Hawks Nest State Park
- Status
- Status not postedOpen 24 hours
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Statewide rule — see below
- Camping
- None listedAlso lodge or inn rooms
- Official site
- wvstateparks.com304-658-5212
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
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Hawks Nest State Park is a 207-acre park in Fayette County, in Ansted.
Things to do include historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, boating, swimming, and fishing. If you'd rather not camp, the park offers lodge rooms.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Open 24 hours | ||
Official wording
24/7
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/New York).
Pets
'Dogs and cats are the only pets permitted in state parks and forests. Pets must be leashed and restrained.' Select cabins are pet-friendly, varying by park.
Statewide rule from West Virginia's park system (source). This park’s page doesn’t state its own pet rules, so check for local restrictions.
Fees and passes
Fees apply to lodging, camping, pools and activities.
Statewide fee rule from West Virginia's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- WV State Parks reservations (Inntopia-based, reservations.wvstateparks.com)
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Cabins and lodging
- Lodging: 31 units
- Event and Meeting Space
Lodging
Hawks Nest Lodge’s 31 rooms offer stunning panoramic views of the New River Gorge, with some offering intimate, private balconies. The lodge also provides WiFi, a seasonal outdoor pool, gift shop, and an on-site restaurant with spectacular views of the gorge below.
Event and Meeting Space
Get a change of scenery at Hawks Nest and book a spacious conference center or meeting facility. Your guests and group will never tire of the park’s views!
Things to do
BoatingFishingHikingHistoric sites and toursCanoeing and kayakingSwimming
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cliffside Trail | 1.7 mi | Moderate to difficult | The trail starts behind the Midland Trail Shelter near the lodge and ends near the Hawks Nest Overlook at Route 60. Sections are rugged and adjacent to steep drop-offs. This is an excellent trail for viewing the geology of the New River Gorge, high Nutall sandstone cliffs and the waterfall of Turkey Creek. Hikers also will see the Hawks Nest Dam and Tunnel areas. To return to the lodge, cross Route 60 at the lower park, take the steps behind the gift shop to the old museum, walk the service road to the end, then cross Route 60 to the lodge. Use caution when crossing the highway and near all st |
| Fisherman’s Trail | 1.8 mi | Easy | The trail begins at the far end of the lake parking lot toward the Hawks Nest Dam and follows the lake, providing an excellent view of the dam. It ends at Route 16 at Cotton Hill. Distance: 1.8 miles (one way) Difficulty: Easy |
| GSYP Canyon Trail | 0.75 mi | Moderate | This steep, scenic trail begins at the lodge near the basketball court and descends to the New River near the aerial tram and nature center. It winds through a forest of mixed hardwoods, ferns, wildflowers and rock outcroppings. There are steps most of the way. During the tram season, you can pay half price for a one-way ticket to return to the lodge. (Note: the tram is closed every Wednesday.) Distance: 0.75 miles (one way) Difficulty: Moderate |
| Hawks Nest Lake Trail | 0.5 mi | Moderate to Difficult | The Hawks Nest Lake trail connects the Cliffside Trail to the Fisherman’s Trail. It provides an excellent view of the New River Gorge and the Nuttall Sandstone Cliffs. Children must be accompanied by adults and pets must be leashed. Distance: 0.5 miles Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult |
| Hawks Nest Overlook | — | Easy | The short, paved path starts at the parking area a quarter-mile downhill from the lodge and takes you to the overlook for a panoramic view of the New River, the Hawks Nest Tunnel area and surrounding mountains. The overlook was built from local sandstone in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and has been improved to ADA standards. Distance: 80 yards (loop) Difficulty: Easy |
| Hawks Nest Rail Trail | 1.8 mi | Easy | This gravel trail begins behind the nature center, follows Mill Creek and ends near Ansted. Two bridges, waterfalls and the remains of a coal mine that operated through the 1920’s can be seen along this slightly uphill trail that once was a railway for coal cars. There is no trail fee, but a ticket must be purchased when accessing the trail by aerial tram from the nature center. Bicycles are permitted. The trail is maintained by the town of Ansted and volunteers. Distance: 1.8 miles (one way) Difficulty: Easy |
| Lovers Leap Trail | — | Moderate | Sorry to note, this trail and the Historic Area Pavilion are temporarily closed due to extensive storm damage. The trail begins at the tram office behind the lodge and ends at a rock outcropping with steps most of the way. Local legend has it that Lover’s Leap was the scene of a tragic suicide between an Indian brave and a maiden who fell in love but were forbidden to marry. The overlook offers sweeping views of the New River and the marina. Distance: 100 yards (one way) Difficulty: Moderate |
| Park Loop Trail | 0.5 mi | Easy | The trail circles through a wooded area behind the shelter. Downed trees obscure the center section of the trail. Many wildflowers can be seen in the spring. Distance: 0.5 miles Difficulty: Easy |
Trail descriptions from the park
Be your own pioneer and take a beautiful hike through eight miles of trails at Hawks Nest to get a closer look at the beauty of the surrounding mountains. Each trail varies in difficulty, so stop by the park office beforehand to pick up a map and choose your journey!
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Swimming
Get your feet wet at Hawks Nest pool! Seasonal swimming, Memorial Day through Labor Day, is an amenity at Hawks Nest Lodge for overnight guests. Pool access is via a keyed entry system.
Boating and paddling
Enjoy a thrilling Jet Boat ride for the best views of the New River Gorge Bridge and Hawks Nest Lake Dam. You can also bring your motor boat, kayak or canoe to enjoy the water. Two boat launch ramps are located at the marina near the lower section of the aerial tramway. Don't forget, a proper license is required before you hit the water!
Fishing
See what you can catch at Hawks Nest Lake with a day spent on the water. The lake is an impoundment of the New River, a premier small mouth bass fishery. The lake also harbors a healthy population of catfish, muskies and pan fish. Additionally, Mill Creek located along the south-eastern border of the park is stocked with trout in both the spring and fall. Proper license and stamps are required and are available for purchase at www.wvfish.com.
Fishing in Hawks Nest State Park
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Nature center or museum
Lodging
- Lodge or inn rooms
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Getting there
- Address
- 49 Hawks Nest Park Rd
Ansted, WV 25812 - Nearest town
- Ansted
- Coordinates
- 38.1409, -81.1042
- Phone
- 304-658-5212
- hawksnestsp@wv.gov
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- West Virginia State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026; page says updated Oct 2, 2026
- West Virginia State Parks park finder: window.parks JSON embedded in the /parks/ page (WordPress page + park post with ACF meta)
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
- Photo: Grille and picnic shelter, Hawks Nest State Park, West Virginia (83819).jpg — Public domain (copyright expired), Pub. by The A. W. Smith News Agency, Charleston, W. Va. "Tichnor Quality Views," Reg. U. S. Pat. Off. Made Only by Tichn
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. “Last changed” (Oct 29, 2026) is when the information shown here last differed from the previous check. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology