What We Do
The Charleston Land Trust has enabled the acquisition of lands and easements to add to public recreation and scenic assets. The current property inventory of the Charleston Land Trust is detailed further.
Carriage Trail
The Carriage Trail is a 12 acre woodland park surrounding a gravel trail which gently rises and curves from the southern end of the Southside Bridge to the Sunrise Mansion on Myrtle Road. The property was donated to the City of Charleston by the members of the Farmer, Cline and Campbell law firm; it is endowed by a generous bequest from Richard and Celeste Ayre. The Carriage Trail is a cool and restful place to walk and to enjoy the native trees, shrubs and flowers. Varieties of birds add their songs to the tranquility of this setting, which is a few minutes walk from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Be sure to read a brochure, available on signboards at the top and bottom of the Trail, to learn its history.
For more information about the Carriage Trail, its Vision Statement and its history, click on the Learn More link below.
Top of Carriage Trail
Cato Park
Located in the historic Edgewood neighborhood, Cato Park is a widely used, thriving public park with abundant recreational opportunities. In 2008, the Charleston Land Trust acquired fifty additional acres which provide trails for walking and hiking.
For more information about the Carriage Trail, its Vision Statement and its history, click on the Learn More link below.
Cato Park
Chilton Reserve
In 2005 the Chilton property was generously donated to the City of Charleston by 1266 Corporation, a company owned and operated by Robert Chilton and his extended family. The 6.1 acres parcel sits adjacent to Louden Height Road in South Hills. A conservation easement on the property prohibits any future residential or commercial development and preserves the property for recreational use only. In 2013 a 0.7 mile long walking trail was completed and is the perfect place for bird-watching or quiet reflection. The trailhead and parking areas are located on Louden Heights Road across from Wildacre Road.
Chilton
Carriage Trail
The Carriage Trail is a 12 acre woodland park surrounding a gravel trail which gently rises and curves from the southern end of the Southside Bridge to the Sunrise Mansion on Myrtle Road. The property was donated to the City of Charleston by the members of the Farmer, Cline and Campbell law firm; it is endowed by a generous bequest from Richard and Celeste Ayre. The Carriage Trail is a cool and restful place to walk and to enjoy the native trees, shrubs and flowers. Varieties of birds add their songs to the tranquility of this setting, which is a few minutes walk from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Be sure to read a brochure, available on signboards at the top and bottom of the Trail, to learn its history.
For more information about the Carriage Trail, its Vision Statement and its history, click on the Learn More link below.
Top of Carriage Trail
Danner Meadow/Lawson Hamilton
Nestled in a residential neighborhood off Longwood Road in Fort Hill, Danner Meadow Park is a perfect place for families. The park boasts a 1/3 mile paved walking loop, outdoor play equipment and lots of undeveloped green space. Contiguous to Danner Meadow Park is an 8 acre tract generously donated by the Lawson Hamilton Family. This beautiful wooded parcel is ideal for walking, hiking and mountain biking. Through community involvement the trails on the property have been improved and provide gateways to Kanawha Turnpike and Joplin Park.
Danner Meadow
Fort Scammon
Located within a Fort Hill neighborhood, this historic Civil War fort is mostly unknown to Charleston residents. Built in the spring of 1863 by Union soldiers during a lull in fighting, Fort Scammon was constructed to fortify Camp White below. Perched 1,000 feet above Charleston the fort provided an excellent view and included a powder magazine and 12 cannons! Fort Scammon was named in honor of General Elakim Scammon, former commander of the 23rd Ohio. Two future Presidents, Rutherford Hayes and William McKinley, helped build the fort but it was ultimately not necessary in the defeat of the Confederate Army.
In the 1960s as houses were being built on Fort Hill Circle, the street leading to the fort, the City launched a campaign to save what remained of Fort Scammon. In 1970 it was named to the National Register of Historic Places and later purchased by the City of Charleston in 1978.
For more information about Fort Scammon, click on the Learn More link below.
Fort Scammon
Spring Hill Cemetery Park
Spring Hill Cemetery Park is “a quiet place of repose for the deceased and a restful, scenic park for the living.” Spring Hill is located on 150 acres overlooking the City of Charleston and is one of the largest cemeteries in West Virginia. The park offers many opportunities for bird-watching, walking, and absorbing the history of our valley through quiet observation of the many key figures buried there. Spring Hill is a favorite spot for genealogists, photographers and school groups. The Cemetery Park is located off Farnsworth Road from Piedmont Road. The site is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Spring Hill
Wallace Hartman Nature Preserve
The Wallace Hartman Nature Preserve is located in Charleston and is a wonderful place to go for a hike and enjoy the great outdoors. The 50+ acre preserve is open to the public for recreation. The space is owned by Kanawha County Parks and Recreation (KCPRC) but is protected from future development under a conservation easement that is held by the West Virginia Land Trust (WVLT). The preserve was donated by Dolly Wallace Hartman and her family for the enjoyment of the residents of Kanawha County. It is accessible from Adrian Drive off of South Ruffner Road in South Hills and from Hampton Road, also in South Hills.
Danner Meadow