Kanawha State Forest - West Virginia State Park - Big Chimney, Charleston, Cross Lanes, Dunbar, Frame

National and State Parks - Recreational Areas

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Kanawha State Forest Nearby Parks

State Park Information

State Park Overview
Located just seven miles south of Charleston, West Virginia, this forests close proximity to the heavily populated Kanawha Valley has made it a recreational haven. Some of the states most popular picnic areas are here -long with significant hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing opportunities. Kanawhas 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 - feature which draws birders from as far away as Canada.

Camping
Overnight visitors enjoy the forests 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. In addition, 25 sites feature electricity and water hookups. Firewood and ice are available. A dump station is available for campground guests.

The campground is open from mid-April to the end of October (weather permitting). Only one tent or trailer is allowed per site and check-out time is 12 noon. An attendant is on duty from 200 p.m. until 1000 p.m. daily. Campers may select a site that is not taken or reserved and the attendant will stop by and register you.

Reservations are only being accepted for periods that include a major holiday, two day minimum.

2005 RATES

Campsites without water and electric $15.00 per night

Campsites with water and electric $19.00 per night

Senior citizens (60 or older w/verification receive a 10% discount).

Each additional camper over six (maximum of ten people per site) is $2.00 each per night.

Trails

Swimming

Fishing and Hunting

More Info

The West Virginia State Park system is comprised of over 80,000 acres which have been set aside to protect regions of natural wonder, showcase scenic beauty and preserve sites of historical... ...come to the West Virginia State Parks! If this page does not refresh in 1 second click here. ...il Information. Kanawha State Forest. Kanawha State Forest Trail Directory. Black Bear Trail. Middle Ridge Road. Pine Ridge Trail. Wildcat Hollow. Teaberry Rock Trail. Pigeon Roost Trail.

Area Attractions
January 29, 2005Winter WalkShelter #5 Come explore the forest. This interpretive hike will be enlightening and educational concerning the forest activity during the winter months. Contact Shirley Schweizer (304) 925-2771

April 23, 2005Osbra Eye Memorial WalkRegistration 900 a.m. to 930 a.m. at the pool area. Choose from a variety of led wildflower walks on trails throughout the forest. Contact Shirley Schweizer @ (304) 925-2771 Clarence Aleshire @ (304) 837-3215

May 6May 7, 2005Living HistoryVisit the forest and see what life was like in the pioneer days. A great opportunity for a field trip for school groups. Contact Donna Halad @ (304) 755-2990

May 14, 2005Cystic Fibrosis WalkShelter #8There is a registration fee for this event.Contact Will Bobinger @ (304) 3572763Kimberly Page @ 1-800-526-8126

June 19, 2005W. Va. Celebration 200 p.m concert @ pool area, Come celebrate West Virginias Birthday with us and enjoy the concert by the Kanawha Valley Community Band.Contact Shirley Schweizer @ (304) 925-2771

July 9, 2005Becoming an Outdoor Woman (BOWS)Shelters 3,4,5,6 and 7This event is aimed at women ages 14 and older that want the opportunity to learn outdoor activities with hands-on experience. All classes are taught in a fun and encouraging atmosphere. Classes include backpacking, camping, mountain biking, dutch oven cooking, talkin turkey -rchery, wildlife ecology, firearms, first aid and fishing.Sponsored by NWTF and WV Becoming an Outdoor Woman programContact Tammy Mowry (724) 284-9201 or email tammynwtf@aol.com orElizabeth Gallaher (304) 558-2771

July 9, 2005Rattlesnake 50K RunShelter #9This Ultra Run will challenge your physical endurance as you experience a variety of trails in Kanawha State Forest. Registration beginning at 630 a.m. Contact Dennis Hamrick @ 344-8342

September 10, 2005Margaret Dennison Wildflower WalkRegistration 900 a.m. to 930 a.m. at pool areaWalks will be from 930 a.m. until approximately 1230.Guided wildflower walks on various trails throughout the forest. Dont miss this opportunity to learn about nature.Contact Shirley Schweizer @ (304) 925-2771

September 11, 2005CCC ReunionShelter #8 and pool area at 1000 a.m.We welcome all former CCC members to enjoy a picnic and celebration with music by the Appalachian Fiddlers. What an opportunity to share history.Contact Rita Dale @ (304) 755-4650

September 17, 2005Dream RunShelter #9 Come and help us make-a-wish come true for children with life threatening illnesses. Benefits the Make-A-Wish FoundationContact Carolyn Shultz @ 768-5700

September 25 2005Black Bear 40K Mountain Bike RaceShelters #8 and #9This race is open to all levels of Mountain Bike Riders, from beginners to expert. The route will take you through some of the most challenging terrain in the Kanawha Valley. Come experience the ultimate in Mountain Bike Races ContactSteve Marshall @ 545-3983

October 29, 2005Great Pumpkin RaceShelter #9 Sponsored by CAMC Physical Therapy Departments.Registration 800845 a.m.5-K Race, 3 and 1 mile walks and wheelchair race.Awards will be given in various catagories -lso there will be door prizes.First 200 participants will receive a t-shirt. There is a registration fee for this event. Proceeds benefit the Physical Therapy Scholarship Fund. For more information Contact Debora Mattingly @ (304) 388-6322

December 2005TBA Snowflake RunShelter #5Johnson Hollow picnic area. For more information contact Dennis Hamrick (304) 344-8342

Area Fishing Related Businesses

T J's
3803 1st Ave
Nitro, WV
(304) 755-2248

Area Resorts and Lodging

Marriott Hotels Resorts
200 Lee St E
Charleston, WV
(304) 345-6500