Hawks Nest State Park

Hawks Nest State Park, located along the rim of the New River Gorge in central West Virginia, features breathtaking overlooks, strenuous hiking trails, an aerial tramway, jet boat rides, and a lodge with spectacular views. The park also offers a museum and a rail-to-trail.

Before the advent of the state park, Hawks Nest was the site of a trail used by Native Americans. Later, the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway was completed through the New River Gorge below the Hawks Nest overlook, followed by the completion of the Hawks Nest Dam and Tunnel to generate hydroelectricity and prevent downstream flooding. It was not until 1935 that the state acquired land for what became Hawks Nest, and a lodge and other amenities were added in 1963.

Resources

Ansted Falls

Ansted Falls is an approximate 15-foot cascade at the terminus of an unnamed tributary at Mill Creek adjacent to a former mill and the former railroad bridge.

Mill Creek Falls

Mill Creek Falls is a 20-foot waterfall along Mill Creek.

Upper Mill Creek Falls

Upper Mill Creek Falls is a 10-foot cascade adjacent to the former railroad crossing of Mill Creek.

There are over 4½ miles of trails at Hawks Nest, ranging from strenuous single track paths to paved walkways. Three of the best trails at the park include:

Cliff Side Trail

The rugged 1.7-mile Cliff Side Trail starts at the Midland Trail Shelter near the lodge and ends near the Hawks Nest Overlook. It traces alongside Nutall sandstone cliffs and connects to a waterfall along Turkey Creek and views of the Hawks Nest Dam and Tunnel.

GSYP Trail

The steep ¾-mile GSYP Trail begins at the lodge and descends through hardwoods, ferns, and rock outcroppings as it winds is way down to the New River.

Hawks Nest Rail Trail

Beginning on Hawks Nest Road in Ansted, the 1.8-mile Hawks Nest Rail Trail follows the path of a former Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad branch. It passes by several waterfalls along Mill Creek and the remains of a coal mine.

To access Mill Creek Falls: From US Route 60/Midland Trail in Ansted by a drug store, turn northward on Hawks Nest Road. The road will loop under US Route 60 and proceed downward to a fork in the road. Take the right fork over a small bridge. The roadway turns into a one-lane gravel route. Continue on for approximately .6 mile to a pull-off. The waterfall is a .1 mile hike down the road and embankment.
To access Upper Mill Creek Falls and Ansted Falls: From US Route 60/Midland Trail in Ansted by a drug store, turn northward on Hawks Nest Road. The road will loop under US Route 60 and proceed downward to a fork in the road. Park near the fork and follow the Hawks Nest Rail Trail across Mill Creek. An informal trail to the left will provide access to both waterfalls.