Today I went to Hawks Nest State Park for a hike. I hiked the Hawks Nest Rail Trail down to the bottom to the lake, then to the Hawks Nest Dam. Total hike was 7 miles. Quick stop by the infamous Mystery Hole. Overlook. I hike down to that train bridge. Hawks Nest Dam and Lake. Site of one of the worst industrial disasters during construction of the 3 mile tunnel. "Construction of nearby tunnel, diverting waters of New River through Gauley Mt for hydroelectric power, resulted in state's worst industrial disaster. Silica rock dust caused 109 admitted deaths in mostly black, migrant underground work force of 3,000. Congressional hearing placed toll at 476 for 1930-35. Other sources range from 700 to over 1,000 deaths. Tragedy brought recognition of acute silicosis as occupational lung disease and compensation legislation to protect workers." Hawks Nest Rail Trail Remnants of old Mill along Mill Creek Trestle Bridge Watch out for falling ice. One of many waterfalls Old coal mine entrance. Says - Mill Creek Colliery Co. 1921
Sasquatch den perhaps? Trestle Bridge Huge Boulder Hawks Nest Lake Hawks Nest Dam Boulder field Flood debris Stopped by Fayetteville, WV for lunch at the Cathedral Cafe
Those pix bring back memories: I remember that overlook, from when I was 4. I was terrified that I’d slip between the railings. Back then (almost 60 year ago), they didn’t have the safety standards they have now. I noticed my parents holding on to my hands kinda tight.
