Park. This is the site of one of the most photographed spots in the country!
HOW TO GET TO HAWKS NEST STATE PARK AND OTHER TRAVEL INFORMATION
Hawks Nest State Park is quite easy to get to if you are planning on visiting central West Virginia, or New River Gorge National Park. It’s located on WV Highway 60, WV equidistant between Hico and Kanawha Falls, WV. Traffic in this area typically isn’t heavy, but it can get a bit congested on a good weekend in the summer or fall.
- Here are directions from New River Gorge National Park to Hawks Nest State Park. This will take you about 14 minutes to drive the 7 miles.
ENTRANCE FEES FOR HAWKS NEST STATE PARK
There is no fee to use Hawks Nest State Park, or any of the State Parks in West Virginia!
HAWKS NEST STATE PARK LODGING
Hawks Nest State Park Lodge is quite beautiful, with views of the New River, a restaurant, swimming pool and 31 rooms. The lodge is open year-round and you can reserve a room at Hawks Nest State Park Lodge here.
While there is no camping inside of Hawks Nest State Park, you can camp nearby at Babcock State Park. To learn more, check out our article on Camping at Babcock State Park. Here you’ll find a great campground as well as a few other great things to do!
BEST TIME TO VISIT HAWKS NEST STATE PARK
Hawks Nest State Park is open year-round. If you plan on just checking out the overlooks, then visiting anytime of year is doable. However, we recommend visiting when the leaves are out and there is greenery for the best views. Fall has amazing colors as well. However, the best time to visit is typically the summertime when the jet boats and arial trams are open. The hiking trails are also not treacherous when the weather is warm, which is an issue in the wintertime.
Average High and Low Temperatures in Hawks Nest State Park
ARE PETS ALLOWED IN HAWKS NEST STATE PARK?
Pets are allowed in the park, but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pets are not allowed on the arial trams or jetboats.
RELATED INFORMATION ON HAWKS NEST STATE PARK AND THE SURROUNDING AREA FROM JUST GO TRAVEL STUDIOS
- Other area articles include What to See and Do in Babcock State Park as well as What to See and Do in New River Gorge National Park.
- After your trip to West Virginia, send us a photo or two when you get back and we’ll create a custom, vintage travel poster with your own personalized wording!
