Governor Justice celebrates the kickoff of the aerial tram replacement project at Hawks Nest State Park

ANSTED, WV (WVNS) — Governor Jim Justice visited Hawks Nest State Park in Fayette County to kickoff the project for the park’s aerial tram replacement.

Hawks Nest State Park’s aerial tram was a part of the park since 1970, and the $8 million replacement project is part of more than $250 million in state park improvements that were made under the leadership of Governor Justice.

A whole lot of people who love Hawks Nest State Park have been waiting for the tram project. 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.”

Governor Justice

The project is estimated to be finished in late spring of 2025.

As West Virginia is emerging as the place to come to, not a place that was backward and dingy and dark, not educated…all the bad jokes that we are told being told about us. We are a different animal today.”

Governor Jim Justice

Not only will the aerial tram cars be able to hold six people in each car, they will also be ADA-accessible. Investments were made in 36 parks, three rail trails, and nine forests in West Virginia, some of which include the creation of two new state parks, renovations at every lodge and cabin in the system, new recreational facilities and much-needed infrastructure upgrades systemwide, Cacapon Resort State Park’s new lodge, and hundreds of new campsites built or upgraded.

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. 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.”

Chelsea Ruby | West Virginia Tourism Secretary

The investments in the various locations throughout the state are paying off, with an increase in both visitation and revenue that will help with reinvestment in public lands in West Virginia.

I couldn’t be more excited about the upgraded experience that the new aerial tram will bring to our guests at Hawks Nest. 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.”

Brett McMillion | DNR Director

The original aerial tram at Hawks Nest State Park opened in 1970, and served visitors for more than 50 years. It took passengers down an 800-foot descent from the lodge to the base of the New River Gorge on Hawks Nest Lake.

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