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Kanawha State Forest
Nearby Parks:
Mountain State Memorial Hospital (historical)
Booker T Washington State Park
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| State Park Overview: |
 | 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. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
| Be the 1st to Review Kanawha State Forest. You can rate it, post a comment on it, or do both. |
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| Camping: |
| Overnight visitors enjoy the forest's 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 2:00 p.m. until 10:00 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: |
| More than 25 miles of trails provide a challenge for even the serious hiker. Included is "The Spotted Salamander" trail, a paved, level walkway with braille interpretive nature stations designed for both visually impaired and physically challenged guests. Click Here for hiking trail descriptions. |
| Swimming: |
| The popular swimming pool opens to visitors on Memorial Day weekend and closes for the season on Labor Day. |
| Fishing and Hunting: |
| Properly licensed individuals are welcome to hunt or fish in-season, in specified areas. No hunting zones surround all forest recreational facilites. Fishing opportunities are available at the two-acre Ellison Pond. Fishing is restricted to children 10 years of age and under and Class Q license holders from March 1 through May 31. The remainder of the year is open to anyone properly licensed. The pond is stocked with trout, bass and bluegill. Other neaby fishing areas include: Kanawha River, Ridenour Park, Coonskin Park and Wine Cellar Park. |
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| Area Accommodations |
| Cottages and Cabins | |  | Hemlock Haven Cabins - Hico, WV
We are luxury, dog friendly cabins located in Fayette County minutes from the New and Gauley Rivers. Each cabin has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, complete kitchens, washer and dryers, gas fireplaces, an outdoor 6-person hot tubs, gas grill, and a private fenced yard with a fire ring and benches.
Web Site: http://www.hemlockhavenwv.com |
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...vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental, etc read more.... |
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| Related Links: |
| Kanawha State Forest Information Request - 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... | | Kanawha State Forest - Trail 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, 2005 - Winter 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, 2005 - Osbra Eye Memorial WalkRegistration: 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 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 6 - May 7, 2005 - Living 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, 2005 - Cystic Fibrosis WalkShelter #8There is a registration fee for this event.Contact: Will Bobinger @ (304) 357-1763Kimberly Page @ 1-800-526-8126
June 19, 2005 - W. Va. Celebration 2:00 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, 2005 - Becoming 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, archery, 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, 2005 - Rattlesnake 50K RunShelter #9This Ultra Run will challenge your physical endurance as you experience a variety of trails in Kanawha State Forest. Registration beginning at 6:30 a.m. Contact: Dennis Hamrick @ 344-8342
September 10, 2005 - Margaret Dennison Wildflower WalkRegistration 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at pool areaWalks will be from 9:30 a.m. until approximately 12:30.Guided wildflower walks on various trails throughout the forest. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about nature.Contact: Shirley Schweizer @ (304) 925-2771
September 11, 2005 - CCC ReunionShelter #8 and pool area at 10:00 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, 2005 - Dream 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 2005 - Black 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 Contact:Steve Marshall @ 545-3983
October 29, 2005 - Great Pumpkin RaceShelter #9 Sponsored by CAMC Physical Therapy Departments.Registration: 8:00 - 8:45 a.m.5-K Race, 3 and 1 mile walks, and wheelchair race.Awards will be given in various catagories, also 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 2005 - TBA Snowflake Run - Shelter #5 - Johnson 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
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| | Area Resorts and Lodging | | Marriott Hotels Resorts
200 Lee St E
Charleston, WV
(304) 345-6500
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| 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. |
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