If you already have a fitness routine, getting out of the gym and into nature is a great way to change things up. Not only can being outdoors boost your mood but you’re more likely to be active for a longer period of time. Having easy access to nature can provide you with more options and a wider variety of outdoor activities like hiking, canoeing, biking and paddleboarding.
One of the reasons older adults love Edgewood Summit in Charleston, West Virginia[CT1] [SL2] , is the location in the Allegheny Mountains at the juncture of the Elk and Kanawha rivers, so there are plenty of opportunities to workout with Mother Nature. If you’re looking to expand your workout routine, or just want to get outdoors more, here’s a list of our favorite hiking and biking trails along with places to canoe and paddleboard around Charleston. You’ll also find suggestions for other things to do outdoors and places to explore.
Trail Adventures
Kanawha State Forest: This 9,300-acre recreation area is located just seven miles from Charleston and features nine hiking trails covering 25 miles. The forest is known for both its wildflowers and bird population with 19 species of wood warblers. Some recommended trails include Mossy Rock which gains elevation moderately and connects to Middle Ridge Trail. Middle Ridge Trail winds across the top of the ridge. You can then connect to Alligator Rock Trail which takes you to Alligator Rock (the trail’s namesake).
Meeks Mountain: Meeks Mountain, next to Hurricane City Park, in Hurricane, West Virginia, has over 20 miles of trails and is a popular place for hiking, bird watching and mountain biking.
Eleanor City Park: The park has 18 miles of trails which gain approximately 1,800 feet of elevation. Must-ride trails include Faceplant and Gun Range.
Little Creek Park: This park features three main trails, the Loop Trail, Rock Ridge and Little Creek. The Loop Trail has a picturesque rock formation known as the Devil’s Tea Table.
Coonskin Park: This beautiful park is just 10 miles from downtown Charleston where you can explore woodland and riverside trails on foot or bike.
Sunrise Carriage Trail: This trail begins behind the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad Depot. You can park at the bottom of the hill or at the top and take in the breathtaking view. Dogs on leashes are welcome.
Elk River Rail-Trail: A former railroad corridor, this rail-to-trails system stretches for nearly 51 miles along the Elk River. The trail is open for hiking, biking and horseback riding.[CT3] [SL4]
Water Activities
The Elk River Rail-Trail: While you can hike or bike the Elk River Rail-Trail, there are also several river access points for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, boating and fishing along this 172-mile tributary. There’s an easily accessible kayak launch at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center in downtown Charleston, as well as communities and towns all along the trail.
Other Outdoor Activities
Pickleball: There are pickleball courts in Huntington at Ritter Park and Westmoreland Park as well as Barboursville Park and the Town of Ceredo.
Outdoor Activities Farther Outside of Town
The New River Gorge: The deepest (1,600 feet) and longest (53 miles) river gorge in the Appalachian Mountains, the New River Gorge is located 80 miles southeast of Charleston and encompasses over 70,000 acres. Hike one of the hundreds of hiking trails through serene forests with many of them offering scenic overlooks.
Fishing at Elk Fork Lake: The depth and clarity of Elk Fork Lake make it an ideal habitat for bass and those who like to fish for them.
Discover a Naturally More Enjoyable Lifestyle
Situated in the Allegheny Mountains where the Kanawha and Elk rivers converge, Edgewood Summit is in the perfect retirement spot for active adults with a variety of interests, including outdoor enthusiasts. To learn more, call us at 304-346-2323 or contact us here.
