New Aerial Tramway Coming To Fayette County Park Next Year

Visitors to Hawks Nest State Park in Fayette County will soon get to visit the New River in a familiar mode of transportation: the aerial tramway.

Construction is currently underway for a new aerial tram in the park, following the closure of its decades-old tram system in 2022.

The original tramway, created in 1970, was suffering from serious infrastructure issues and had to be taken down, according to parks officials.

Now, West Virginia State Parks is providing a new $8 million investment to Hawks Nest to restore a historic tourist attraction. They plan to complete the project in the late spring of 2025.

During a press briefing at the park Wednesday, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Director Brett McMillion said the new tramway will feature modern technology, as well as accessibility features for park-goers with disabilities.

“This project is one of the many that exemplifies what our state parks are all about,” McMillion said. “Creating opportunities for people to make lifelong memories and enjoy new experiences in the mountains of West Virginia.”

Gov. Jim Justice said during the event that the new tram project will play an important role in boosting tourism in the Mountain State.

“Now the world is awakening to us,” he said. “Imagine, just imagine, a worldwide travel guide saying West Virginia is the place to come to.”