Perched high above New River Gorge, Hawks Nest State Park exemplifies the Appalachian Mountains. With its breathtaking overlooks, historic tramway, and rugged landscape carved by the New River, Hawks Nest offers visitors a captivating blend of adrenaline-pumping adventure and serene natural beauty.
History
Hawks Nest was once called Marshall’s Pillars for Chief Justice John Marshall. The “Hawks Nest” name was given by those that traveled the rail line, based on the large number of hawks that nested above the cliffs. These cliffs are made of Nuttall Sandstone, a unique type of sandstone that is 98% quartz.
Hawks Nest Lake formed by damming the New River in 1934. A 3.5-mile tunnel diverts water from New River through Gauley Mountain for hydroelectric power. Three thousand workers used drills and dynamite during its construction to extract sandstone, primary made of silica (quartz) sand.
Dry drilling methods exposed workers to high levels of silica dust – which led many workers to contract silicosis, a severe lung disease. The company claimed silica exposure caused 109 deaths; however, a congressional hearing estimated the death toll at 476. According to signs in the park, it is the state’s worst industrial disaster.
Hawks Nest State Park Trails
There are 8 miles of hiking trails in Hawks Nest State Park. After exploring Cathedral Falls, I hiked two quick trails – Hawks Nest Overlook and Lover’s Leap Trail.
Hawks Nest Overlook
The overlook parking area is by the gift shop along Midland Trail National Scenic Byway (U.S. Route 60). An 80-yard paved loop leads to the upper overlook with views of Hawks Nest Dam, Hawks Nest Lake, New River Canyon, and the surrounding mountains.
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built the overlook from local sandstone in the 1930s. A set of stone stairs leads to a lower overlook with views of the river, railroad, dam, and railroad bridge across the lake.
Inadvertently, I happened to time it right to see a train turn the corner. By 1888, the original railroad became part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad. Hawks Nest Railroad Bridge still carries the CSX Railroad across the lake.
Lovers Leap Trail
Next to the main lodge area, Lovers Leap is a moderate 100-yard trail. It starts with a steep gravel road. Then the path splits off into the woods down 100 steps to the overlook.
From the overlook, I had views of New River and the marina. While at Lovers Leap, I watched another train go by.
Other Park Activities
- An aerial tramway runs from the lodge at the top of the gorge and crosses Mill Creek as it heads to the banks of the lake.
- Jet boat excursions offer views of the New River Gorge Bridge and Hawks Nest Lake Dam.
Hawks Nest State Park is incredibly accessible right along the scenic highway, making it perfect for a road trip. You can spend minutes or days exploring the park. Plus, there is much more to see and do in the area.