ANSTED, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Governor Jim Justice visited Hawks Nest State Park today to kick off the project to reimagine the park’s iconic aerial tram.
The tram, which has been a fixture in the park since 1970, is being replaced as part of a $250+ million initiative to improve state parks under the governor’s leadership.
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“A whole lot of people who love Hawks Nest State Park have been waiting for the tram project,” Gov. Justice said.
“I’ve also been looking forward to today, so we can get the ball rolling to bring it back bigger and better than anyone could ever imagine. Hundreds of thousands of folks have created memories here on the tram over the last 50 years, and I’m excited for the next hundred thousand visitors to the park to be able to do just the same. Babydog and I plan to be two of the first to take a ride down to fish in the river next spring.”
The new aerial tram will hold six people per car and will be ADA-accessible. The $8 million project is expected to be completed by late spring 2025.
This tram replacement is just one part of the extensive improvements being made to West Virginia’s state parks.
Over the past seven years, more than $250 million has been invested in various projects, including the creation of two new state parks, a new lodge at Cacapon Resort State Park, renovations at every lodge and cabin, the construction and upgrading of hundreds of campsites, and the addition of new recreational facilities and essential infrastructure statewide.
“Over the past seven years, our state parks system has undergone a complete transformation thanks to Governor Justice’s leadership and commitment to making West Virginia the best destination in the country,” West Virginia Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby said.
“Revenue and visitation are both up across the system due to these improvements. I’m looking forward to seeing the continued success of our treasured parks system.”
The state parks system has recently surpassed $50 million in annual revenue, highlighting the growing popularity and economic impact of West Virginia’s parks.
“I couldn’t be more excited about the upgraded experience that the new aerial tram will bring to our guests at Hawks Nest,” DNR Director Brett McMillion said.
“This project is one of many that exemplifies what our state parks are all about: creating opportunities for people to make lifelong memories and enjoy new experiences in the mountains of West Virginia.”
The original Hawks Nest aerial tram opened in 1970, nearly seven years after the park’s official lodge opened in 1963.
The old tram system carried passengers down an 800-foot descent from the lodge to the marina at the base of the New River Gorge on Hawks Nest Lake.
Serving tens of thousands of visitors for over 50 years, the tram has been an integral part of the park’s charm and appeal.
