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Hawks Nest State Park is a beautiful state park located in Fayette County, West Virginia, United States. The park offers stunning views of the New River Gorge and surrounding mountains. Hawks Nest is best known for its scenic clifftop overlook. This overlook along the U.S. Route 60 provides a bird’s eye view of the rugged New River Gorge National Park and Preserve below. The park is well maintained with clean facilities and well maintained trails.

These photos are from our visit to Hawks Nest State Park on May 27th, 2023.

Quick Facts and Tips

• The address is 49 Hawks Nest Park Rd, Ansted, West Virginia and is just 10 miles north of the New River Gorge Bridge.
• Admission to the park is free.
• The park is open year-round, but some facilities may be closed during the winter months.
• The official Park Website is Hawks Nest State Park. 
• The Park offers a variety of hiking trails with impressive views. Some of the most popular trails include the Hawk Nest Overlook Trail, Cliffside Trail, Lovers Leap Trail, and the Hawks Nest Lake Trail.
• There is an aerial tramway that takes visitors from the top of the cliff to the bottom of the gorge, offering stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains. The tram is open from May 1 to October 31 and it costs $6/kid and $8/adult. 
• Campsites are available.
• Try to visit during the week days to avoid crowds.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Bring water and snacks. 
• There is a historic lodge, gift shop and a restaurant.
• Restrooms and picnic tables are available.
• It is a great place to go jet boat touring, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, camping, rafting and boating.
• Worth visiting if you are around the New River Gorge area and is a great place to spend a weekend.