Tall Chimney is on the edge of Charleston's city limits
Named for the towering structure adjoining a long-gone salt production facility on the banks of Elk River, Big Chimney is a rural community 9 miles northeast of Charleston. “We have a lot of people coming in for the recreation,” says Angela Mayfield, a real estate broker with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central. “Hiking, biking, waterfalls, zip lining— and you get to own a little bit of land.” Between Coonskin Park and Elkview, Big Chimney offers lower-priced homes on larger lots, but with few shopping and dining options.
Homes are nestled in hollows
Big Chimney's density thins from west to east and from the banks of the river toward more upland areas. A mix of residential and commercial buildings can be found on Pennsylvania Avenue, following the Elk River to the south of the neighborhood. “You’ll find houses with a little more acreage in Big Chimney,” says Melinda Starcher, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Great Expectations. “There are a lot of houses nestled in hollows or on top of the ridge.” Winding roads lead through an almost pastoral landscape dotted with oaks and maples. Architectural styles are an eclectic mix of ranch-style homes, colonials and split-levels, with prices ranging from $150,000 to $380,000.
This newer Big Chimney home build is fashioned after a colonial revival style.
Split level homes are common among the Big Chimney homes.
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A river -- and its recreation -- runs through it
Coonskin Park is a riverside spot spanning over 1,000 wooded acres. This expansive green space offers a web of scenic nature trails, a playground, a golf course, an Olympic-size pool and a fishing pond. Locals can catch a soccer game at Schoenbaum Stadium, an in-park amphitheater with a capacity of 3,000. The park also serves as a wedding and event venue. A particularly popular hiking destination is The Grotto. Surrounded by dense forest, this half-mile trek leads to a natural cave with a waterfall along Coonskin Branch, which empties into the Elk River. A boat and kayak launch spot is 3 miles west at Elk River Public Access-Mink Shoals. In 2023, a proposed expansion of the West Virginia International Yeager Airport’s runway, which borders the park, sparked a petition to preserve the vast woodland. In 2024, the airport shifted focus from runway expansion to updating the 77-year-old terminal building.
Clendenin, about 13 miles northeast, offers canoeing, kayaking and fishing along the Elk River Trail.
Big Chimney residents are able to enjoy wide open green spaces at Coonskin Park.
An overview of the Elk River as it runs along Big Chimney.
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Spots serve home cooking
What was once a three-car garage is now Outer Limits, a small hole-in-the-wall dive bar and grill. With minimal signage and an unassuming façade, this bar can be easily overlooked in a red-brick building along the rural roadside. Just outside Big Chimney, Harding's Family Restaurant is a country-style diner serving American comfort food just seconds from the Elk River waterfront. “Harding’s has been there all my life. It's just like home cooking— mashed potato and steak, that sort of thing,” says Mayfield. “They opened in 1980, and their decor is exactly the same.” Residents can grab groceries at the Big Chimney SuperMarket off Pennsylvania Avenue.
This Big Chimney young man is ordering a sandwich at Rollin Smoke BBQ.
Rollin Smoke BBQ is a favorite in the Big Chimney area.
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The Kanawha County School District serves the area
The Kanawha County School District serves the residents of Big Chimney. Students can attend Elk Elementary Center, Elkview Middle School and Herbert Hoover High School, all of which scored a B-minus on Niche. Herbert Hoover High offers career and technical education programs in business, computer science, marketing, millwork and robotics.
Big Chimney families choose Herbert Hoover High School for their student to attend.
Elkview Middle School provides a great learning environment for those in Big Chimney.
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Getting around Big Chimney
Pennsylvania Avenue runs through the southern portion of Big Chimney, connecting the community with the city of Charleston to the southwest and the outdoor recreation of Elk View and Clendenin to the northeast. Though there's not much in the way of public transportation, there are several bus stops along Indian Creek Road, Pennsylvania Avenue and Elk River Road.
Public transportation is readiy available in the Big Chimney area.
An overview of the Elk River as it runs along Big Chimney.
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Noise risk from airport
The West Virginia International Yeager Airport is about 6 miles southwest of the neighborhood, posing a noise risk.
Crime
Big Chimney has a CAP index score of two out of 10, lower than the U.S. average of four.
GreatSchools:
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Check out this .06-acre flat vacant lot located right along 6th Avenue on Charleston’s West Side. This small residential parcel offers great visibility and convenient access, with alleyway access at the rear of the property for added flexibility. Whether you’re looking to build a home, invest, or hold for future development, this lot presents a valuable opportunity in a well-traveled area.
Christina DiFilippoBetter Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central
This timeless treasure was built in 1918 and is situated on a beautiful 1 1.2 level lot. Original hardwood throughout the house, including wood trim, hardwood flooring, and a beautiful entry staircase. Large rooms throughout offer the possibility of 4 bedroomsupstairs.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
