Hawks Nest State Park Trails

This trail begins at the far end of the marina boat launch parking lot toward the Hawks Nest Dam. It follows the north side of the Hawks Nest Lake and has an excellent view of the dam. This trail is blazed with a blue diamond and ends near Turkey Creek Waterfall.

A quarter-mile west of the lodge (across the road from the CCC Pavilion) is parking for this icon stop. A short, paved trail leads to the Hawks Nest Overlook for a panoramic view of the New River, Hawks Nest Dam and Tunnel area, and mountains. The overlook was constructed in the mid- 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) from local sandstone.

This gravel trail begins behind the Gift Shop/Nature Center at the base of the aerial tram, follows Mill Creek, and ends near the town of Ansted. Two bridges, waterfalls, and remains of a coal mine that operated through the 1920 can be seen along this trail that was once a railway for coal train. No trail fees. When accessing from Nature Center via tram, ticket for tram must be purchased. Slight uphill grade. Bicycles are permitted. Hawks Nest Rail Trail is maintained by the town of Ansted, WV and volunteers.

Trail circles through a wooded area behind the CCC Pavilion and returns to the starting point. Many spring wildflowers visible near trail.

This steep, scenic trail from the lodge to the New River begins at the tennis court and descends to the New River near the tram and jet boat launch. The trail begins atop the ridge and winds down through a forest of mixed hardwoods, ferns, wildflowers, and rock outcroppings. There are steps most of the way. During the season, you can pay half-price for a one-way tram ticket to return to the Lodge. (NOTE: The aerial tram is closed until further notice.)

Lovers Leap 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.

This trail starts behind the Midland Trail Shelter and ends near the Hawks Nest Overlook. Sections are rugged and adjacent to steep drop offs. This is an excellent trail for viewing geology of the New River Gorge and surrounding areas, and it is blazed with white diamond. This trail ends at U.S. Route 60 near Overlook. To return to the Lodge: cross U.S. 60 at the Lower Park, take the steps beside the gift shop, follow path past the CCC Picnic Pavilion and through the woods. Take right-hand fork at trail intersection and follow it up the hill until intersect with the service road. Then walk the service road to the end and cross U.S. 60 to the Lodge. Use caution when crossing U.S. 60 and near all steep embankments. Children must be accompanied by an adult and pets must be leashed.

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.