State Forest · WV

Kanawha State Forest

Kanawha State Forest offers a lush retreat for outdoor enthusiasts with a variety of trails and rich biodiversity, just a short drive from Charleston, West Virginia.

State Forest93004+ Trails

1938STATE FOREST

Designation

State Forest

Total Wilderness Area

9300

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Kanawha State Forest

Kanawha State Forest offers a lush retreat for outdoor enthusiasts with a variety of trails and rich biodiversity, just a short drive from Charleston, West Virginia.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Kanawha State Forest, located about seven miles south of Charleston, West Virginia, encompasses over 9,300 acres of diverse terrain, including dense woodlands, rolling hills, and serene valleys. Known for its extensive trail system, the forest caters to hikers, mountain bikers, and nature lovers alike. The forest's ecosystem supports a wide array of flora and fauna, making it a haven for wildlife observation and bird watching. Historically, the area was used for coal mining and logging, but has since been preserved for public recreation and conservation. Visitors can explore numerous trails that vary in difficulty, offering opportunities for both leisurely walks and challenging hikes. The forest also features campgrounds, picnic areas, and fishing spots, making it a versatile destination for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Field Guide · State Forest

Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Kanawha State Forest

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Overlook Rock, offering panoramic views of the forested landscape.✦ Diverse bird species include warblers and woodpeckers, attracting birdwatchers year-round.✦ Davis Creek, popular for fishing and serene waterside picnics.✦ Bear Heaven, an off-the-beaten-path trail known for its peaceful environment.

Wilderness Visuals & Gallery

Visual Guide to Kanawha State Forest

Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Kanawha State Forest

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Kanawha State Forest

Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Kanawha State Forest

Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Kanawha State Forest

Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Kanawha State Forest

Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Kanawha State Forest

Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Kanawha State Forest

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Kanawha State Forest.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access for day use, with fees for camping.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.

Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.

Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.

Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).

Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Kanawha State Forest

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Kanawha State Forest Campground

Located within walking distance of multiple trailheads and Davis Creek, offering amenities like restrooms and picnic tables.

Reserve on Recreation.gov

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Kanawha State Forest

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

⌖ 3.46 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Charleston, West Virginia

Charleston, WV, is a vibrant city with rich cultural offerings and easy access to outdoor adventures. From hiking in lush forests to paddling down scenic rivers, it's an explorer's dream.

Spring and Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 15.24 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Giles, Virginia

Giles, Virginia is a quiet Appalachian town perfect for hiking, paddling, and wildlife watching. With access to national forests and the New River, it offers peaceful outdoor adventures in a less crowded setting.

Spring through Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 15.62 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Sissonville, West Virginia

Sissonville provides quiet access to West Virginia’s Appalachian outdoors with hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and fishing nearby. It’s the perfect base for travelers seeking less-crowded trails and river adventures in a peaceful setting.

Spring through Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 18.19 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Amelia, Virginia

Amelia, Virginia offers rural charm and calm outdoor adventures like hiking, paddling, and biking. Explore forest trails, paddle slow rivers, or relax in nature’s quiet in this peaceful countryside escape.

Spring through Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 18.88 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Danville, West Virginia

Danville, West Virginia is a peaceful Appalachian gateway to hiking, biking, paddling, and fishing in surrounding forests and rivers. It’s perfect for travelers seeking quiet, nature-focused adventures away from main tourist routes.

Spring through Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 19.24 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Madison, West Virginia

Madison offers outdoor travelers a quiet Appalachian base with access to hiking, paddling, mountain biking, and peaceful camping. The nearby Guyandotte River and wildlife areas create a low-key adventure destination.

Spring to Fall

Explore Town

Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Kanawha State Forest

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Verified Outdoor Outfitters

Lower New River • Half Day — All Whitewater, No Compromise

ADVEXPEDITION

Lansing, West Virginia

RaftingADV Bookable

Lower New River • Half Day — All Whitewater, No Compromise

A focused, 4–6 hour rafting run out of Lansing that prioritizes nonstop whitewater; this guide explains what to expect, what to bring, and how the trip runs.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Cabin 2 — A Compact Appalachian Getaway at Darago’s ATV Resort

ADVEXPEDITION

Rock, West Virginia

LodgingADV Bookable

Cabin 2 — A Compact Appalachian Getaway at Darago’s ATV Resort

A short-stay cabin rental (1–6 days) with a queen bed, full bath, pull-out sleeper, linens, Wi‑Fi and app-enabled TV — the practical guide to planning a quiet base in the West Virginia Appalachians.

LodgingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

26 Miles of Mild-to-Wild: An Overnight New River Float-Fishing Out of Lansing

ADVEXPEDITION

Lansing, West Virginia

FishingADV Bookable

26 Miles of Mild-to-Wild: An Overnight New River Float-Fishing Out of Lansing

A two-day, 26-mile overnight float-fishing trip near Lansing that averages about six hours on the water each day — this guide lays out what to expect and how to prepare.

FishingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Two Days, 26 Miles: From Easy Glides to Full-Throttle New River Whitewater

ADVEXPEDITION

Lansing, West Virginia

RaftingADV Bookable

Two Days, 26 Miles: From Easy Glides to Full-Throttle New River Whitewater

A two-day, 26-mile overnight run on the New River that pairs a relaxed upper-day with a second day of Class 3–5 whitewater—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Riverside Cottage at Thurmond: A Quiet Riverfront Retreat on the New River

ADVEXPEDITION

Lansing, West Virginia

LodgingADV Bookable

Riverside Cottage at Thurmond: A Quiet Riverfront Retreat on the New River

A concise, one-bedroom primitive lodging on the New River in historic Thurmond—this guide lays out what to expect, where it sits, and the essential logistics for a short stay.

LodgingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

A Marathon of Rapids: 26 Miles Down the Gauley, Including the Drop Over Sweets Falls

ADVEXPEDITION

Hico, West Virginia

RaftingADV Bookable

A Marathon of Rapids: 26 Miles Down the Gauley, Including the Drop Over Sweets Falls

An all-day, 9-hour raft trip tackling Class III–V whitewater on the Gauley River with a catered lunch and extended Lower Gauley section—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Family Float on the Upper New: Six Hours of Gentle Rapids, Riverside Lunch, and National‑Forest Vistas

ADVEXPEDITION

Hico, West Virginia

RaftingADV Bookable

Family Float on the Upper New: Six Hours of Gentle Rapids, Riverside Lunch, and National‑Forest Vistas

A 6-hour guided day trip on the Upper New River for ages 5 and up, featuring Class I–II rapids, private rafts with an experienced guide, and a catered riverside lunch.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Afternoon Rush on the Lower New: Class III/IV Rafting Beneath the New River Gorge Bridge

ADVEXPEDITION

Hico, West Virginia

RaftingADV Bookable

Afternoon Rush on the Lower New: Class III/IV Rafting Beneath the New River Gorge Bridge

A four-hour afternoon express rafting trip on the New River Gorge with guided Class III/IV whitewater and scenic passage ending beneath the iconic New River Gorge Bridge.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Raft the Lower New River: Class III/IV Drops, Riverbank Lunch, and a Finish beneath the New River Gorge Bridge

ADVEXPEDITION

Hico, West Virginia

RaftingADV Bookable

Raft the Lower New River: Class III/IV Drops, Riverbank Lunch, and a Finish beneath the New River Gorge Bridge

A six-hour guided rafting day trip out of Hico that runs Class III/IV whitewater, includes a catered riverside lunch, and is ideal for anyone 11 and older planning a single-day river adventure.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Afternoon on the Upper New: A four-hour family raft through national-forest scenery

ADVEXPEDITION

Hico, West Virginia

RaftingADV Bookable

Afternoon on the Upper New: A four-hour family raft through national-forest scenery

A 4-hour afternoon, family-friendly rafting trip on the Upper New River (ages 5+), featuring gentle Class I–II rapids, swimming stops, and a personal guide.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Lower Gauley: 13 Miles of Canyon-Cut Whitewater and Fall Color

ADVEXPEDITION

Russellville, West Virginia

RaftingADV Bookable

Lower Gauley: 13 Miles of Canyon-Cut Whitewater and Fall Color

A 4–6 hour, 13-mile guided rafting run with New & Gauley River Adventures through iconic rapids such as Koontz’s Flume and Pure Screaming Hell — this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Riverside Cottage: A Quiet New River Retreat in Historic Thurmond (Max 4 • $160/night)

ADVEXPEDITION

Thurmond, West Virginia

LodgingADV Bookable

Riverside Cottage: A Quiet New River Retreat in Historic Thurmond (Max 4 • $160/night)

A one- to seven-night stay on the banks of the New River—this guide explains the cottage, the riverside deck, and the short walk into Thurmond's restored railroad town.

LodgingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip