Hawks Nest State Park

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve


There are hiking trails, a nature center and an aerial tram, which runs from the lodge down to the river's edge for jet boat tours of the river and views of the New River Gorge Bridge (May to October). The layout of the lodge is a little confusing, but the comfy rooms (double $109 to $134) offer fabulous views over the gorge. Book early for the fall foliage display.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby New River Gorge National Park and Preserve attractions

1. Hawks Nest Overlook

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An 80yd paved trail leads to a lofty view of the New River. The photogenic rock wall surrounding the overlook was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps…

2. Mystery Hole

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See gravity and the known limits of tackiness defied at the Mystery Hole, one of the great attractions of roadside America. Everything inside this…

3. New River Gorge Bridge

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Completed in 1977, the New River Gorge Bridge is the third-highest bridge in the US and the longest single-arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. Made…

4. Babcock State Park

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Babcock State Park has hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, and camping and cabin accommodations. The park's highlight is its photogenic Glade Creek Grist…

5. Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine

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This mine in Beckley, 22 miles south of Fayetteville, is a museum about the region's coal heritage. Visitors can ride a train 1500ft into a former coal…