Home › West Virginia › Charleston › Sunrise Carriage Trail
Sunrise Carriage Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 297 Google reviews · Running trail in Charleston, West Virginia · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Sunrise Carriage Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area featuring a gentle walking trail that leads to a former governor's mansion.
What runners say about Sunrise Carriage Trail
“Trail is very well kept, including off path trails.”
“Also, one off path showed a beautiful of the Chase Bank and part of the surrounding area.”
“It was an easy walk, nice gravel path with some off to the side small trails that lead back around to the main trail.”
Absolutely delightful little trail. Historically significant, lots of tree and nut species, and a joy perched on the side of one of Charleston's hills.
It's a . 65 mile gravel walkway that switches back up a hill with about 200 ft of elevation change. Pleasant short walk. You can view Charleston from the top of the trail.
What a gem to have right outside of downtown Charleston! I was traveling through the area and stopped to take a look at this trail. Beautifully done with landscaping, well cared for, very picturesque. Would highly recommend.
It's a beautiful trail. As long as you pace yourself properly it isn't too hard on you either. There are nice stone benches to rest at along the way up. There are also nice little spots off the trail to view the city from up high.
Trail conditions & character
“Good for having a quiet moment, exercising or just taking in a city view once you get to the top”
“Favorite place to hike in charleston because the trails are wide and gravel covered so you can so what's on the ground.”
“Historically significant, lots of tree and nut species, and a joy perched on the side of one of Charleston's hills.”
“Great place to take kids and your dog for a hike and get some exercise it just for the view.”
“Accessible enough to hike on one's lunch break!”
Plan your run at Sunrise Carriage Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitecharlestonwv.gov
- Phone+1 304-344-5075
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 5 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 5 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 5 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 5 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 5 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 5 am–7 pm |
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