Attractions and Places To See around Ansted - Top 8

Ansted offers several spectacular natural viewpoints. The New River Gorge Bridge itself provides incredible vistas over the New River Gorge. For even more breathtaking panoramas, visit Hawks Nest State Park, which features canyon-rim overlooks like the famous "Lover's Leap" and an aerial tramway descending into the gorge.

Yes, Ansted is rich in history. You can visit the Kaymoor Mine Site and Ruins, which showcases the remains of a coal processing plant. Other significant historical sites include the Contentment Historical Complex, the Halfway House (Tyree's Tavern), the Page-Vawter House, and the African American Heritage Family-Tree Museum, all offering insights into the region's past.

Ansted is a great base for hiking. The Kaymoor Trail offers a moderate walk to the Kaymoor Mine Site, linking to the Kaymoor Miners Trail. Another popular option is the Endless Wall Trail, known for its dense forest and cliff views. For more options, explore the hiking routes around Ansted, which include easy trails like Canyon Rim Boardwalk and Bridge Trail.

Families visiting Ansted have several options. The New River Gorge Bridge is a marvel that fascinates all ages. Hawks Nest State Park offers an aerial tramway ride and a nature center, which are great for kids. For a unique and quirky experience, "The Mystery Hole" provides disorienting optical illusions that children often enjoy.

Beyond hiking, you can experience the New River Gorge through whitewater rafting, kayaking, or jetboat rides, especially from Hawks Nest State Park or with New River Jetboats. The area also has various running trails, including the Endless Wall Trail loop. The nearby New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers extensive recreational opportunities.

The best time to visit Ansted for outdoor activities is generally during the spring, summer, and fall months. Spring brings lush greenery, while fall offers spectacular foliage, especially around the New River Gorge. September is also when Ansted hosts the Country Roads Festival, adding a cultural element to your visit.

To delve into the region's coal mining history, visit the Kaymoor Mine Site and Ruins, where you can see the remains of the processing plant. Additionally, the Coal tipple and conveyor, built by Henry Ford, offers another glimpse into the industrial past. The Ansted Museum also provides an overview of the area's diverse history, including its industrial heritage.

For a unique local flavor, stop by Blue Smoke Salsa. This local establishment offers gourmet kettle-cooked salsa, fresh pepper jelly, and guacamole chips, making it a great place to pick up a local treat or souvenir.

If you're looking for easier walks, the easy hikes around Ansted include the Canyon Rim Boardwalk and the Bridge Trail. These routes offer pleasant strolls with less challenging terrain, perfect for a relaxed outdoor experience.

The New River Gorge Bridge is a remarkable steel arch bridge, completed in 1977. At 924 meters long and with its roadway 267 meters above the New River, it is one of the highest vehicular bridges in the world. It's not only an engineering marvel but also a prominent landmark offering stunning views of the gorge.

Yes, Ansted played a role in the Civil War. The Halfway House, also known as Tyree's Tavern, served as Union army headquarters during the conflict. The Ansted Museum also provides insights into the area's Civil War history, and Westlake Cemetery is the burial site of Julia Neale Jackson, mother of Confederate General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson.