Kanawha State Forest

KanaWHAT?! A place you can find 9,300 wooded acres full of wildflowers and songbirds just seven miles from the capital? It’s no surprise that Kanawha is a favorite spot among Charleston urbanites for weekend picnics and the occasional camping trip. Hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing trails make this forest an outdoor gym for local residents, but Kanawha isn’t just good for a quick dose of fresh air and recreation. The State Forest is known among naturalists as a hotspot for wildflowers and birds, with rich habitats that support 19 different species of wood warblers. If you think this place is just for locals, don’t be dismayed! Birders travel all the way from Canada to witness Kanawha in summer bloom. No need to book a hotel in Charleston—camp right in the forest for some fresh air and an early morning wake-up call, courtesy of those 19 types of warblers.