52 Hikes in 52 Weeks: Wildcat Ridge Trail (Week 1)

Hey Everyone! Happy first Day of 52 Hikes in 52 Weeks. I completed this hike on 1/23/2021, so that will be our check in point for this challenge. Meaning by that date next year I better have completed 52 hikes. I hope you guys are as ready for this as I am. 

The first hike has been completed! My friend Sofia and I drove to Kanawha State Forest from Huntington, WV. I decided to keep this hike kind of close to home and I’m really glad that I did because it was a whopping 21 degrees outside. But it was a great day for a hike none-the-less.

Hike Details:

Location:

1. Kanawha State Forest

2. Wildcat Ridge Trail

3. 38.258736517361484, -81.67046752252287

I nearly always use the app “All Trails” to locate trailheads. For the most part, it’s a pretty reliable way to make sure that you know exactly where you’ll be starting your hike. The app also provides driving directions for all of the trails listed through their platform and the app also has safety features like “Lifeline” for those hikes that may be more off grid than this particular one.

I have to warn you though that while directions are free, you have to have a “pro” account to download map layers that will stay active when you lose service, for those moments that you want to make sure that you’re staying on trail. This trail is so well marked though that staying on trail shouldn’t be a concern. 

If you don’t want to deal with All Trails, these coordinates come from google maps and can actually be typed directly into your phone’s mapping application as the place that you are trying to go. It should take you really close to the trailhead if not directly to it. 

The parking lot is connected to the trailhead area by a small bridge that crosses a creek. It’s a good size so I don’t think overcrowding would be a big problem.

This hike is listed on All Trails as easy and 4 miles long. I clocked it as 5 miles. It took us about 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete this hike. A good rule of thumb to use is 30 minutes per mile for the average hiker. 

Here is the All Trails link.

The first mile of this trail is a series of moderately graded switchbacks with a couple of steep spots. It’s definitely the most challenging part of the hike but with a good pace and a positive attitude it’s an enjoyable climb. After the first mile there is still some elevation gain and loss but nothing as substantial.

I would classify this as an easy but bordering moderate trail because of the first section. Definitely a good hike for anyone that wants to graduate from flatter trails to something a little more challenging. 

It was really sunny even though it was cold so the walk along the ridgeline was really crisp and everything just looked so sharp and blue and beautiful.

Kanawha State Forest really is the outdoor gem of the Charleston area. Because of its proximity to commercial areas you really don’t need to bring anything other than plenty of water and maybe some snacks to keep your energy up.

There are lots of trees to string up your hammock and kick back with a book which could be really nice in the spring/summer months.

Let us know if you like this hike!

We want to highlight the trails that you hike every week and the trails that have absolutely blown you away, so send us your favorite hikes!

Thanks for coming by and I hope to see you on the trail!