State Park · WV

Hawk's Nest State Park

Hawk's Nest State Park in West Virginia offers stunning views of the New River Gorge and opportunities for hiking, photography, and exploring rich natural beauty.

State Park2703+ Trails

1935STATE PARK

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

270

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Hawk's Nest State Park

Hawk's Nest State Park in West Virginia offers stunning views of the New River Gorge and opportunities for hiking, photography, and exploring rich natural beauty.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Hawk's Nest State Park is located in the heart of West Virginia, offering spectacular views of the New River Gorge, one of the oldest river gorges in the world. This state park covers rough, mountainous terrain rich in hardwood forests and diverse wildlife, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Established in the 1930s, it has since become a beloved destination. History buffs can appreciate the park's background that dates back to the construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway and Civilian Conservation Corps involvement. The park features several hiking trails, picnic spots, and the historic Hawk's Nest Overlook, which provides breathtaking views of the gorge and the New River below. Visitors can embark on jet boat rides on the river or explore nearby passages like the Hawk's Nest Rail Trail. The serene park setting offers a peaceful retreat, enhanced by the striking beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Field Guide · State Park

Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Hawk's Nest State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Hawk's Nest Overlook✦ Hawk's Nest Rail Trail✦ New River Gorge views✦ Jet boat rides on the New River

Wilderness Visuals & Gallery

Visual Guide to Hawk's Nest State Park

Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Hawk's Nest State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Hawk's Nest State Park

Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Hawk's Nest State Park

Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Hawk's Nest State Park

Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Hawk's Nest State Park

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Hawk's Nest State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.

Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.

Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.

Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Hawk's Nest State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

⌖ 1.90 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Glen Ferris, West Virginia

Glen Ferris, WV offers easy access to the New River’s scenic beauty and adventure. From hiking and paddling to rock climbing near Kanawha Falls, it’s a great spot for outdoor lovers exploring the New River Gorge region.

Spring through Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 2.42 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Gauley Bridge, West Virginia

Gauley Bridge, WV, is a hub for whitewater rafting enthusiasts and outdoor lovers seeking rugged Appalachian hiking, biking, and fishing. Its proximity to the New River Gorge and fall river releases makes it an adventure hotspot year-round.

Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 5.17 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Ansted, West Virginia

Ansted, WV offers an exciting blend of adventure and nature within the New River Gorge. Hike, raft, climb, or simply marvel at vistas that showcase natural Appalachian beauty. Ideal for thrill-seekers and relaxation alike.

Spring and Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 7.17 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Fayetteville, West Virginia

Fayetteville, WV offers unparalleled access to New River Gorge adventures. Thrill-seekers will love the rock climbing and whitewater rafting, while stunning hikes offer amazing views and tranquil camping spots.

Spring and Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 7.94 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Lansing, West Virginia

Lansing, WV is an outdoor paradise in the New River Gorge offering rock climbing, rafting, and scenic trails. The area's dramatic landscapes and vibrant activities offer endless adventure.

Spring and Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 10.17 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Hico, West Virginia

Hico, West Virginia is a gateway to Whitewater rafting, hiking, and rock climbing in the breathtaking New River Gorge. Adventurers will find rugged trails, thrilling rapids, and quiet camping spots in this hidden Appalachian treasure.

Late Spring through Early Fall

Explore Town

Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Hawk's Nest State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Verified Outdoor Outfitters

Lower New River • Half Day — All Whitewater, No Compromise

ADVEXPEDITION

Lansing, West Virginia

RaftingADV Bookable

Lower New River • Half Day — All Whitewater, No Compromise

A focused, 4–6 hour rafting run out of Lansing that prioritizes nonstop whitewater; this guide explains what to expect, what to bring, and how the trip runs.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

26 Miles of Mild-to-Wild: An Overnight New River Float-Fishing Out of Lansing

ADVEXPEDITION

Lansing, West Virginia

FishingADV Bookable

26 Miles of Mild-to-Wild: An Overnight New River Float-Fishing Out of Lansing

A two-day, 26-mile overnight float-fishing trip near Lansing that averages about six hours on the water each day — this guide lays out what to expect and how to prepare.

FishingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Two Days, 26 Miles: From Easy Glides to Full-Throttle New River Whitewater

ADVEXPEDITION

Lansing, West Virginia

RaftingADV Bookable

Two Days, 26 Miles: From Easy Glides to Full-Throttle New River Whitewater

A two-day, 26-mile overnight run on the New River that pairs a relaxed upper-day with a second day of Class 3–5 whitewater—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Riverside Cottage at Thurmond: A Quiet Riverfront Retreat on the New River

ADVEXPEDITION

Lansing, West Virginia

LodgingADV Bookable

Riverside Cottage at Thurmond: A Quiet Riverfront Retreat on the New River

A concise, one-bedroom primitive lodging on the New River in historic Thurmond—this guide lays out what to expect, where it sits, and the essential logistics for a short stay.

LodgingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

A Marathon of Rapids: 26 Miles Down the Gauley, Including the Drop Over Sweets Falls

ADVEXPEDITION

Hico, West Virginia

RaftingADV Bookable

A Marathon of Rapids: 26 Miles Down the Gauley, Including the Drop Over Sweets Falls

An all-day, 9-hour raft trip tackling Class III–V whitewater on the Gauley River with a catered lunch and extended Lower Gauley section—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Family Float on the Upper New: Six Hours of Gentle Rapids, Riverside Lunch, and National‑Forest Vistas

ADVEXPEDITION

Hico, West Virginia

RaftingADV Bookable

Family Float on the Upper New: Six Hours of Gentle Rapids, Riverside Lunch, and National‑Forest Vistas

A 6-hour guided day trip on the Upper New River for ages 5 and up, featuring Class I–II rapids, private rafts with an experienced guide, and a catered riverside lunch.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Afternoon Rush on the Lower New: Class III/IV Rafting Beneath the New River Gorge Bridge

ADVEXPEDITION

Hico, West Virginia

RaftingADV Bookable

Afternoon Rush on the Lower New: Class III/IV Rafting Beneath the New River Gorge Bridge

A four-hour afternoon express rafting trip on the New River Gorge with guided Class III/IV whitewater and scenic passage ending beneath the iconic New River Gorge Bridge.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Raft the Lower New River: Class III/IV Drops, Riverbank Lunch, and a Finish beneath the New River Gorge Bridge

ADVEXPEDITION

Hico, West Virginia

RaftingADV Bookable

Raft the Lower New River: Class III/IV Drops, Riverbank Lunch, and a Finish beneath the New River Gorge Bridge

A six-hour guided rafting day trip out of Hico that runs Class III/IV whitewater, includes a catered riverside lunch, and is ideal for anyone 11 and older planning a single-day river adventure.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Afternoon on the Upper New: A four-hour family raft through national-forest scenery

ADVEXPEDITION

Hico, West Virginia

RaftingADV Bookable

Afternoon on the Upper New: A four-hour family raft through national-forest scenery

A 4-hour afternoon, family-friendly rafting trip on the Upper New River (ages 5+), featuring gentle Class I–II rapids, swimming stops, and a personal guide.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Riverside Cottage: A Quiet New River Retreat in Historic Thurmond (Max 4 • $160/night)

ADVEXPEDITION

Thurmond, West Virginia

LodgingADV Bookable

Riverside Cottage: A Quiet New River Retreat in Historic Thurmond (Max 4 • $160/night)

A one- to seven-night stay on the banks of the New River—this guide explains the cottage, the riverside deck, and the short walk into Thurmond's restored railroad town.

LodgingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Riverside Glamping on the Meadow River Rail Trail: A Quiet Retreat for Two

ADVEXPEDITION

Nallen, West Virginia

LodgingADV Bookable

Riverside Glamping on the Meadow River Rail Trail: A Quiet Retreat for Two

A compact guide to staying in the Meadow River glamping tent — riverside lodging with a double bed, outdoor deck and private facilities, plus direct access to the Meadow River Rail Trail.

LodgingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Meadow River Campground: A Riverside Base on the Meadow River Rail Trail

ADVEXPEDITION

Nallen, West Virginia

LodgingADV Bookable

Meadow River Campground: A Riverside Base on the Meadow River Rail Trail

Riverside campsites on the Meadow River with direct access to the Meadow River Rail Trail, whitewater options nearby and Summersville Lake just 11 miles away — this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.

LodgingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip