Kanawha State Forest

Activities

• Biking

  Biking

  Kanawha State Forest offers biking opportunities for all skill levels. With 33 trails totaling 45 miles permitting bike use, along with an additional 35 miles of improved and unimproved roads, Kanawha State Forest is a riders’ paradise. All classes of e-bikes are permitted on any trails or roads where mountain biking is permitted.

   

• Camping

  Camping

  Kanawha State Forest now offers year-round camping. The campground consists of 46 sites: 25 with water and electric hookups, 9 with electric only, and 12 primitive sites, with electric services now ranging from 30-50amp. Each campsite has a fire ring with a grill and picnic table. The campground has two bathhouses, one of which may be subject to seasonal closure, and coin-operated laundry services. RVs or trailer/truck units longer than 26 feet are not recommended.

• Fishing

  Fishing

  Thanks to the reconfiguring of Davis Creek, with the removal of a small dam, this fishing stream flows more naturally, creating a better experience for everyone. The recently completed Davis Creek restoration project includes the installation of two new wheelchair-accessible fishing piers to facilitate Class Q fishing.

  Davis Creek in Kanawha State Forest is a Class Q stocking location, receiving one trout stocking the first week of March. Fishing in Kanawha State Forest is limited to Class Q license holders and youth 14 and under from March 1st through May 31st.

  To learn more about fishing in West Virginia, visit WVdnr.gov.

  

  Fishing in Kanawha State Forest

• Geocaching

  Geocaching

  Hunt through the park to find 5 cache sites before someone else beats you to the treasure! Join in on geocaching, the technological scavenger hunt. All you need is an adventurous spirit and a smartphone with GPS.

• Hiking

  Hiking

  Kanawha State Forest has more than 60 miles of trails for every level of hiker. Naturalists regularly lead guided hikes and wildlife programs for visitors. Kanawha State Forest offers “The Spotted Salamander” trail, a paved, level walkway with braille interpretive nature stations designed for both visually impaired and physically challenged guests.

  Download Park Pack & Map

   

• Horseback Riding

  Horseback Riding

  Live in moments that matter. Experience the beauty of running streams and creeks, hills, and towering trees from horse-back at Kanawha State Forest’s newly renovated stables. Leased and operated by Circle B Stables, horse related activities including guided trail rides, pony rides, birthday parties, classes, field trips and more are now available. Circle B Stables is open Thursday – Sunday (Thursdays by reservation only) from Memorial Day through Labor Day and Friday – Sunday in April, May, September, and October. Hours of operation are 10am-6pm with final rides beginning at 5pm. Walk-ins are welcome but reservations are strongly encouraged. Circle B Stables (304) 558-1015, (304) 963-2192, circlebstable@outlook.com.

• Hunting

  Hunting

  Hunters are welcome in season and in specified areas. Licenses are available online if you don’t have one. No-hunting zones surround all forest recreational facilities.

  

  Hunting in Kanawha State Forest

• Museums & Historical Sites

  Museums & Historical Sites

  West Virginia State Capitol Complex

  The Capitol grounds include the Culture Center which houses an art museum and the State Museum of West Virginia. West Virginia Public Radio’s “Mountain Stage with Larry Groce” is recorded at the Culture Center Theater.

  Capitol Market

  A collection of vendors carries a variety of items including fresh produce, plants and flowers, handmade and homemade West Virginia products, wine and beer, and fresh seafood and meats. Soho’s Italian Restaurant is located here.

  The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences

  The Clay Center includes a performance hall, art museum, science exhibits and the Electric Sky Theater, which doubles as a planetarium and movie theater.

• Outdoor Adventures

  Outdoor Adventures

  Kanawha State Forest has plenty of outdoor adventure to offer! There’s several children’s playgrounds located throughout the forest and in the various picnic areas for your little ones to play.

  The shooting range provides covered shooting stalls for convenience of users. Only paper targets are allowed. The forest range is free to the public for use and open during daylight hours and subject to closure for maintenance.

  The archery range, located approximately 2 miles from the forest entrance in Loudendale, provides targets at 30 and 60 yards. Practice points only. The archery range is free and open to the public from 8 a.m. to sunset.

  The stables at Kanawha State Forest is operated by Circle B Stables.  Find more information, hours of operation, and how to book horseback rides in our Additional Information section on our webpage.