A 9,300-acre state forest a few miles south of downtown, Kanawha State Forest offers a real escape from the city — wooded ridgelines, the rocky bed of Davis Creek, a network of hiking and mountain biking trails ranging from easy stream-side walks to steep half-day climbs. Campsites, picnic shelters, and a small public swimming pool make it popular with Charleston families on summer weekends.
From downtown, take the South Side Bridge, turn left on Loudon Heights Road, then right on Connell Road down into the Loudendale community and follow that road to the end. About 15 minutes by car.