KANAWHA STATE FOREST
Located just seven miles south of Charleston, West Virginia, this forest's close proximity to the heavily populated Kanawha Valley has made it a recreational haven. Some of the state's most popular picnic areas are here, along with significant hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing opportunities. Kanawha's swimming pool and playground attract families during the summer season, and the fully equipped campground is one of the few in the Charleston area.
The 9,300-acre forest is noted among naturalists for its diverse wildflower and bird populations. Rich cove forest sites provide nesting habitat for 19 species of wood warblers, a feature which draws birders from as far away as Canada.
Overnight visitors enjoy the forest's 46-site, fully equipped camping area. The campground is served by two bathhouses and coin-operated laundry facilities. All sites have fireplaces and picnic tables. In addition, 25 sites feature electricity and water hookups. Firewood and ice are available. A dump station is available for campground guests.
The campground is open from mid-April to the end of October (weather permitting). Only one tent or trailer is allowed per site and check-out time is 12 noon. An attendant is on duty from 2:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. daily. Campers may select a site that is not taken or reserved and the attendant will stop by and register you.
Reservations are only being accepted for periods that include a major holiday, two day minimum.
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The popular swimming pool opens to visitors on Memorial Day weekend and closes for the season on Labor Day.
Properly licensed individuals are welcome to hunt or fish in-season, in specified areas. No hunting zones surround all forest recreational facilites. Fishing opportunities are available at the two-acre Ellison Pond. Fishing is restricted to children 10 years of age and under and Class Q license holders from March 1 through May 31. The remainder of the year is open to anyone properly licensed. The pond is stocked with trout, bass and bluegill. Other neaby fishing areas include: Kanawha River, Ridenour Park, Coonskin Park and Wine Cellar Park.
Kanawha State Forest is located near Charleston, Elkview and Hurricane
More than 25 miles of trails provide a challenge for even the serious hiker. Included is "The Spotted Salamander" trail, a paved, level walkway with braille interpretive nature stations designed for both visually impaired and physically challenged guests. Click Here for hiking trail descriptions.
West Virginia State Capitol complex
West Virginia Governor's Mansion
Culture Center with State Museum
Capitol Market (WV produce, vendors and more)"Mountain Stage" live radio show
The Clay Center and Avampato Discovery Museum
Tri-State Greyhound Park and Casino
Charleston Town Center Mall
Southridge Shopping complex
South Charleston, W.Va. Ice Skating complex
Marriott Hotels Resorts
200 Lee St E
Charleston, WV
(304) 345-6500
Cottages and Cabins
Deluxe Log Cabins Rental, Tree Houses rental and Glamping Yurts cabins. All located a a remote scenic wooded area, near the New River national River and Gauley River National recreational area. Only 10 minutes from the New River Gorge Bridge Each cabin has a Hot tub and 3 cabins have a Red Heart Shaped Jacuzzi tub and gas fireplaces - Great for Romantic Get-a-Ways.
36.5 miles from park*
From I-64 in Charleston, take Exit 58A, drive south on US 119. Turn left onto Oakwood Rd. at the second stop light, (following the brown and white routing signs)go 3/4 mile and take a left before George Washington High School continuing on Oakwood Road, turn right onto Bridge Rd., and right onto Connell Rd. At the bottom of Connell, make a sharp left onto Kanawha Forest Drive, follow to the forest entrance.
Kanawha State Forest is a great place to camp, mountain bike and hike.
--The pool has been closed for years. The headquarters/gift shop are now in the former pool complex.
--There are at least twice as many trails as mentioned here.
--A wheelchair-accessible playground has been added next to the Spotted Salamander Trail.
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