Ansted West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ansted, West Virginia.
1. Hawks Nest State Park
SCENIC OVERLOOKS AND RECREATION
Hawks Nest State Park offers breathtaking views of the New River Gorge from its main overlook, sitting 585 feet above the New River. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, a nature center, and a seasonal aerial tramway that descends 876 feet to the river's edge. The park provides numerous recreational opportunities including fishing, whitewater rafting access, and a challenging 9-hole golf course.
2. The Mystery Hole
QUIRKY ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
The Mystery Hole is a classic American roadside attraction featuring a wildly-colored Quonset hut with a Volkswagen Beetle crashed into it. Located on Route 60, this quirky spot draws visitors with its unusual gravity-defying interior illusions, colorful exterior, and eclectic decorations including a snarling bear and various statues. The site includes a mural by artist Sherd Maynard, Jr. depicting the nearby New River Gorge Bridge.
3. Hawks Nest Rail Trail
SCENIC HIKING PATH
Hawks Nest Rail Trail provides visitors with a scenic walking and biking path through the beautiful landscapes surrounding Ansted. The trail follows a former railroad bed, offering relatively easy hiking with stunning views of the surrounding forest and occasional glimpses of the New River. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse plant and animal life visible along this well-maintained pathway.
4. Ansted Skating Rink
FAMILY FUN DESTINATION
Ansted Skating Rink offers family-friendly entertainment and recreation for visitors of all ages in a classic roller skating environment. The rink provides skate rentals, music, and a nostalgic atmosphere that appeals to both locals and tourists looking for indoor activities. This community gathering spot hosts special events throughout the year, making it a beloved destination for family outings.
5. New River Jet Boats
THRILLING RIVER ADVENTURES
New River Jet Boats offers exciting water adventures through the scenic New River Gorge with powerful jet boats capable of navigating shallow rapids. Passengers experience the thrill of speeding through the water while guides share fascinating information about the area's natural history and geological features. The tour provides unique perspectives of the gorge's towering cliffs and rich ecosystem not accessible by land.
6. New River Gorge Bridge
ENGINEERING MARVEL VISTA
The New River Gorge Bridge is an architectural wonder spanning 3,030 feet across the New River Gorge, just 15 miles from Ansted. Visitors can admire this impressive steel arch bridge from various overlooks or participate in the annual Bridge Day festival when daredevils BASE jump from the 876-foot high structure. The Visitor Center offers informative exhibits about the bridge's construction and the natural history of the gorge.
7. Gauley River National Recreation Area
WHITEWATER RAFTING PARADISE
Gauley River National Recreation Area features some of the most challenging whitewater rafting opportunities in the eastern United States, particularly during the fall release season. The 25-mile stretch of river contains over 100 rapids ranging from Class III to Class V+, attracting thrill-seekers and professional paddlers. Beyond rafting, visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing in this pristine natural setting near Ansted.
8. Cathedral Falls
MAJESTIC NATURAL WATERFALL
Cathedral Falls is a stunning 60-foot waterfall located just minutes from Ansted along Route 60. The falls cascade in multiple tiers through a cathedral-shaped recess in the rock face, creating a natural amphitheater effect that enhances the sound of rushing water. Visitors can view the falls from a convenient roadside pull-off or explore the base area via a short path, making it a perfect quick stop for photographers and nature lovers.
9. Babcock State Park
HISTORIC MILL LANDSCAPE
Babcock State Park is home to the iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill, one of the most photographed landmarks in West Virginia and located within a short drive from Ansted. The park encompasses over 4,000 acres of scenic woodland, offering 20 miles of hiking trails, fishing opportunities in stocked trout streams, and rustic cabin accommodations. Visitors can explore the functioning mill, picnic by cascading streams, or paddle on Boley Lake, particularly beautiful during the fall foliage season.
10. Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park preserves the site of an important Civil War battle that helped secure West Virginia for the Union. The park features interpretive trails, historic markers, and spectacular overlooks of the Gauley River canyon located near Ansted. Visitors can explore the Patterson House Museum, picnic in beautifully maintained grounds, and learn about the strategic significance of this 1861 battle through exhibits and annual reenactments.
11. Summersville Lake
PREMIER BOATING DESTINATION
Summersville Lake is the largest lake in West Virginia, offering 2,700 acres of clear water and 60 miles of shoreline within a short drive from Ansted. Known as the 'Little Bahamas of the East' for its uniquely clear blue waters, the lake attracts boaters, swimmers, and scuba divers to its limestone cliffs and underwater features. Visitors can rent pontoon boats, jet skis, or paddleboards to explore coves and beaches, or enjoy fishing for bass, walleye, and catfish in this scenic mountain reservoir.
12. ACE Adventure Resort
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE COMPLEX
ACE Adventure Resort offers a comprehensive outdoor recreation experience with whitewater rafting, zip lining, rock climbing, and mountain biking just a short drive from Ansted. The resort features a 5-acre water park with inflatable obstacles, slides, and jumping platforms floating on a scenic mountain lake. Visitors can choose from various accommodation options including cabins, camping, and glamping while enjoying on-site dining and entertainment at this 1,500-acre adventure playground.
13. Bridge Brew Works
LOCAL CRAFT BREWERY
Bridge Brew Works is a craft microbrewery producing distinctive ales and lagers using traditional brewing methods and locally-sourced ingredients when possible. Visitors can tour the brewing facilities, sample flagship and seasonal beers in the tasting room, and learn about the brewing process from knowledgeable staff. The brewery's name pays homage to the nearby New River Gorge Bridge, and their products can be found in restaurants throughout the region surrounding Ansted.
14. Endless Wall Trail
SPECTACULAR CLIFF HIKING
The Endless Wall Trail offers one of the most spectacular hiking experiences in the New River Gorge area near Ansted, following the rim of the gorge with numerous overlooks providing breathtaking views. This moderately difficult 2.4-mile trail takes hikers through lush forest before revealing dramatic vistas of the river 900 feet below and the massive sandstone cliffs that attract rock climbers from around the world. Several platforms along the route, including the famous Diamond Point overlook, provide perfect photo opportunities and resting spots to appreciate the natural grandeur of the gorge.
15. Thurmond Historic District
PRESERVED RAILWAY TOWN
Thurmond Historic District preserves a nearly-intact early 20th century railroad boom town that once thrived as an important coal shipping center in the New River Gorge. Visitors can explore the restored Thurmond Depot which now serves as a visitor center with exhibits detailing the town's fascinating history as a place that reportedly earned more revenue for the C&O Railroad than Cincinnati and Richmond combined. The area offers a glimpse into Appalachian industrial heritage with several preserved buildings, including the Thurmond National Bank and commercial structures along the still-active CSX rail line.