10 Fun Things To Do Near Pinch, West Virginia (Kanawha County)
If you’re looking for a quiet corner of West Virginia that’s still close to great outdoor adventures and family-friendly attractions,
Pinch, WV is a sweet little spot to know about. Tucked in Kanawha County just northeast of Charleston, Pinch feels like small-town America but sits within a short drive of hiking trails, rivers, and even a state capital.
Whether you’re road-tripping through West Virginia, visiting friends and family, or just curious about new places, here are
10 fun things to do in and around Pinch, West Virginia.
1. Enjoy the Quiet Charm of Pinch and the Elk River
Pinch itself is a small community, but that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s the kind of place where you can actually hear the wind in the trees and the water running in the nearby Elk River.
Take a slow drive along the local roads and you’ll notice:
- Green hills rolling off in every direction
- Small churches and family homes with big yards
- The Elk River winding its way nearby
If you like simple pleasures, bring:
- A camping chair to sit by the river
- A good book
- A picnic lunch from a local store or deli
You won’t find big tourist crowds here, and that’s the beauty of it. Pinch is a great “home base” if you prefer staying somewhere peaceful while exploring Kanawha County and the Charleston area.
2. Hike and Explore Coonskin Park
Just a short drive southwest toward Charleston,
Coonskin Park is one of the top things to do near Pinch, WV. It’s a spacious county park that locals love and visitors are usually surprised by.
You’ll find:
- Several miles of hiking and walking trails
- A peaceful lake with ducks and geese
- Playgrounds for kids
- Picnic shelters and open grassy areas
If you’re traveling with family, this is an easy half-day outing. Kids can burn off energy on the playgrounds, and adults can stretch their legs on the trails. The park has that laid-back West Virginia feel—wooded hills, shady spots, and just enough amenities to be comfortable.
Tip: If you’re visiting in fall, the changing leaves here are worth the trip on their own.
3. Take a Day Trip into Charleston, West Virginia
Pinch is only about a 20–25 minute drive from
Charleston, WV, the state capital. So if you’re looking for more to do than small-town quiet, a day trip into the city is an easy win.
In Charleston you can:
- Walk along the Kanawha River on the riverfront paths
- Stop into local coffee shops and restaurants
- Check out live music or events downtown, especially in summer
Charleston is small by big-city standards, but that’s part of its charm. It feels doable in a day, and it’s not overwhelming if you’re traveling with kids or older family members.
If you’re staying in Pinch for a few days, you might even plan:
- One day for city activities
- Another day for hiking or river fun
That mix of urban and outdoor fun is one of the best things about this part of Kanawha County.
4. Visit the West Virginia State Capitol and Grounds
One of the highlights of Charleston—and a must-do while you’re staying near Pinch—is the
West Virginia State Capitol. Even if you’re not into politics, the building itself is impressive.
The gold dome shines in the sun and is actually covered in real gold leaf. It’s taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., which surprises a lot of people.
Around the Capitol you can:
- Walk the landscaped grounds and riverfront
- Snap photos of the dome from different angles
- Take a peek inside when tours are available
The Capitol complex is right along the Kanawha River, so it’s also a nice place for a slow stroll. If you enjoy photography, this is one of the most scenic spots near Pinch.
5. Learn Something New at the West Virginia State Museum
Right next to the Capitol, you’ll find the
West Virginia State Museum, and it’s absolutely worth your time—especially if you like history, geology, or just learning how a place came to be what it is today.
Inside, you can:
- Walk through exhibits that tell the story of West Virginia from early Native history to coal mining and beyond
- See old tools, artifacts, and hands-on displays
- Get a sense of how the mountains shaped life here
This is a great
rainy day activity near Pinch, WV. It’s also one of the more budget-friendly attractions in the area. If you’re road-tripping with kids, the museum can turn into a fun “mini field trip” that breaks up all those hours in the car.
6. Enjoy Family Time at Haddad Riverfront Park
If you visit Charleston in the warmer months, add
Haddad Riverfront Park to your list. It’s an outdoor amphitheater and park right on the edge of the Kanawha River.
Depending on the day, you might find:
- Free or low-cost concerts
- Festivals and community events
- People just hanging out along the river
Even when nothing big is going on, this is a nice place to:
- Sit on the steps and watch boats glide by
- Take a stroll before or after dinner downtown
- Let kids run around a bit in an open space
If you’re staying in Pinch, check local event calendars before you come. You might get lucky and catch a summer concert or special event—then head back to the quiet of Pinch at night.
7. Explore Kanawha State Forest
If you love the outdoors,
Kanawha State Forest is one of the top things to do near Pinch, WV. It’s on the other side of Charleston from Pinch, but still a reasonable drive for a day of adventure.
The forest covers thousands of acres and offers:
- Dozens of miles of hiking and biking trails
- Picnic areas and shelters
- Streams, shady hollows, and ridge-top views
You don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy it. Some trails are short and easy, while others are more challenging. You can choose based on your energy level that day.
If you’re from out of state and you’ve never walked in Appalachian woods before, this is a great way to experience them—tall trees, cool shade, and that damp, earthy smell that says, “You’re in the mountains now.”
8. Hit the Water: Elk River and Kanawha River Activities
One of the biggest perks of staying near Pinch is how close you are to two major rivers: the
Elk River and the
Kanawha River.
Around the Elk River near Pinch and north of it, you can:
- Fish from the bank or by boat (with a proper license)
- Kayak or canoe on calmer sections
- Find quiet pull-offs for photos and picnics
Closer to Charleston, the Kanawha River offers:
- Boat ramps and spots to launch kayaks
- Riverfront paths for walking and biking
If you enjoy being near the water, bring:
- Fishing gear
- Life jackets and paddles if you have a kayak or canoe
- A cooler with drinks and snacks
Always check local rules and river conditions, especially after heavy rain. Mountain rivers can change quickly, so it’s smart to stay aware and play it safe.
9. Discover Local Flavors: Diners, BBQ, and Mom-and-Pop Spots
One thing many travelers remember about West Virginia is the food. Not fancy, just
good. Around Pinch and in the greater Kanawha County area, you’ll find:
- Local diners serving hearty breakfasts
- BBQ joints with pulled pork, ribs, and coleslaw
- Pizza places and small-town restaurants
A few tips:
- Ask locals for their favorite spot—people are usually happy to share.
- Try something you don’t see at home, like pepperoni rolls if you find them.
- Support small family-run businesses whenever you can.
If you’re road-tripping through the area, a relaxed dinner near Pinch or in nearby Elkview or Charleston is a simple way to end your day. Good food, easy parking, and no big-city stress.
10. Join Local Events and Seasonal Festivals
Small communities in West Virginia are big on local events, and Pinch is no exception. While it’s not a major tourist destination, that’s exactly why local gatherings feel so personal and welcoming.
Depending on the time of year, you might find:
- Church dinners or community fundraisers
- Holiday events around the 4th of July, Halloween, or Christmas
- Sports games and school activities in nearby towns
In Charleston and across Kanawha County, there are often:
- Art walks
- Farmers markets
- Food, music, or cultural festivals
If you enjoy seeing how people really live in a place—not just the tourist version—these events are a great window into local life. Check community boards, social media pages, or town websites before your trip.
Planning Your Visit to Pinch, West Virginia
Staying near
Pinch, WV in Kanawha County gives you a little bit of everything:
- Quiet nights and country roads
- Outdoor adventures in parks and forests
- Easy access to the state capital of Charleston
It’s a good fit if you:
- Prefer small-town stays over big hotel strips
- Like mixing city sightseeing with hiking and river time
- Want to experience everyday West Virginia, not just the usual tourist stops
Whether you’re passing through on a long road trip or planning a longer stay, these
10 things to do near Pinch, West Virginia will give you plenty of options.
What Would You Add?
Have you spent time in Pinch or elsewhere in Kanawha County? Did you find a hidden gem—a great trail, a cozy diner, or a perfect river spot?
Share your tips in the comments. Your experience might help someone planning their first trip to this part of West Virginia.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are planning a West Virginia road trip. The more people discover small places like Pinch, the more they learn how much charm there is off the main highway.
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