Hawks Nest State Park
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!
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.
