Free Things to Do at Hawk’s Nest State Park
Hiking is free and a wonderful activity for everyone who wants to stretch their legs and see some great scenery. The trails at Hawks' nest State Park vary from easy and flat to more difficult grades down to river overlooks. Only 15 minutes from Country Road Cabins, these trails at Hawk's Nest are soem of our favorites. They are located in the middle of New River Gorge country, one of the most spectacular places to visit in the US. Fall colors are especially breathtaking, and peak toward later October.
Hiking (& Biking on the Rail Trail)
A series of short loop trails are available near the CCC shelter and museum areas.
The Cliffside Trail: Distance 2 miles
The trail starts at the lodge and follows the canyon side cliffs to the Hawks Nest Overlook. The trail offers excellent opportunity for examination of the geology and New River forest ecosystem. The trail is average difficulty with some steep slopes and sturdy shoes are recommended.
Fisherman's Trail: Distance 1 mile
This is a short trail following the rivers' edge starting at the public boaters access areas. The trail provides access for fishing and vantage point to see the Hawks Nest Dam. Public access to the dam and industrial site is prohibited.
Lovers Leap Overlook
Lovers Leap Trail This trail starts at the tram way upper station and travels down a steep grade of wood steps and series of steep grade changes with over 100 steps down to a rock outcropping. The trail is rigorous exercise traveling along uneven wood and rock surfaces. Recommend sturdy closed-toe shoes. Those desiring to enjoy the view with less strenuous activity should consider the main Hawks Nest Overlook that also offers similar views.
GSYP trail: Distance 1.5 Miles
The trail is named for the summer maintenance crew that dug this trail into the hillside down to the river area. The trail provides an excellent hike to the river and features a series of switch backs and steps through a beautiful mature forest. The trail comes out at the river boater parking lot, hikers can purchase a one-way ticket on our tramway (in season) to hitch-hike back up mountainside. A great place to view wildlife. Sturdy close-toe shoes are recommended. Distance 1.5 Mile
Hawks Nest Rail Trail: 3.6 miles (Ok for Biking)
This is the newest trail that is shouldering our boundary and completes it travels near the park Nature Center. The 1.8 mile (one way) trail is an easy walking, gravel trail featuring two trestles and many waterfall vantage points. The trail is a great place for a short stroll or connection to the river via a bike. The trail can be a circle trail using the River Road (vehicle traffic) or by connecting a lift on the tramway. See the park lodge for more information. The trail is maintained by the town of Ansted and trail volunteers. No trail free, tramway requires ticket purchase. Bike rentals are available at Class VI Mountain Rivers.
Hiking is free and a wonderful activity for everyone who wants to stretch their legs and see some great scenery. The trails at Hawks' nest State Park vary from easy and flat to more difficult grades down to river overlooks. Only 15 minutes from Country Road Cabins, these trails at Hawk's Nest are soem of our favorites. They are located in the middle of New River Gorge country, one of the most spectacular places to visit in the US. Fall colors are especially breathtaking, and peak toward later October.
Hiking (& Biking on the Rail Trail)
A series of short loop trails are available near the CCC shelter and museum areas.
The Cliffside Trail: Distance 2 miles
The trail starts at the lodge and follows the canyon side cliffs to the Hawks Nest Overlook. The trail offers excellent opportunity for examination of the geology and New River forest ecosystem. The trail is average difficulty with some steep slopes and sturdy shoes are recommended.
Fisherman's Trail: Distance 1 mile
This is a short trail following the rivers' edge starting at the public boaters access areas. The trail provides access for fishing and vantage point to see the Hawks Nest Dam. Public access to the dam and industrial site is prohibited.
Lovers Leap Overlook
Lovers Leap Trail This trail starts at the tram way upper station and travels down a steep grade of wood steps and series of steep grade changes with over 100 steps down to a rock outcropping. The trail is rigorous exercise traveling along uneven wood and rock surfaces. Recommend sturdy closed-toe shoes. Those desiring to enjoy the view with less strenuous activity should consider the main Hawks Nest Overlook that also offers similar views.
GSYP trail: Distance 1.5 Miles
The trail is named for the summer maintenance crew that dug this trail into the hillside down to the river area. The trail provides an excellent hike to the river and features a series of switch backs and steps through a beautiful mature forest. The trail comes out at the river boater parking lot, hikers can purchase a one-way ticket on our tramway (in season) to hitch-hike back up mountainside. A great place to view wildlife. Sturdy close-toe shoes are recommended. Distance 1.5 Mile
Hawks Nest Rail Trail: 3.6 miles (Ok for Biking)
This is the newest trail that is shouldering our boundary and completes it travels near the park Nature Center. The 1.8 mile (one way) trail is an easy walking, gravel trail featuring two trestles and many waterfall vantage points. The trail is a great place for a short stroll or connection to the river via a bike. The trail can be a circle trail using the River Road (vehicle traffic) or by connecting a lift on the tramway. See the park lodge for more information. The trail is maintained by the town of Ansted and trail volunteers. No trail free, tramway requires ticket purchase. Bike rentals are available at Class VI Mountain Rivers.
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