Patterson Trail

Summersville Lake via Orange Oswald is an out-and-back trail near Summersville, West Virginia. Along the route you'll be following closely to the Gauley River and will get views of the both the river and Summersville Lake. This is a good trail if you're looking to stretch your legs and get a quick workout in. 

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...

From Lansing-Edmond road, turn right onto Beauty Mountain Road. Go for 0.1 miles and the road will appear to split into three roads. The main road goes left, but take the middle road here. After another 0.1 miles you will arrive at a gate with a few parking spaces on the left side. Do not block the gate or the driveway for the house by the trailhead.The trail follows a gravel road and is steep ...

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...

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 ...