The best parks & outdoor spots in Charleston

Whether you want an easy walk or a legit paddle, Meadowood Park has 6 hiking trails, a wetland nature loop, and two kayak launches that feed into the 88-mile Coal River Flatwater Trail. Toss in Pettigrew Lake fishing, a new playground, and the Mountaineer Mile... you’ve got options.

From the Nitro newsletter, October 12, 2026

Ridenour Memorial Park lines up a calm stretch of Ridenour Lake along with shelter and gazebo rentals for birthdays, reunions, or a low-key Sunday hangout. Check the Friends of Ridenour page for updates and ways to pitch in, then enjoy some quiet time without leaving town.

From the Nitro newsletter, October 10, 2026

St. Albans City Park has the stuff locals actually use, from hiking trails and disc golf to fields for pickup games and kid-approved playgrounds. October brings the Haunted Trail on Oct 9, 10, 16, 17, plus a Free Family Fall Festival on Oct 17, 2026.

From the Nitro newsletter, October 8, 2026

Meeks Mountain Trails is Hurricane’s go-to trail system for getting your steps, sanity, and maybe a little mud, with routes that work for casual hikes or serious training. Between the orienteering course, camping options, and the hometown Hurricane Hundred K, there’s always another reason to lace up.

From the Hurricane newsletter, October 1, 2026

Coonskin Park packs more than a thousand acres of woods with hiking and biking trails, an Olympic size pool, disc golf, pickleball and tennis courts, a fishing pond, a skating park and roomy picnic shelters. This week, grab a quick round on the par 3 short course or wander Herscher Lake.

From the Charleston newsletter, October 18, 2026