With spring just around the corner, it’s time to start planning a nature hike. Nature hikes are a great way to get some exercise while exploring the beautiful natural scenery of Chapmanville, West Virginia. Here are some of the best trails in the area for a spring hike.
Spotted Salamander Trail 
Kanawha State Forest is one of West Virginia’s premier destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. The forest, located near Charleston, is 47 miles from Chapmanville and features over 25 miles of hiking and biking trails of various difficulties. One trail, the Spotted Salamander Trail, is perfect for beginners. The quarter-mile trail is a paved and level walkway accessible to guests who use wheelchairs. The trail features interpretive signs and nature stations designed for those with visual impairments. Its length and easy rating make it enjoyable for the entire family. Watch for the wood-warblers and other birds that call the forest home.
Beech Fork State Park
In the spring, Beech Fork State Park is filled with beautiful wildflowers, making it an excellent destination for your spring hike. The 0.8-mile Nature Trail is rated easy and is suitable for all ages. The trail features a charming footbridge that crosses Long Branch Stream, connecting the Nature Trail to the Long Branch Trail. Also rated easy, the half-mile Long Branch Trail will lead you to a scenic overlook. Beach Fork State Park is 44 miles from Chapmanville, south of Barboursville.
Experienced hikers will want to challenge themselves on the Lost Trail. This 3.5-mile trail is rated hard and features several steep inclines. Watch for birds, frogs, and other wildlife.
The Kanawha Trace
The Kanawha Trace, about an hour from Chapmanville near Ona, runs 31.86 miles from the confluence of the Mud and Guyandotte rivers to the Kanawha River. By the late 1950s, hiking had become a popular American pastime, and West Virginians needed a place to hike and backpack. Local landowners generously donated portions of their property, and The Kanawha Trace was established. Because the trail is well-graded, open, clearly marked, and well-maintained, it’s suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The Kanawha Trace features several loops for day hikers. If you’re planning a hiking vacation, you can take on the entire trail.
Chief Logan State Park
Chief Logan State Park, about 9 miles from Chapmanville, is one of the most-visited parks in the West Virginia state park system. It’s no wonder, given its gorgeous mountain surroundings and abundance of outdoor activities. With 12 hiking trails, it’s certainly a popular destination for hikers. Beginners will want to check out the easy-rated Woodpecker Trail. The 2.3-mile path is flat and will take you through a stunning wildflower-filled landscape. Of course, you should keep an eye out for the trail’s namesake bird.
If you want to incorporate a workout into your hike, head to the Fitness Trail. It’s 1 mile in length and features various exercise stations. The Guyandotte Beauty Trail, which has a rating of difficult, runs past an abandoned coal mine. It’s named after a rare species of wildflower that blooms in May. Synandra hispidula is known informally as “Guyandotte beauty.”
These are just a few areas near Chapmanville where you can take a hike and explore West Virginia’s natural wonders. No matter which trail you choose to hike, you’re sure to have a memorable experience.
Connect with us
