Hawks Nest State Park

Located on the rim of the New River Gorge in Ansted, West Virginia, Hawks Nest State Park is a 276-acre destination famous for its 750-foot cliffs and birds-eye views of the New River. Known for its breathtaking overlooks and rugged canyon scenery, it’s wide variety of hiking trails makes it possible for almost anyone to enjoy. Much of the park’s iconic stonework was hand-crafted by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930’s.

 

Hawks Nest Fisherman’s Trail

Don’t confuse Hawks Nest Fisherman’s Trail with Hawks Nest Trail as they are two entirely different beasts. Well, one is a beast, while the other is more like a walk in the park. We opted for the gentler experience, taking the rail trail that hugs the New River. This route is significantly less rugged and steep, offering a scenic path from Highway 19, past the dam, and along the northern shore of Hawks Nest Lake.

 

Hike Overview
  • • Location: Hawks Nest Fisherman’s Trail along the New River
    • Start/Finish: Cotton Hill Fishing Access parking lot
    • Course Type: Out and back
    • Course Surface: Paved
    • Distance: 3.02 miles
    • Moving time: 1:01:00
    • Average Pace: 20:11 minute/mile
    • Elevation Gain: 548 feet
    • Elevation Range: 787 to 1,012 feet
    • Weather: 69° and drizzly, dropping to 64° and rainy
    • Date of Hike: October 19, 2025
    • Start time: 12:32 PM
  • • Course map from Strava:

 

Pictures Tell the Story

While scouting for a trail on this dreary, drizzly day, this view caught our eye from the bridge. Having just passed a small parking lot with a trailhead sign, we made a quick U-turn to investigate the path waiting just beyond the pavement.

After consulting maps, we geared up in our rain shells and boots. We set out on the Hawks Nest Fisherman’s Trail, a scenic route that hugs the banks of the New River. While several other park trails spur off from this main path—all named Hawks Nest Trail—we initially were content to stick to the main rail trail.

 

The one landmark we knew for certain was the Hawks Nest Dam. After looking down on it from the canyon rim the day before, we were now hiking directly toward it at river level.

 

The trail follows the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Railway bed, offering a relatively flat and incredibly relaxing hike through the canyon.

 

In addition to the facilities at the trailhead, two more porta potties are located roughly half a mile up the trail near the dam—a welcome convenience for any hiker.

 

Before long, the trail opened up to reveal sweeping views of the massive dam and the tranquil expanse of Hawks Nest Lake. The dam itself is an impressive feat of engineering, rising sharply from the valley floor to hold back the deep, green waters of the lake. Built in the early 20th century to harness the power of the river, its weathered concrete face stands as a rugged monument to the area’s industrial past.

 

Just above the dam signs of caution were prominently displayed reminding potential swimmers of the dangers of the dam downstream.

 

The trail took on an almost enchanted quality, with lush grass and fallen leaves carpeting the path between the trees. Flanked by rugged rock faces on one side and the shimmering water on the other, we pressed on a little further. However, we soon turned back toward our SUV, eager to stay ahead of the heavy rain forecasted for later that afternoon.

 

Turning back, we retraced our steps past the striking rock wall across from the dam. We continued until we reached a side trail – Hawks Nest Trail #3 – that dipped down toward the river, just below the dam’s spillway.

 

While not difficult, the terrain became more technical and slightly hilly, a noticeable shift from the level, expansive rail trail we’d been following.

 

We spent a few minutes wandering the flat rocks near the water, hunting for colorful leaves and viewing the dam from the river level. Although a light drizzle fell occasionally, we didn’t mind – though we remained mindful of the heavier rain looming in the forecast.

 

The damp forest was beautiful as we emerged from the side trail, which wound its way parallel to the river and the rail trail until it fully merged back with the main trail.

 

Back on the Hawks Nest Fisherman’s Trail, I kept an eye out for colorful leaves, admiring how the bright foliage popped against the gray gravel. We reached the trailhead just in time—beating the heavy rain by only a few minutes.

 

Garmin Stats

Garmin map and elevation graph…

 

Final Thoughts on Our Hike

This was the perfect trail for a drizzly afternoon. Since we avoided significant elevation—aside from the short side trail—we didn’t have to worry about navigating slippery terrain. The dampness actually enhanced the scenery, making the early autumn reds, oranges, and yellows pop against the mist. It was a thoroughly relaxing and enjoyable hike, and we were glad to finish just before the heavy rain moved in (even if it did eventually catch up with us on another trail later that day).

 

Questions
  • • Do you prefer hiking under a bright blue skies with the sun in your eyes or moody, misty conditions like this? ~ For photography purposes, my husband prefers the gloomy skies over the glare of a bright sky.
  • • Do you prefer hiking on rail trails or highly technical trails? ~ both
  • • Have you visited West Virginia? ~ yes, many times