Kanawha State Forest
Overview
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. A playground attracts families during the summer season and the fully equipped campground is one of the few in the Charleston area.
Activities
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,
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Winter Sports
Hiking is a popular winter pastime.
Directions
Driving
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.
Phone Numbers
Primary
(304) 558-3500Links
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