Hawks Nest - New River Gorge
by Susan Rissi Tregoning
Title
Hawks Nest - New River Gorge
Artist
Susan Rissi Tregoning
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
One of West Virginia’s iconic views can be seen at Hawks Nest State Park, 10 miles north of the New River Gorge Bridge near Ansted. This breathtaking bird’s eye view affords a long-distance view through the rugged New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and of a railroad bridge that cuts across the New River at Hawks Nest 1275 feet below.
Hawks Nest was once home to many nesting ospreys and served as a Native American trail. However, the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway construction in the late 1800s disrupted the bird population. In 1934, the hydroelectric Hawks Nest Dam and Lake were built, damming up the New River for flood control and power for the growing manufacturing industry.
In 1935, West Virginia purchased much of the Hawks Nest property. Then, the Department of Natural Resources took control of the property in 1963, building a park lodge and other facilities, allowing visitors to enjoy the gorgeous scenic views of the New River Gorge.
Copyright 2023 Susan Rissi Tregoning
Uploaded
August 9th, 2023
Embed
Share