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Hawks Nest State Park, Ansted

4.5

#13 of 60 in Nature in West Virginia

State Park Nature / Park

• ©

History of Hawks Nest

The name of this area comes from the osprey ("fish hawks") that once nested on the cliffs. Today, many hawks, turkey vultures, and black vultures are seen soaring above the canyon.

Hawks Nest Dam

The Hawks Nest Dam that can be seen below the Hawks Nest Overlook dates back to the 1930s. This dam was built to provide water for a hydroelectric plant in Alloy. The tunnel averages 30ft. in diameter, travels a distance of 3 miles through Gauley Mountain. Steel grating on the right side of the dam is the entrance. The dam is not park property and is off-limits to the public.

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Hawks Nest State Park Reviews

Rate this attraction

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

188 reviews

Google

4.7

facebook

4.3

943 likes

• By oek9mom

  I was visiting the New River Gorge area & had never been to Hawks Nest, so slipped over to check it out. Beautiful view at Lover's Leap. Didn't do the boat trip although I'd like to when there's more ...  more »

• By Bopeep2013

  We took the short drive from our cabin at Babcock State Park to Hawks Nest State Park. Our dog came along for the fun. First we took the short hike to Lovers Leap, which was a short but fairly steep W...  more »

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Google

• By David

  Hawks Nest State Park has nature in its favor. The cable ride down into the gorge to the river is lots of fun as was the boat tour. The swimming pool was clean and the facility overall was reasonably well maintained. Our room had chips on the floor leftover from previous guests. The dining room was spacious but because they do not serve dinner, we were forced to drive several miles to and from off-site restaurants. The atmosphere is quiet and casual. It could have been romantic but for having to go off-site for evening meals. This facility has a lot of potential that I encourage the state of West Virginia to take advantage of.

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• By Rachel Myles

  Hawks Nest is always a good memory for us. Great views, nice and quiet, all within hiking, rafting,riding and more. I'd rather patronize this place that has been around forever and helps the state parks and not the big corporate hotels that have moved in on the gorge. Say hello to Steve at the front desk! Nice guy and knows the area well.

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