Hawks Nest State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hawks Nest State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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New River from Hawks Nest
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 Hawks Nest State Park
Location in West Virginia
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| Location | Fayette, West Virginia, United States |
| Area | 370 acres (150 ha) |
| Elevation | 1,257 ft (383 m) |
| Established | 1935 |
| Governing body | West Virginia Division of Natural Resources |
Hawks Nest State Park is a super cool place to visit in Fayette County, West Virginia. It covers about 370 acres of land. This park is famous for its amazing views of the New River, which flows 750 feet below the park's main overlook. You can find this awesome viewpoint right along U.S. Route 60.
The park also has a special connection to history. A long tunnel, built for a hydro-electric project, runs underneath nearby Gauley Mountain. This area was unfortunately the site of a sad event during the Great Depression called the Hawks Nest Tunnel disaster.
The park's original building, which is now a gift shop and museum, was built a long time ago in 1935. It was part of a program called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which helped people find work during tough times. Later, in 1967, a modern lodge was added to the park.
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Discover Hawks Nest State Park
Hawks Nest State Park offers many exciting things to do and see. It's a great spot for outdoor adventures and learning about nature. The park's lodge and a fun aerial gondola ride are located a little further down the road from the main overlook.
What Can You Do at Hawks Nest?
There's plenty to keep you busy at Hawks Nest State Park!
- Stay in a comfy 31-room lodge.
- Enjoy a meal at the park's restaurant.
- Take an exciting aerial tram ride down to the New River shore.
- Cool off in the swimming pool.
- Explore nature on the many hiking trails.
- Have a picnic with friends and family.
- Find souvenirs and gifts at the gift shop.
- Learn about local wildlife at the River Nature Center.
- Bike or walk along the Hawks Nest Rail Trail, which is 1.8 miles long.
Park Accessibility for Everyone
Hawks Nest State Park tries to make sure everyone can enjoy its beauty. Experts from West Virginia University checked how easy it is for people with disabilities to use the park's facilities. They found that most areas, like the lodge, are easy to access. A few small things, like a stairway and some exit lights, were noted for improvement during their check in 2005. The park works to be welcoming for all visitors.
See also
