6/24/2009
After being closed the past few years, the
swimming pool at
Kanawha State Forest has been repaired and is open again. Kanawha State Forest is a cool retreat for families and individuals looking for a familiar swimming area. The newly-reopened pool is complete with a snack bar and a splash area for small children.
The pool holds 210,000 gallons of water and is approximately 40 x 100 feet, according to Kevin Dials, Assistant Superintendent. “It certainly will be a refreshing swim on the hot days that seem to be in store for us this summer here in the Kanawha Valley.”
The pool hours and snack bar hours are noon to 7 p.m. daily and the admission fee is $3 for adults and $2 children ages 12 and younger. The forest offers season swimming passes, two-day passes, and a booklet of 10-tickets in addition to daily pool use fees.
A “splish-splash” area at the swimming pool for younger children is a different approach to summer fun and a safer option for families with younger children enjoying the outdoors. “It’s not a kiddy pool, but more of a fountain area where kids can splash and have a big time, but not be in water of any depth." Dials said.
Geocaching is also popular at the forest and several caches are in place. Visit the Geocaching page at www.wvstateparks.com for a list of caches on state parks and forests.
“People with GPS units in their vehicles and cell phones appreciate the navigation coordinates for the Kanawha State Forest entrance,” said Dials. “We’ve posted those to our Web site at www.kanawhastateforest.com and they are: 38° 16' 53.36" N, 81° 38' 30.33" W.”
Additionally, the forest Web site lists trails for hiking and biking and summer activities that include campfire programs and outdoor activities. Programs and activities at Kanawha State Forest are open to the public and generally at no charge. Assistance can be provided by summer naturalist Carrie Hammond.
In addition to the swimming pool, geocaching, hiking and biking trails and hunting opportunities, this 9300-acre state forest features a 46-site, fully equipped camping area. The campground is served by two bathhouses and coin-operated laundry facilities. All sites have fireplaces and picnic tables. In addition, 25 sites feature electricity and water hookups. All electric pedestals are 20-amp service. Firewood and ice are available. A dump station is available for campground guests. The campground is open from mid-April through deer rifle season. There is an extended stay coupon online at www.wvstateparks.com to encourage camping.
Kanawha State Forest is located minutes from I-64 in Charleston. Take Exit 58A, drive south on US 119. Turn left onto Oakwood Rd. at the second stop light, (following the brown and white routing signs) go 3/4 mile and take a left before George Washington High School and continue on Oakwood Road, turn right onto Bridge Rd., and right onto Connell Rd. At the bottom of Connell, make a sharp left onto Kanawha Forest Drive, and follow to the forest entrance.
For more information about Kanawha State Forest, call 304-558-3500 or visit Kanawha State Forest online at www.kanawhastateforest.com .
Contact Information
David Kinbardo
304-558-2764 x 51824