Facility Overview
The Edens Fork Park & Ride serves as a critical transportation interchange and staging facility situated immediately off Interstate 77 at Exit 106 in Charleston, West Virginia. Located at 25 Silas-Kanawha Two Mile Road, this open-air, paved surface lot provides regional travelers, daily commuters, and carpoolers with a secure, highly accessible location to transition from individual vehicles to ride-sharing groups or regional transit. Because the lot is completely uncovered, there are no overhead structural clearance restrictions, ensuring full accessibility for passenger cars, high-roof conversion vans, full-size commercial and pickup trucks, and vehicles carrying rooftop cargo carriers.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Situated in northern Kanawha County just minutes north of downtown Charleston, the facility provides seamless access to the capital city\'s primary economic, government, and entertainment districts without navigating heavy city traffic:
- Downtown Charleston & Kanawha Boulevard: Located approximately 7 miles south via I-77 (an 8 to 10-minute drive), granting access to corporate offices, regional banking centers, and scenic riverfront trails.
- West Virginia State Capitol Complex: Positioned roughly 8 miles away via I-77 to I-64 East, offering quick connectivity to state government headquarters and the West Virginia State Museum.
- Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center: Situated about 7.5 miles away, hosting major concerts, sporting tournaments, and conventions.
- GoMart Ballpark (formerly Appalachian Power Park): Approximately 7.5 miles to the south, home to regional baseball and civic outdoor events.
- Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences: Located 7 miles south, offering planetarium shows, art exhibits, and performing arts productions.
- Yeager Airport (CRW): Easily reachable within a 15-minute drive (approx. 10 miles) via I-77 and Greenbrier Street.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Vehicle ingress and egress are exceptionally straightforward. The facility connects directly to Silas-Kanawha Two Mile Road just seconds from the I-77 interchange ramps at Exit 106 (Edens Fork). Commuters heading south toward downtown Charleston or north toward Ripley and Parkersburg can enter and exit the highway with minimal signal delay. The lot also serves as a strategic meeting hub for regional rideshare networks, vanpools, and local commuter lines operated by the Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority (KRT), making multimodal travel both economical and efficient.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Open-air, high-capacity surface parking stalls with clear asphalt striping
- Unlimited vertical clearance accommodating tall SUVs, lifted pickup trucks, and utility vans
- Designated accessible (ADA) spaces positioned near primary access zones
- Broad drive aisles designed for effortless two-way traffic and turning maneuvers
- High-illumination overhead street and area lighting for enhanced nighttime visibility
- Direct proximity to Interstate 77 ramps for rapid, stop-free highway re-entry
- Free public commuter parking provided as a state/regional park-and-ride service
Ideal For
- Daily business and civil service commuters traveling into downtown Charleston or the State Capitol Complex
- Regional carpools and organized vanpools seeking a central rendezvous point along the I-77 corridor
- Interstate travelers and outdoor enthusiasts meeting up before heading to regional state parks and recreation areas
- Eventgoers heading into Charleston for concerts, games, or expos who wish to consolidate vehicles to avoid metropolitan garage fees
Visitor & Driver Tips
While the Edens Fork Park & Ride is generally accessible and accommodates ample vehicles, arriving prior to 7:30 AM on typical workdays is recommended if you wish to secure a stall near the front of the lot. Overnight parking is generally permitted for short-term carpooling purposes, but vehicles should always be securely locked with personal valuables placed out of plain sight. Winter travelers should exercise extra caution along Silas-Kanawha Two Mile Road and highway off-ramps during heavy snow or ice events, as elevation changes along the northern Kanawha hills can lead to slick patches before road crews apply treatment.