While spending time out in West Virginia, I was lucky enough to spend a couple days hiking the trails of Kanawha State Forest. The Forest is just outside of the City of Charleston and is truly a beautiful place to spend some time outdoors. My first recommendation to you is to either print out a map ahead of time or stop by the Nature Center to pick one up on your way in. Many of these trails are not loops, but rely instead on you to create your own based on the existing trail systems. I didn’t walk them all, but I will be reviewing the ones I used to make my own loops here. Starting with the first one I walked: Rocky Ridge Trail.
The trail definitely lives up to its name. It is marked by two things- a blue square trail blaze and some steep climbs and descents. Within the first mile, it climbs to one of its highest points pretty quickly from the trailhead. While there is some switchbacks utilized, they are your classic Appalachian switchbacks- still steep, just slightly less so.
While there is no truly stunning vista from the top of this trail, it does tease you with a peak out at the beauty of West Virginia’s mountains with a few rocky clearings in the ridge line. It also offers a pretty clear glimpse into a barely touched landscape, peaceful forests, and some challenge for people searching for it.
Overall Recommendation:
Best Parts: The peace of a trail that is off the beaten path. Gives a backcountry feel.
Worst Parts: It is pretty steep and has some moments of difficult navigation.
Difficulty Rating: Moderately Challenging.
Recommendation: Good for someone looking for a challenge, not for families or novice hikers.
UnBEARable Adventures 
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