Nature Lover
Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian mountains, Charleston offers opportunities for any type of nature lover. Whether long hikes or wildlife viewing, you’re sure to gain a new love for the outdoors in the Kanawha Valley.
AKanawha State Forest
9,300-acres of picnicking, hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing, bird-watching, the forest is known for having some of the best hiking trails in the area and for also hosting events throughout the year.
7500 Kanawha State Forest Drive
Charleston, WV 25314
kanawhastateforest.com
BCoal River Walhonde Water Trail
The Coal River offers a water trail great for kayaking, canoeing in addition to fishing. The river contains spotted and smallmouth bass, channel catfish, striper, walleye and muskie.
CThe Sunrise Carriage Trail
The Sunrise Carriage Trail is a peaceful and varied landscape of towering trees, wildflowers, ornamental plantings, and historic masonry remains. The trail is 0.65 miles with incredible views of the city.
746 Myrtle Road
Charleston, WV 25314
carriagetrail.org
DCabela's
Located in the Southridge Shopping Centre, Cabelas offers 80,000 sq feet of outdoor merchandise including sporting and camping goods. The building is a log cabin and stonework style building with a large waterfall display inside.
200 Cross Terrace Blvd
Charleston, WV 25309
cabelas.com
ELittle Creek Park
Rock formations, such as Devil’s Tea Table are quite popular for hikers to discover. Little Creek also has picnic shelters, playgrounds, baseball/softball fields, soccer fields, football field, tennis courts, basketball courts, and an 18-hold disc golf course.
1 Little Creek Park Rd.
South Charleston, WV 25309
cityofsouthcharleston.com/little-creek-park
FHatfield and McCoy Trails
Eight trail systems stretch over 700 total miles of WV allowing UTV, ATV, dirt bike riders with a world-class trail system. All trails are open 365 days a year and new trails are being added.
28 Big Pinnacle Branch Rd.
Julian, WV 25529
trailsheaven.com
GBird Watching at Spring Hill Cemetery
Amongst the historical gravesites of city founders, are trees that provide sanctuary for a variety of bird species at the cemetery. Bird walks are held on Sunday mornings during peak migration seasons.
1555 Farnsworth Drive
Charleston, WV 25301
friendsofspringhillcemetery.org
Best Events
FestivAll Sunrise Walk
Margaret Denison Fall Nature Walks
At Kanawha State Forest, guided wildflower walks on various trails throughout the forest. Specific hikes include: fall wildflowers, fungi,birds, trees and natural history. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the life of the Forest.
Festivall Sunrise Trail
Take a shaded stroll on the charming Sunrise Carriage Trail and enjoy music, dance and art along the way.
East End Garden Showcase
This urban gardening showcase takes you on a stroll through the Historic East End of Charleston. Visit residential gardens that each serve as a tiny oasis from the hustle and bustle of the busy East End district.
Tour de Coal
The Tour de Coal, a “paddling event” for canoes and kayaks normally held in June, is an 11-mile trip from Upper Falls to St. Albans. Paddlers negotiate the Lower Falls, a one-mile rapid along the route.
Best Time of the Year
Spring and fall serve as the best times in the Kanawha Valley for exploring nature. The weather is pleasant and not too hot allowing for longer times outside surrounded by mother nature.