The Kanawha Trace is a 31-mile point-to-point trail through the wooded hills and pastoral valleys of West Virginia's Cabell, Mason, and Putnam counties. It runs from Barboursville (at the confluence of the Mud and Guyandotte Rivers) north to Fraziers Bottom on the Kanawha River, and though it is never far from civilization, the character of the route stays remote and rugged. With over 4,200 feet of elevation gain, the Kanawha Trace is rated as difficult and typically takes 2-3 days to complete.
The trail is a volunteer project through and through. Started in the late 1950s by BSA Troop 42 from Huntington and opened in 1962, it is still maintained by the same Boy Scout troop and local volunteers. The route crosses mostly private land through the cooperation of landowners, so respect for the property and trail stewardship is essential.
This trail suits self-sufficient backpackers comfortable with minimal infrastructure, limited water sources, and some navigation challenges. Expect mostly single-track through forests with sections on gravel roads, creek crossings, fence crossings, and encounters with livestock. The route includes a hard stretch nicknamed "Hell's Staircase" and plenty of rocky, rooty footing. You'll pass through rural communities and cross roads, so it is never truly remote, but the hiking itself is genuine backcountry with the added security of civilization nearby if something goes wrong.
No permits are required to hike the Kanawha Trace. The trail exists entirely on private property (except for public road crossings) because landowners have generously allowed public access. That arrangement puts extra responsibility on hikers to respect the land, stay on trail, pack out all trash, and follow Leave No Trace principles. Damaging property or trespassing beyond the trail corridor could jeopardize access for future hikers.
Camping is limited to three designated areas: two trail shelters and a tent camping area near the old Blackjack Schoolhouse around mile 20. Do not camp on private property outside these designated areas. Trail information does not mention fires, so plan on using a backpacking stove.
During West Virginia's rifle deer season (typically late November through early December, specifically November 24-December 7), the trail maintainers strongly request that hikers stay off the trail for safety reasons. If you must hike during hunting season, wear at least 400 square inches of blaze orange.
The Kanawha Trace is best hiked from March through October, with spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) the most comfortable. West Virginia summers can be hot and humid, with temperatures in the 80s-90s°F, which makes the climbs more strenuous and raises your water needs. On the other hand, creek crossings may be more reliable during the summer months.
Spring brings wildflowers and reliable water, since snowmelt and spring rains keep the creeks flowing. Fall has cooler temperatures and strong foliage color, but water sources may be less dependable by late October.
Winter hiking is possible but comes with shorter daylight, potential snow and ice on the steep sections, and water sources that may be very limited or frozen. Creek crossings become more hazardous in high water during spring thaw or after heavy rains.
Avoid late November through early December because of rifle deer season. The trail can be extremely muddy for several days after rain, particularly on the logging roads and rutted-out ridge sections. If possible, wait 3-4 days after heavy rainfall before attempting the trail.
Water is the main logistical challenge on the Kanawha Trace. The trail has only two designated water spots for the entire 31-mile distance, supplemented by creek crossings that may or may not be flowing depending on the season. In late summer and fall, expect many sources to dry up. Always carry water treatment (filter, chemical tablets, or UV purifier) and plan on carrying 2-3 liters between reliable sources.
One notable creek crossing comes after passing a gas pipeline, where a wide crossing is planned for future bridge construction. Several sections follow creek beds or cross small streams, but seasonal reliability varies. The aid stations mentioned in race reports (near Blackjack Schoolhouse at mile 20, for example) are for organized events only and should not be counted on for backpacking trips.
For resupply, the trail passes through or near several small communities. Ona, Eleanor, and Milton have grocery stores (including Piggly Wiggly locations) within reach if you're willing to walk a short distance from the trail. These communities cover basic food and water needs, though the trail doesn't pass directly through the town centers, so plan your route carefully.
Mail drops are not a viable option given the informal nature of the trail and the lack of established checkpoints. Plan on carrying all your food, or arrange for someone to meet you at a road crossing if you need resupply on a longer trip.
The Kanawha Trace has several hazards that require preparation:
Creek Crossings: Multiple creek crossings occur throughout the route, some involving rock-hopping and others requiring wading. After heavy rain or during spring snowmelt, these crossings can be dangerous with fast-moving water. The wide creek crossing near the gas pipeline is particularly notable and may require wading.
Livestock and Dogs: The trail crosses grazing land with cattle and horses, which means fence crossings. More concerning are reports of aggressive dogs, particularly after mile 10-11 northbound, where dogs from adjacent properties have confronted hikers. Consider carrying trekking poles for defense and be prepared to back away slowly if confronted. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising animals.
Wildlife: Black bears are common in West Virginia forests. Attacks are rare, but proper food storage is essential. The trail has no bear boxes, so bring a bear-resistant canister or hanging system and store food 100 yards from camp, 10 feet off the ground, and 4 feet from tree trunks. Venomous snakes (timber rattlesnakes and copperheads) are present; watch where you step, especially near rocks and logs, and wear long pants and boots. Ticks are prevalent, particularly in spring: tuck pants into socks, use permethrin on clothing, and check for ticks daily.
Navigation: The trail is marked, but the mix of single-track, logging roads, and occasional unclear junctions can cause navigation trouble. Bring a GPS device or phone with offline maps. Some sections run on paved and gravel roads where the blazing may be less obvious.
Terrain: With over 4,200 feet of elevation gain spread across 31 miles, the trail includes steep climbs and descents. Rocky, rooty trail surfaces require careful footing. The section known as "Hell's Staircase," with its marshy bottoms, is particularly hard. Trekking poles are highly recommended.
Remoteness vs. Proximity: The trail is never far from roads and civilization, which provides some safety buffer, but cell service may be unreliable in the valleys. Carry a first aid kit and be prepared to self-rescue or reach a road crossing for emergency assistance.
Southern Trailhead (Barboursville): The southern terminus is in Barboursville, directly west of First Sentry Bank. Parking is extremely limited, though: only a small gravel shoulder and very narrow road access. Many hikers report being unable to find safe, legal parking here.
Recommended Starting Point (Camp Arrowhead): A better option for the southern end is Camp Arrowhead near Ona. From Charleston, take I-64 West to Exit 20, turn left from the exit, then left on US Route 60 East. Turn left on Blue Sulphur Road and go 1.5 miles, then turn right on Boy Scout Road. Continue another 0.5 miles to Camp Arrowhead, staying right at the camp entrance to reach gravel parking near the lake. This gives you reliable parking and trail access near the southern section.
Northern Trailhead (Fraziers Bottom): The northern terminus is on Old Route 35 near Fraziers Bottom (mile 31.7 of the trail), where the route turns onto Stave Branch Road for 0.5 miles before entering the woods. Like the Barboursville end, parking is very limited and the roads are narrow. Hikers report difficulty finding safe parking at this terminus.
Nearest Airports: Yeager Airport (CRW) in Charleston is 57 miles from the trail area and offers flights to seven major airports. Huntington Tri-State Airport (HTS) is closer at about 10-15 miles from the Barboursville trailhead, with flights to Charlotte, Orlando, Tampa Bay, Fort Myers, and Myrtle Beach. Rental cars are available at both airports.
Nearest Towns: Huntington (15 miles from Barboursville) is the largest nearby city, with full services including outdoor outfitters. Charleston, the state capital, is about 50 miles away. Both cities are on I-64.
Shuttle Services: No dedicated shuttle services operate for the Kanawha Trace, which is a real problem for point-to-point hikers. Options include a car shuttle (drop one vehicle at each end), ride-sharing services if available, rides with friends, or contacting local trail organizations through the Kanawha Trace Facebook page or website (kanawhatrace.org) to ask about volunteer shuttle assistance. Some backpackers get shuttle access by participating in the annual Kanawha Trace trail runs, though that requires timing your hike with the race schedule.
Road Conditions: Reaching Camp Arrowhead means driving Boy Scout Road, which is fine for regular vehicles. The narrow roads at both official termini make parking difficult but don't require high clearance, just careful maneuvering on rural roads.
Start at Camp Arrowhead: Rather than struggling with parking at the Barboursville terminus, begin at Camp Arrowhead, where parking is available and trail access is straightforward. This adds minimal distance while solving the parking problem.
Water Strategy: Given the limited water sources, plan your camps near the two designated water spots. Carry extra capacity (3-4 liters) and take advantage of any creek crossing to top off, even if it means treating more water than usual. Always have backup treatment methods.
Camping at Blackjack Schoolhouse: The field near the old schoolhouse at mile 20 is a popular camping spot roughly halfway through the trail, which makes it a natural fit for a two-day traverse. The two shelters (locations not specified in available information) provide weather protection if you can locate them.
Contact Trail Maintainers: Before hiking, consider reaching out via the Kanawha Trace Facebook page or website for current trail conditions, water source status, and any recent issues. The volunteers can provide invaluable local knowledge.
Respect Private Property: Landowners are doing hikers a favor by allowing trail access. Stay on the trail, pack out all trash including toilet paper, and be a good ambassador for the trail. Trespassing or damaging property could result in losing access.
Blaze Color: Research or ask about the trail's blaze color before starting to help with navigation. Many volunteer-maintained trails use paint blazes that fade over time.
Dog Policy: Dogs are allowed, but given the aggressive dog encounters hikers have reported, be cautious about bringing your own pet. Keep dogs leashed and under control near livestock and residential areas.
Timing for Solitude: The trail sees relatively light use compared to more popular backpacking destinations, so you'll likely have a quiet trip. Trail race weekends (typically in spring and fall) are the exception, when the route fills with runners and support crews.
Emergency Exits: Study the trail map before starting and identify road crossings where you could exit in an emergency. The trail crosses numerous roads along its length, so there are multiple bailout options if weather, injury, or other issues come up.
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