Ansted

Hawks Nest Rail Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Ansted, West Virginia.

You can start walking on this well-graded rail trail either from Ansted or down by the New River at the Hawk's Nest Nature Center. If you start from the top you will lose a couple hundred feet in elevation and have to walk back up to your car (it is an easy walk though). Bikes are also allowed on this trail. It is easy to follow this trail, and you will cross two old train bridges, and old mill...

Park in the boat ramp lot by Hawks Nest Lake. Note that the road to get down to this parking lot is a one lane (two-way traffic) steep gravel road, but it is passable with low-clearance vehicles.  From the parking area take the path towards the Hawks Nest Dam, also labeled the "Fisherman's Trail" on the state park maps. This flat trail skirts the lake's shoreline, and you will have to maneuver...

Hawk's Nest State Park is a true gem in the New River Gorge area. It has a roadside overlook that looks out over a horseshoe bend of the New River with views of the Hawk's Nest Dam and of a railroad bridge across the river. From the parking area, simply walk about 200 feet out to the stone overlook.Although gorgeous at any time of day, this spot is perfectly oriented for sunrises (especially in...

Since this waterfall is less than 200 feet from the parking lot, visiting this waterfall provides a huge reward for minimal physical effort. From the parking lot, cross the bridge over the stream and follow the trail on the right side of the stream/waterfall.  To have the best view of the falls cross the stream (there are plenty of big rocks to do so).  Early morning is optimal for long exposur...

Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Lansing, West Virginia.

From the Fern Creek Trailhead this is a 2.0 mile out and back hike to Diamond Point. The trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation gain and has a bridge stream crossing. When you arrive at the sign stating "Climber's Access", take a short side trip here to see the views of the gorge. Continue a bit further to the Diamond Point sign. Here is a good spot to rest before you turn around. Try ...

Endless Wall Trail is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near Lansing, West Virginia.

Butchers Branch Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Fayetteville, West Virginia.