Charleston, West Virginia, is a great destination for outdoor recreation, offering a wide range of activities. Visitors and residents revel in the region’s natural beauty, from hiking trails that wind along wooded hills and rivers to unparalleled scenic overlooks. Charleston is the perfect location from which to start your adventure.
Mountain biking and road biking are common ways to explore the area, with routes suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. For those who enjoy being on the water, kayaking and paddleboarding on nearby local rivers provide a relaxing yet adventurous way to spend a day outdoors. Fishing is another favorite pastime enjoyed thanks to the region’s abundant waterways.
SCAN TO PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE
In addition to these options, Charleston offers outdoor fun for all seasons and interests. Horseback riding allows riders to experience the landscape at a slower pace, while running and walking trails make it easy to stay active. Families often enjoy the skate parks and butterfly gardens. With its mix of land and water activities, Charleston offers plenty of ways to get outside and stay active yearround.
ABOUT US
OUTDOOR PLACES
CATO PARK
COONSKIN PARK
Cato Park offers a p here wooded trails and open spaces make it easy to unplug and utdoors at your own pace. Located in the West Side neighborhood of Charleston, it’s a place to move, play, and recharge whether you ’ re here for a short break outside or an afternoon of activity. Coonskin Park is on rks in the region and just 10 town Charleston. Explore woodland and riverside trails by foot or bike Find the grotto, a perfect spot for pictures. Picnic shelters of all sizes, horseshoe pits, a modern playground, and more make Coonskin the perfect spot.
KANAWHA RIVER
TheKanawhaRiver Charleston,shaping thecity’slandscap g utifulbackdropfor everydaylifeandoutdoorfunFrompeacefulmorningpaddlesto golden-hoursunsets,theriverisaconstantpresencethatconnects thecommunitytonature.
Kanawha State Forest offers a true backcountry experience just 15 minutes from the city, with nearly 60 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and quiet exploration, along with opportunities to camp under the trees. It’s a place to slow down, challenge yourself, and connect with nature without ever leaving the Charleston area.
MAGICISLAND &SKATEPARK
Located in downtown Charleston, Magic Island is a great stop for people with all abilities. The paved walking path around the island takes you past majestic views of the river, a playground and splash pad for the kids, and volleyball courts for those who want an intense game. Across the street you will find Charleston’s skate park, perfect for skaters and BMX.
SUNRISE CARRIAGETRAIL
A short walk from downtown Charleston, the Carriage Trail begins at the foot of the hill behind the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad Depot, which itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Along the trail you’ll find several historical gems, including the graves of two female Civil War spies and a memorial to Christa McAuliffe, American teacher and astronaut. The view from the top is breathtaking!
COAL RIVER & MEADOWOOD PARK
Just a 20-minute drive from the Capital City, this area is known for flatwater kayaking and is home to the Tour de Coal, the largest flatwater kayak event in the U.S. Don't have your own watercraft? The Coal River Group rents single and tandem kayaks and paddleboards. Fishing is also a great way to enjoy this area. The newest addition to the Coal River is the Tornado Single Trax Trail System Part of the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, this network of trails is roughly 35 miles and open to dirt bikes and e-bikes.
ELK RIVERTRAILS
WindingthroughruggedW scenicriver, ElkRiverTrailsoffersmile ilfor gbiking,and exploring nature. Enjoy the views of open countryside and riversideforests.
The Clendenin trailhead, a common starting point for many outdooradventuresonthetrail,isapproximately32minutesfrom downtown.Thetrailitselfstretchesroughly70milesandconnects severaltownsandaccesspointsalongtheriver,makingita versatiledestinationforbothdaytripsandlongerexcursions.
LITTLE CREEKPARK
Little Creek Park is located 10 minutes from downtown. There you will find fun for the entire family, with trails for all skill levels, playgrounds, and sports facilities. Several trails run along the creek where visitors find little beaches, perfect for getting your feet wet and skipping rocks. Little Creek Park is also the home of the Kanawha Valley Soap Box Derby.
Over 15 miles of trails run alon
RIDENOUR LAKE
ur Lake providing great access to bank fishing and the perfect spot f
e. Fish for native trout, which are stocked in the lake during January and March. Looking for some pickleball action? The Nitro Athletic Complex offers the largest indoor pickleball facility in the region. Located 20 minutes from downtown Charleston, Ridenour Lake is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon.
ST. ALBANS CITY PARK
Just 20 minutes from Charle is a popular outdoor recreation destinati offers a variety of activity for all ages. The park features hiking and biking trails for both nature walks and more vigorous activities, a disc golf course for a fun and challenging round with friends, and plenty of open space. There are also playgrounds for kids, athletic fields for team sports, and a dog park, making it a versatile spot for outdoor fun.
WINE CELLAR PARK
Dunbar’s Wine Cellar Park, a 15 minute drive from Charleston, is one of the undiscovered gems of the Kanawha Valley, featuring the ruins of antebellum wine cellars and a sevenacre lake. Explore the wine cellar ruins built in 1860 before taking a leisurely hike through the park up to Laura Anderson Lake, which is stocked annually with native trout. Along the way check out the disc golf course
GEAR UP
Shops
Elk City Cycles
John’s Cyclery
Elk City Skate Shop
Roberts Running
Charleston Bike Center
Rentals
Charleston Watersports
Coal River Group
Elk River Getaway
Appalachian Outlaws SXS
FOUR SEASONS OF ADVENTURE
SPRING
Take in the View
Enjoy a scenic drive on WV Route 60 to Kanawha Falls.
Run the River
Take in an afternoon run along the Kanawha Blvd.
Cast a line
Enjoy a relaxing day catching fish on the Elk or Kanawha Rivers.
Game Time
Play a friendly game of Pickleball at Nitro Athletic Complex.
SUMMER
Let’s go skate
Shred the obstacles at Charleston’s Skate Park.
Float the water Kayak down world class flat water on the Coal River.
Play a round of disc golf
Have a fun outdoor challenge at one of Charleston’s scenic courses.
Visit a butterfly garden
Enjoy a peaceful stroll among pollinators at Spring Hill Cemetery and Arboretum.
