Sunday, February 2, 2014

February Hike a Month: Hawk's Nest Rail Trail

While we experienced temperatures below zero regularly during the month of January, February 1st somehow was a sunny 60-degree day. Even with snow still on the ground from all the wintry weather we've had, I wanted to take advantage of yesterday's warm temperatures to get my Hike a Month in for February. On the very first day of February!

We (Matt went with me) headed to Ansted, WV, just about an hour from Charleston, to hike the Hawk's Nest Rail Trail. Knowing that there would still be some snow on the ground, I didn't want to do a steep hike, and since I'm easing into this hiking thing, I'm not trying to jump into any 10 mile hikes. So I chose the 4 mile (there and back) Hawk's Nest Rail Trail as a my February hike.

While the temperatures hit 60 in sunny spots, the shadowy side of the mountain was considerably chillier. Much of the trail was snow-covered, and some of it was ice covered, with big icicles hanging down over the trail from the rocks above. I was pretty scared of these sections!



We were not adequately dressed for this trek. We were wearing tennis shoes that the snow seeped through. And poor Matt was wearing shorts and a tee-shirt, thinking he'd be okay since the temperature at the car felt so warm. I am going to ask for hiking boots for my birthday. I gotta be more prepared.


The Hawk's Nest Rail Trail follows a babbling creek and would be absolutely gorgeous during the spring and summer. We've vowed to go back when the mountain laurel is blooming. But during this February hike, the creek and waterfalls were frozen almost completely. The ice has its own kind of beauty, but I'd love to see the forest in bloom. The trail also features some historical sights; walkers can stop to see a mine tunnel used during the 1920s.



We will definitely be back to hike this flat trail with lovely scenery again. And I'm sure this won't be the only trail we'll walk on in the Ansted area--we also want to do the Hawk's Nest Overlook Trail as well as some of hikes in the New River Gorge. This wasn't the easiest trail head to find, by the way. Get directions before heading here. But going a bit out of your way for this one is well worth it. You're  sure to enjoy this relaxing, laurel-lined trail.

Incline: not much
Terrain: easy-moderate
Scenery: excellent
Hiker traffic: medium
Difficulty: 2 out of 5 (ice made it a harder walk than it would be if dry)
Highlights: railroad & mining history, waterfalls, lovely mountain stream.