Trail Review: Kanawha State Forest’s CCC Snipe Trail-Mossy Rock Trail to Castle Rock

Because the trail system is a sort of choose your own adventure of connecting trails, this review is going to start at the Kanawha State Forest’s Nature Center and end at the Castle Rock Overlook. The beginning of the CCC Snipe Hike is at the side of the Nature center. So we parked there and unloaded the dogs who accompanied us on this hike. Walking this trail, you should know it has some uphill sections, but it is much more gradual than the Black Bear Trail. The path follows along Shrewsberry Hollow for the majority of the CCC Snipe Trail.

The beginning of the trail is very open and flat, but gradually narrows as goes up into the surrounding mountains. It more or less follows a creek as you walk, the shade is really nice especially in the summer heat. The CCC Snipe Hike Trail is definitely doable by most beginners and people with dogs like we had.

Eventually the trail splits off into two sections. You will want to stay left and head onto the trail marked “Mossy Rock Trail”. You won’t need to complete the trail to get to the Castle Rock Overlook, but it should be warned that this one is where most of the elevation gain is as you climb your way up to the overlook. The dogs, being as young and energetic as they are didn’t have much of a problem doing this park of the hike either, but it is definitely going to be more of a challenge than the first part. Make sure you have water with you.

Castle Rock provides a beautiful view of the Mountains from a rock outcrop. We should warn that the dogs should not come with you up to the rock itself. Little too dangerous. We tied them close by to take this one picture together before one of us went back to watch them and the other explored. The view makes this hike super worth it.

Overall Recommendation:

Best Parts: The hike through the forest and the view from Castle Rock

Worst Part: Dogs + Rock Formation = No. So we had to split up to explore Castle Rock

Difficulty: Moderate- The hike is doable for beginners that want a little challenge.

Recommendation: Be prepared if you are a beginner, but it is worth while for all hikers.