Kanawha State Forest
& Capitol Market

Tour Date: Wednesday, October 12
Tour Time: 1 – 4:30 p.m.
Cost if registered by June 10: $25 (For additional tour pricing for guests see registration information)
Cost if registered on or after June 10: $35 (For additional tour pricing for guests see registration information)
Activity Level: Easy to moderate—you choose the hike that will fit your comfort level. (See additional information at the bottom of the page.)

Kanawha State Forest is a place where one can find tranquility and be one with nature. On this October day, leaves on the trees will be in their full fall color.

Much of the temperate hardwood forest in Appalachia is disappearing; therefore these 9,000 acres are a place to piece together the puzzle of what our land was like.

Several groups, led by Master Naturalists, will walk along trails to learn about different topics such as trees, plants, aquatic life and history. There will be an opportunity to look for a witch hazel tree in bloom and new leaves of the putty root orchid.

As the sun goes down behind the mountains, we will conclude our afternoon with a trip to the Charleston Capitol Market, a renovated railroad transfer dock which was built in the late 1800s.

This is an opportunity to look at the produce in season and enjoy a colorful array of pumpkins and chrysanthemums. Inside the market, there are food and craft specialties including Swiss chocolates, wine and cheese, various coffees and teas, and bulk foods.

From here the bus will return you to your hotel and the Civic Center.

*This is an active tour that is fairly fast paced. This tour is not ADA accessible.

Photos published with permission of the West Virginia Department of Commerce.