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.

Kanawha State Forest Hiking Trails

Directions:

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.

For more information visit the official Kanawha State Forest web site.