Three State Parks Near Hico, WV
Hawks Nest State Park
- Hawks Nest State Park is a state park in Ansted, West Virginia. It contains 2,000 acres of land and is located near the New River Gorge. There are several waterfalls in the park including Cathedral Falls and Hawks Nest Falls.
- The park has two lakes for swimming in warmer months: Summersville Lake and Hawk’s Nest Lake. Visitors to the lake can also take part in boating, fishing, hiking, camping, or picnicking.
- Admission to the park is free.
- Hawk’s Nest is surrounded by trees that offer seclusion during summer days when temperatures can get high during midday hours on its shoreline at 1,750 feet elevation. The best time to visit Hawk’s Nest State Park for activities like hiking trails would be during spring through fall.
Babcock State Park
Babcock State Park is one of West Virginia’s most popular parks, and it’s easy to see why. The park features the rustic Glade Creek Grist Mill, which was designed by a state worker and built in 1976 from parts of three old mills. It’s now the backdrop for some of the state’s most recognizable photos. The gristmill sits across from a small lake, which you can fish in or swim in during warm weather months. Babcock State Park also offers camping, as well as trails for horseback riding and hiking.
- Location: 486 Babcock Road Clifftop WV 25927
- Distance: 25 miles
- Activities: fishing, swimming, mountain biking trails, hiking trails (including the famous Glade Creek Trail that runs along Glade Creek past some smaller stream cascades and waterfalls), hunting grounds near the park entrance at Pinchot Sycamore Wildlife Management Area (still within Babcock State Park boundaries)
- Special features: playground; visitor center with exhibits on local culture; gift shop; scenic overlook of New River Gorge Bridge and other West Virginia landmarks
Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park
Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park commemorates the 1861 Union victory at the Battle of Carnifex Ferry. It is a beautiful, serene place perfect for reflection. On the first weekend in September each year, visitors can experience a reenactment of the battle, take part in educational seminars about Civil War history, and enjoy music and other entertainment.
The park is located just north of Summersville at 38°7’32.5″N 80°35’57.8″W . It features hiking trails, picnic areas, and historic monuments from both sides of the conflict.
Ray’s Campground is here if you are looking for camping or cabins near the New River Gorge, Fayetteville, or Summersville.