Nestled in the heart of whitewater rafting country and located along U. S. Route 60 in Ansted, WV, Hawks Nest State Park encompasses 276 acres bordering a rugged section of the New River Gorge National River. Long known for its panoramic views, the park offers a modern 31 room lodge with standard rooms and suites. Hawks Nest is 7 miles west of U. S. Route 19, a major North - South thoroughfare for West Virginia travelers. Below the lodge, the New River forms peaceful Hawks Nest Lake. Upstream of the lake, the narrow canyon and rushing water creates one of the most challenging whitewater rafting areas in the nation. The lodge has free wireless internet throughout the building and is a smoke free facility. Lodge rooms on the first and second floors require you to walk up or down stairs. The most popular activity at Hawks Nest is a ride to the bottom of the 500 foot canyon on the scenic aerial tram. At the bottom, guests will find the Hawks Nest Nature Center, access to the lake and river, hiking trails, and jet boat rides. The jet boat rides offer views of some of the most remote areas of the New River Gorge National Park and the best view of the New River Gorge Bridge. Tram, Nature Center and Jet Boat are available during the summer, the month of October, and weekends in May and September but are closed every Wednesday for maintenance. The Canyon Vista Restaurant, in the lodge, offers a panoramic view of the New River Gorge from its glass front restaurant. A full service lunch and dinner menu are offered daily. A complimentary deluxe continental breakfast is provided Monday through Friday mornings. A full breakfast buffet is available on weekends for a fee. The restaurant is open daily except Christmas Day. One mile west along U.S. Route 60, the park also offers the well-known Hawks Nest overlook and a historic CCC constructed picnic shelter and gift shop. Hawks Nest also has the 9 hole executive Hawks Nest Golf Course located 5 miles west of the park.