🌤 Weather at Hawks Nest State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31–75 °F | 58–84 °F | 33–78 °F | 23–46 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Anstead Hawks Nest State Park, 1 mi away, elevation 1,296 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Hawks Nest State Park perches atop the rim of the spectacular New River Gorge in West Virginia, offering breathtaking panoramic views from 585 feet above the river. Home to a 31-room lodge with canyon views, a recently rebuilt aerial tramway, jet boat rides, and hiking trails, this 270-acre park is a gateway to America’s newest National Park. Watch New River whitewater rafting from your window!
🚡 NEW Aerial Tramway 2026!
- Multi-million dollar rebuild completed!
- Reopened after 2021 closure
- Descends 585 feet to river
New River Gorge Views
| Gorge Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📏 Canyon Depth | 585 feet |
| 🌊 River | New River (one of oldest in world!) |
| 🏞️ National Park | New River Gorge National Park (2020) |
Hawks Nest Lodge
| Lodge Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 🛏️ Rooms | 31 |
| 🌅 Views | Panoramic canyon views! |
| 📅 Open | Year-round |
| 🍽️ Restaurant | Onsite (renovating 2025-26) |
| 📱 Reservations | Online |
Aerial Tramway
| Tram Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 📏 Descent | 585 feet |
| 🎯 Destination | River level + marina |
| 📅 Status | NEW 2025 rebuild! |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚤 Jet Boats | Ride the New River! |
| 🥾 Hiking | Multiple trails |
| 🏛️ Nature Museum | Onsite |
| 🚴 Hike-Bike Trail | Portage trail (weekends only until Oct 2026) |
⚠️ 2026 Trail Closure
Portage/Hike-Bike Trail CLOSED weekdays Jan 1 – Oct 31, 2026 (maintenance). Open weekends only!
Wildlife & Nature
Hawks Nest SP — perched 585 feet above the New River with one of the most dramatic river gorge overlooks in the eastern US. An aerial tramway descends to the river. Hawks Nest Lake (15 acres) reflects the canyon walls. The park’s gorge, hardwood forest, and cliffs support peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and black bears. The park is named because hawks and ospreys historically nested on the cliffs.
Nearby Attractions
Ansted — adjacent. New River Gorge NP&P — adjacent. New River Gorge Bridge — 5 miles south — the longest single-span arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere (3,030 ft).
Frequently Asked Questions
How high above the river is Hawks Nest?
Hawks Nest sits 585 feet above the New River, offering stunning panoramic views from the canyon rim. The aerial tramway descends this full height to the river level and marina.
Is the aerial tramway open?
Yes! After being closed since 2021 for structural concerns, the tramway was completely rebuilt with a multi-million dollar investment and reopened in 2025. The new system descends 585 feet to the river level and marina.
What’s special about the New River?
The New River is ironically one of the oldest rivers in the world—estimated at 320+ million years old! The area became New River Gorge National Park in 2020, America’s newest national park, and Hawks Nest is a perfect overlook for the gorge.
Can I stay at the lodge year-round?
Yes! The 31-room Hawks Nest Lodge is open year-round with rooms offering panoramic canyon views. Note that the restaurant was undergoing renovations in late 2025—check current status when booking.
Are the trails open?
Most trails are open, but the Portage/Hike-Bike Trail is closed weekdays from January 1 through October 31, 2026 for maintenance. It remains open on weekends during this period.
🏔️ New River Gorge Gateway
Stay at the lodge, ride the new tramway, and watch whitewater rafting from 585 feet above. Visit the official Hawks Nest State Park website for reservations.
Explore More West Virginia State Parks
Hawks Nest State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in West Virginia. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in West Virginia guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Babcock State Park (a short drive away) and Summersville Lake State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Hawks Nest State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs and cats (the only pets permitted) are welcome in West Virginia state parks and forests, including campgrounds and trails, if leashed, restrained, vaccinated and in good health.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Pets must be leashed and restrained at all times; in lodging public areas a sturdy leash no longer than 10 ft is required
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Select pet-friendly cabins, cottages and lodge rooms at 16 state parks and 4 state forests (e.g. Babcock, Blackwater Falls, Cacapon Resort, Twin Falls Resort); lodge rooms $25 first night + $10 each additional night per pet (capped at $75 per visit), cabins $50 first night + $5 each additional night per pet
- Pet fees statewide rule
- Lodging pet fees: lodge rooms $25 first night + $10/additional night per pet (max $75/visit); cabins $50 first night + $5/additional night per pet
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Only dogs and cats permitted; maximum two pets in pet-friendly lodging; rabies certification required for lodging stays
Are dogs allowed at Hawks Nest State Park?
Dogs and cats (the only pets permitted) are welcome in West Virginia state parks and forests, including campgrounds and trails, if leashed, restrained, vaccinated and in good health. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via wvstateparks.com. More: West Virginia state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Hawks Nest State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
Top Tours & Activities Near West Virginia
from $103
from $200
from $60