First Day Hike 2025: Kanawha State Forest
January 1, 2025 All day
Kanawha State Forest has multiple hiking options for their first day hike. Earn your West Virginia First Day hiking patch by joining the park naturalists for a guided hike.
Castle Rock Loop Hike: Beginning at the Forest Headquarters, this is a moderate overall hike, with some difficult sections, ascending the CCC Snipe and Mossy Rock trails to access the Castle Rock Overlook, which provides vistas of the eastern portions of Kanawha State Forest and Davis Creek Watershed. Hikers then travel north down Middle Ridge Road and descend Alligator Rock Trail back to the Forest Headquarters. Total length: 3.5 miles.
Spotted Salamander Trail: Beginning at the ADA accessible Spotted Salamander area, this flat, paved, interpretive loop is great for all ages. Easy difficulty with ADA accessibility on the trail, bathroom, playground and picnic area. Total length: 0.3 miles.