Watch a Sunrise at Hawks Nest Overlook

Ansted, West Virginia

5.0/5

based on 1 reviews

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Added by Elyse Clark

This easily-accessible view of the New River is perfectly oriented for sunrises.

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 the winter), and you will get reflections of the clouds on the still water above the dam.

After watching the sunrise, try hiking some of the Hawk's Nest State Park trails, or continue a short way down the road to see Cathedral Falls.

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Watch a Sunrise at Hawks Nest Overlook Reviews

Stephen Catalano

Watch a Sunrise at Hawks Nest Overlook

08/14/20

There usually is some fog that hangs down near the river, making for a great photo and some much-needed contrast with the trees. A good leading line as well.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Turkey Creek Falls in Hawks Nest SP

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...

Hike the Hawks Nest Rail Trail

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...

Photograph Cathedral Falls

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

Hike the Endless Wall Trail

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 ...

Hike the Long Point Trail

With minimal elevation gain, this 3.2 mile hike can be done in a short amount of time. From the parking lot, take the trail to the right of the bathroom. There will be two trail intersections at 0.4 miles and 0.7 miles, both of which are well marked. Stay straight at both intersections to remain on the Long Point Trail. Near the end of the trail, you will descend fairly steeply through some thi...

Watch a Sunrise at Hawks Nest Overlook

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Watch a Sunrise at Hawks Nest Overlook Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Turkey Creek Falls in Hawks Nest SP

Hike the Hawks Nest Rail Trail

Photograph Cathedral Falls

Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk

Hike the Endless Wall Trail

Hike the Long Point Trail

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