Top Things to do in Ansted
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5 Things to do in Ansted That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Ansted, United States including Hawks Nest State Park, Hawks Nest Rail Trail, The Mystery Hole, New River Jet Boats, New River Jetboats.
1. Hawks Nest State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Nestled in the heart of whitewater rafting country, Hawks Nest State Park is a 270-acre recreational area with a nature museum, aerial tramway, jetboat rides, hiking trails and one of the most challenging whitewater boating waterways in the nation. Its 31-room lodge offers luxurious rooms, dining and spacious conference and meeting facilities. Located just 10 miles north of the New River Gorge Bridge, Hawks Nest is known for its scenic overlook, which provides a bird’s eye view of the rugged New River Gorge National River below.
Reviewed By fowlair - Fleming Island, United States
The tram ride to the bottom of the gorge was great. If we had it to do over again, we would have bought a one-way tram ride and hiked down the gorge on one of the maintained trails. The staff was very friendly and very helpful. The view of the New River from the Main Overlook is splendid. They also have a playground which helped keep the smaller children entertained.
2. Hawks Nest Rail Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Q7542SDstevet - Sayville, United States
We love hiking and exploring new areas in nature. On a recent trip to West Virginia, we chose to stay at Hawks Nest Lodge (BTW.. awesome selection) and when asking for a trail map for hiking in the state park, the knowledgeable girl at the desk gave us two maps... the first the 'official map' provided by the State Park Service and the second (which she suggested was better) was a zeroxed copy of a quasi Hand drawn map. Personal Note: go with the hand drawn map. She told us that if we wanted a great hike with varied and amazing scenery; go with the 'Hawks Nest Rail Trail'. We headed out towards Ansted town, made a left at Rite Aid, followed the road underneath Route 60 and parked in the remote area by the house / barn adjacent to the bathrooms. We loaded up the backpack, leashed our puppy (9 year old German Shepherd) and we were off. After about 600 yards we came to a structured Boardwalk over a small waterfall and Creek and just knew this was going to be awesome! The trail is an old railway that is just under 2 miles one way (1.9 miles each way ..forward and back, a total of 3.8 miles) that is carved into the West Virginia landscape. The trail is an easy to moderate trail that is clearly marked including distance markers every quarter mile. Don't worry about reaching the turnaround...breath deeply and take in the Surroundings. Roughly half way in (about 3/4 to a mile) you'll reach the waterfall; depending on water level, you can venture out onto the rock ledges and see some amazing viewpoints. Continue on ... occasionally, you come across old 8 x 8 railroad sleepers, you'll even pass an old coal mine ruins and another repurposed railway trestle. Soon you'll come to the end of the trail at the Nature Center and lower Tram landing from the Hawks Nest Lodge. While we were at the lower end, we were fortunate to watch a rail train pass thru. The Conductor waved to us as he ferried the 100 plus cars over the Hawks Nest trestle and as we took in the nostalgia, it was an amazing and relaxing moment. The return trip was just as amazing and drawing us to the conclusion to come back again, which we vowed that we would.
3. The Mystery Hole
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By stefjackie - Cookeville, United States
It was not what we thought it would be, but it was fun. they are super strict about the rules so you better follow them. if you are looking for fun off the beaten path stuff to do you have to add this to your list.
4. New River Jet Boats
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
5. New River Jetboats
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
