Here’s a little known fact: hidden away in the West Virginia woods is a scene that’s straight out of a castle! The scene we’re referencing is not actually a real castle (those do exist in the Mountain State, but they’re few and far between). But it’s so close to what you might find on the estate of a historic old European fortress that it almost could be.

Welcome to Hawks Nest State Park in Ansted, West Virginia.
kmsmolen / Tripadvisor
It's a beautiful, historic old park that is filled with scenic cameos of Almost Heaven - some of which seem to come straight out of a fairy tale.
Janel / Tripadvisor
And if you make it past the lodge and the aerial tram and the multiple restaurants and the jetboat and the history museum and the nature center to the hidden path that leads down to the Hawks Nest Overlook, it will only add to the magic.
Karly S / Tripadvisor
This overlook is perched at the bottom of 100 stone steps. It's a beautiful spot that feels just like the balcony of a grand old castle.
Karly S / Tripadvisor

Related Stories

This Epic Road Trip Leads To 7 Iconic Landmarks In West Virginia

This Epic Road Trip Leads To 7 Iconic Landmarks In West Virginia

 Most People Don't Know That Berkeley Springs Castle Is Hiding In West Virginia

Most People Don't Know That Berkeley Springs Castle Is Hiding In West Virginia

 There Are 5 Must-See Historic Landmarks In The Charming Town Of Mannington, West Virginia

There Are 5 Must-See Historic Landmarks In The Charming Town Of Mannington, West Virginia
Maybe its the park's round turret tower that puts us in a castle mood and makes the overlook feel as medieval as it does.
LKNCHOWHOUND / Tripadvisor
Maybe it's the intricate stonework of the overlook itself.
EmBentley / Tripadvisor
Maybe it's the view, which is fit for a king.
J M / Tripadvisor
Whatever it is, you'll definitely feel like royalty as you stand on the edge of this cliff, separated only by a strong stone wall from the miles and miles of rugged mountain ranges stretching out before your eyes!
LKNCHOWHOUND Tripadvisor
Just save plenty of energy for climbing back up all those 100 stone steps that will return you to the modern world again.
LKNCHOWHOUND Tripadvisor

If these pictures have piqued your interest, get some birds eye view drone footage of this overlook on the West Virginia State Parks website here. Or head here to get more information about vacationing to this area.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore West Virginia

Featured Addresses
Hawk's Nest Overlook, Picnic Shelter, and Gift Shop, 49 Co Rte 60/23, Ansted, WV 25812, USA