Outdoor Adventures in Charleston

Know your trail at a glance

🟩 Easy | 🟦 Intermediate | ⬛️ Expert

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Hiking & Biking

One of the best things about Charleston is the easy access to amazing hiking and biking opportunities.

Located just seven miles from downtown, Kanawha State Forest features over 50 well-marked hiking and biking trails totaling more than 60+ miles.

• 🟩 Spotted Salamander Trail – paved, level and ADA-friendly with Braille nature stations.
• 🟦 Davis Creek Trail – a shady creek-side favorite for hikers and beginner mountain bikers.

• ⬛️ Wildcat Ridge Trail – This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.

Maps are available at the Nature Center, and park naturalists lead regular guided walks and wildlife programs.

Only 10 minutes from the heart of Downtown Charleston is Coonskin Park (☎ 304-341-8000, dawn–dusk). Spread across 1,000+ acres, it packs woodland & riverside trails, a modern playground, Olympic-size pool, pedal-boat pond, 18-hole par-3 accessible golf course, disc-golf course, bike rentals, wedding garden, amphitheater and reservable picnic shelters of every size.

• 🟦 Alice Night Memorial Trail – a 1.2 mi out & back trail that winds through a shaded forest featuring interesting rock formations, cave structures, and a scenic creek.

If you’re looking for something closer to town, head across the Southside Bridge to the 🟩 Sunrise Carriage Trail. This 0.65-mile shaded gravel path climbs through a beautiful forest above Charleston. Dogs are welcome on leashes and benches line the route for restful stops. Expect spring wildflowers, a cooling creek at the base and fascinating historical treasures, such as the graves of two female Civil War spies and a memorial to Christa McAuliffe. Parking is available at both ends of the trail, and the view from the top is breathtaking!

These trails aren’t just for hiking; they’re great for biking too! Looking for more riding inspiration? Check routes, gear and events at BikeCity-USA.com , Charleston’s one-stop hub for two-wheel travelers.

Urban Adventures: Self-Guided Art Walk & Boulevard Loop

Trade dirt for city sidewalks on our 🟩 Self-Guided Public Art Tour, walk through downtown past murals, sculptures and historic architecture.

Need a riverside run or spin? The paved multi-use path along 🟩 Kanawha Boulevard hugs the river for more than four miles between the Capitol and Patrick Street Bridge—perfect for walking, running or biking with skyline and water views the whole way.

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Water Sports

Elk River Adventures

A favorite downtown put-in is the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center dock, which offers a free dry-chute launch for kayaks, canoes & SUPs daily 7 AM–9 PM with complimentary parking at the dock.

Need gear? Elk River Get-A-Way in Clendenin rents youth & adult kayaks, fishing kayaks, canoes and tubes—ideal for exploring upstream sections of the Elk. Call 304-993-0006 to reserve.

Paddle the Coal River

Just 20 minutes south of town, the 88-mile Coal River “Walhonde” Water Trail delivers flat-water fun for beginners and anglers alike. Local non-profit Coal River Group maintains launches, hosts clean-ups and stages the annual Tour de Coal community float each June. Visit coalrivergroup.com for current river levels, rentals and event dates.

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Other Outdoor Recreation

Camping at Kanawha State Forest
46 wooded sites (25 with electric/water) are open April – December; two bathhouses and coin-op laundry on-site.

Reserve online or call 1-833-WV-PARKS.
Park Office: 7500 Kanawha State Forest Dr • 304-558-3500.

Whether you’re looking to relax, explore or engage in recreational activities, Kanawha State Forest also delivers with picnic shelters, playgrounds, horse stables, and geocaching.

Coonskin Park

Picnic shelters, horseshoe pits and a modern playground make Coonskin the perfect spot for reunions or birthday parties. Meeting and reception room rentals are also available for your next event. Add in tennis & pickleball courts, a skate park, 3,000-seat soccer stadium and more, and you’ll see why locals love it year-round.

Urban Explorer

Charleston offers the ideal blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, making it a destination with something for everyone. Take the opportunity today to step outside and experience Wild, Wonderful West Virginia.

Reminder: When enjoying the outdoors in Charleston, WV, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash and respecting nature. Be kind to fellow adventurers and wildlife so everyone can enjoy the beauty of our wild spaces.

Utilize apps and online resources such as AllTrails to find trail maps and more details.