State Parks reach historic achievement of $50 million in annual revenue

ANSTED, WV - Gov. Jim Justice today visited the site of what will be the reimagined aerial tram at Hawks Nest State Park to kickoff the project. The aerial tram has been a fixture in the park since 1970. 

The tram replacement project is part of $250+ million in state park improvements made under the Gov. Justice’s leadership. To add to the excitement, the state parks system has surpassed $50 million in annual revenue at the completion of the fiscal year. 

“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 aerial tram will hold six persons per car and will also be ADA-accessible. The estimated completion of the project is late spring 2025. The $8 million tram replacement project is just a portion of the more than $250+ million in investments made in West Virginia State Parks over the last seven years. 

“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.”

Investments have been made across the state at its 36 parks, nine forests and three rail trails. The projects include creating two new state parks, Cacapon Resort State Park’s new lodge, renovations at every lodge and cabin in the system, hundreds of new campsites built or upgraded, new recreational facilities and much-needed infrastructure upgrades systemwide.

Those investments are paying major dividends. Visitation has increased and revenue has grown substantially, allowing for reinvestment in West Virginia’s public lands. 

"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.” 

History of Hawks Nest Aerial Tram
The original Hawks Nest aerial tram opened in 1970, nearly seven years after Hawk Nest State Park’s official lodge opening in 1963. The old tram system carried passengers down an 800-foot descent from the lodge to the mariana to the base of the New River Gorge on Hawks Nest Lake.  The old tram served the park and tens of thousands of visitors for over 50 years. 

For historical photos of the tram, conceptual renderings for the new tram and photos from today’s event, click here.