📷 Photo by Marmi Sica on UnsplashHawks Nest State Park
Ansted, WV
A stone overlook high above the New River, with a seasonal aerial tram down to the water. The main overlook is a short walk from US-60.
Hawks Nest State Park near Ansted, West Virginia (Fayette County), is known above all for its overlook: a rock ledge on US 60 about 750 feet (230 m) above the New River, with a view into the New River Gorge and a short walk from the parking lot. The park was established in 1935; the original building, now a museum and gift shop, was built as a Civilian Conservation Corps project. As early as 1812 the spot was known to settlers as a lookout.
About 1 mile (1.6 km) east toward Ansted stands the Hawks Nest Lodge of 1967, with 31 rooms and a restaurant. An aerial tram used to run from the lodge down to the river, where jet-boat tours to the New River Gorge Bridge start. The old tram has been out of service since 2022; a replacement has been under construction since 2024, and we could not confirm that it has opened. Check before you travel whether the tram is running (as of October 2026). The park has about 8 miles (13 km) of trails along cliffs and waterfalls and a seasonal swimming pool at the lodge, and it lies about 8 miles (13 km) northwest of Fayetteville, near New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
- Nearest town
- Ansted, WV
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 38.1203, -81.1237
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Arrowhead Bike Farm CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Hawks Nest State Park
- Hilltop SunriseMotorhome stopover11 mi from Hawks Nest State Park · 2 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Mountain Top RV Park & CabinsMotorhome stopover13 mi from Hawks Nest State ParkMotorhomes
- Summersville Lake RetreatMotorhome stopover15 mi from Hawks Nest State Park · 65 pitchesTentsMotorhomes
- Mountain Lake CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Hawks Nest State Park
- Lake Stephens RV CampgroundMotorhome stopover25 mi from Hawks Nest State Park · 100 pitchesMotorhomes
All campsites in West Virginia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Hawks Nest State Park?
Hawks Nest State Park is in Ansted, WV, at GPS 38.1203, -81.1237. It is about 4 mi from Canyon Rim Visitor Center.
Can you camp near Hawks Nest State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is American Alpine Club New River Gorge Campground, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 36 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Hawks Nest State Park?
Hawks Nest State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: New River Gorge National Park and Steel arch, high bog and sandstone fins – by camper through the mountains of West Virginia from the New River Gorge to Canaan Valley.
What is there to see near Hawks Nest State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: New River Gorge Bridge (4 mi), Kanawha Falls (5 mi), Thurmond Historic District (11 mi) and Glade Creek Grist Mill, Babcock State Park (14 mi).
When is the best time to visit Hawks Nest State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)