By 
October Editor’s Letter
I remember the first time I visited Hawks Nest State Park as a child. It seemed like a magical, otherworldly place straight out of a fairy tale. The circular stone restrooms stood like sentries of a castle, and the view from the overlook was like walking into an impressionist painting. But the highlight of the visit was riding the tram from the lodge to the shores of the New River. It was exciting.
My mother packed a picnic, and we took it with us on our ride. We disembarked, found a picnic table, and enjoyed cold fried chicken before returning up the hill on the tramway. It is funny to think about that now—what a thrill it was. Seems simple, doesn’t it? It was like a roller coaster without the fear. For those of you who also experienced it as a child, I know it had to have left an impression on you, too.
The last time I rode the aerial tramway was right before it closed in 2021. I knew of the plans to build a new and improved version, so I really soaked up the experience. The metal wheels clattered and screeched against the tracks, and the car teetered with a slight tremor as we slowly descended. The glass of the tram car was foggy, making the view seem as if you were looking at it through cataracts. Or maybe the view was cloudy because my eyes welled up with tears. Revisiting those magical places from your childhood has a way of doing that, doesn’t it?
I’m excited for the new aerial tramways at Hawks Nest and Pipestem Resort state parks to be completed so that generations to come may also have that special experience emblazoned in their memories. The tramways are slated to both be completed by early 2025, so you might want to go ahead and book a stay at the lodges or at one of the yurts at the base of Hawks Nest along the New River. To learn more, read our story on page 18.
Another great way to experience our state’s majestic landscapes is from the vantage point of a fire tower. On page 24, we take you to some of our historic lookouts that you can visit today. This past summer, I visited Bickle Knob Observation Tower, outside of Elkins. Even though it was an overcast day, the view was spectacular. I plan to go back this fall as the leaves are changing. From these high elevations with 360 degree views, it is easy to think West Virginia isn’t “Almost Heaven”—it is Heaven.
Elevate your day,
Nikki
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