Kanawha State Forest

Activities

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  Bicycling

  Mountain biking is permitted. There are nine designated mountain biking trails: Ballard, Black Bear Mt. Bike Trail, Davis Creek, Mossy Rock, Pigeon Roost, Pine Ridge Trail to Dunlop Trail, Polecat, Teaberry Rock, and Wildcat Ridge trails,

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  Camping

  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 and 25 sites feature electric and water hookups. All electric pedestals are 20-amp service. Firewood and ice are available. A dump station is available for campground guests.

  The campground is open from mid-April through deer rifle season. Only one tent or trailer is allowed per site and check-out time is 12 noon.Reservations are accepted from Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekends. Sites are on first come, first served for the remaining camping season.

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  Fishing

  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. Properly licensed individuals are welcome to hunt or fish in-season, in specified areas. No hunting zones surround all forest recreational facilities.

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  Hiking

  More than 25 miles of trails provide a challenge for even the serious hiker and are open for hiking only throughout the year. The trails are: #1 Store, Alligator Rock, Beech Glen, CCC Snipe, Hemlock Falls, Johnson Hollow, Lindy Trail, Logtown , Overlook Rock, Polly, Rattlesnake, Rocky Ridge, Spotted Salamander, and White Hollow trails.

  "The Spotted Salamander" trail, a paved, level walkway with braille interpretive nature stations designed for both visually impaired and physically challenged guests.

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  Hunting

  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. Properly licensed individuals are welcome to hunt or fish in-season, in specified areas. No hunting zones surround all forest recreational facilities.

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  Picnicking

  Numerous picnic sites are provided for the enjoyment of visitors. These sites offer tables, grills, and nearby restroom facilities. There is no charge to picnic.

  Nine reservable picnic shelters for large group gatherings are available for reservations. Shelters may be reserved up to one year in advance of the reservation month. Shelter reservations are recommended for group gatherings and reunions.

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  RVing

  Overnight visitors enjoy the forest's 46-site, fully equipped camping area. The campground is served by two bathhouses and coin-operated laundry facilities. Sites cater to camper units of 26-feet or less.

  All sites have fireplaces and picnic tables and 25 sites feature electric and water hookups. All electric pedestals are 20-amp service. Firewood and ice are available. A dump station is available for campground guests.

  The campground is open from mid-April through deer rifle season. Only one tent or trailer is allowed per site and check-out time is 12 noon.Reservations are accepted from Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekends. Sites are on first come, first served for the remaining camping season.

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  Winter Sports

  Hiking is a popular winter pastime.