Westlake Falls (Hawks Nest)

Westlake Falls is a 15-foot waterfall on Rich Creek, a tributary of  Mill Creek in Fayette County, West Virginia.  The waterfall is located near Hawks Nest State Park.

Hike Length: 0.4 miles
Estimated Time: < 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Hawks Nest State Park
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1+)
Crowds: Low
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are very slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 38.13461,-81.10099
Waterfall GPS: 38.13181,-81.10003

Directions:

From Fayetteville, head north on US-19 for about 3 miles and turn left on Amos Heights Road.  Go a total of 4.7 miles, the road turning to Old Mill Creek Road, then turn left to stay on Old Mill Creek Road.  Go another 0.4 miles to parking for Ansted Rail Trail.

Map:

Hike Description:

Hike down the gravel road to a bridge over Rich Creek.  Ansted Rail Trail starts across the bridge.  Don't cross, instead follow a path on river left past a fenced off utility structure staying close to Rich Creek.  In less than 0.1 miles, come to the ruins of an old mill.

Turn right to go down past the mill ruins to the base of Westlake Falls.  Upper Mill Creek Falls is to the left.

The waterfall is also visible from the railroad trestle that is part of Ansted Rail Trail.

Blog Entries:

25-May-2025: Hawks Nest Waterfalls

External Links:

WV State Parks website: https://wvstateparks.com/park/hawks-nest-state-park/