about Babcock State Park
Babcock State Park is located on the eastern portion of the New River Gorge NP. It is known for its iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill. The park is 4, 127 acres in size and offers camping, hiking, birding, fishing, boating and biking. The Glade Creek Grist Mill is fully functioning a replica of a historic grist mill and one of the most photographed mills in the world. You can visit the mill. You are also permitted to fly a drone in the park between hours of 1-3PM. Some of the most popular trails include Island-in-the-Sky and Boley Lake.
getting there
If you are flying to the area, the most flight availability will likely be to the capital city of Charleston at the Yeager Airport (CRW). Some closer options to where we went include Raleigh County Airport in Beaver, WV (BKW) or the Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB) in Lewisburg, WV. You can also opt to fly to cities in nearby states and drive. The drive from Baltimore is 5.5 hours, Washington D.C is 5 hours, Lexington, KY and Columbus, OH are both about 3 hours 45 minutes away and Pittsburg, PA is approximately 3 hours 20 minutes drive.
getting Around
The best way to get around is by car. There is parking near the gift shop and also a tiny lot near Island-in-the-Sky trailhead and around Boley lake. There are also cabins and campsites that you can drive to. If flying to the area, renting a car/RV is a must to explore this state park and the area in general.
where to stay
Cabins and campsites are available within the park from Spring through Fall. The park has 28 cabins. Two are modern vacation cabins, legacy cabins were built in 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and economy cabins. All cabins have electricity and water. Thirteen of the cabins are located on the Glade Creek near the iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill. Reservations can be made here. Campsites are available in the park. 28 of these are electric hook up and remaining 24 are not. There is a 2 night minimum for weekends and 14 night maximum stay is allowed. You can also stay in nearby towns of Summersville, Fayetteville or Oak Hill which have various hotels available.
when to visit
This park is absolutely beautiful year-round and wonderful to visit.
Autumn is the busiest time to visit the park followed by summer. Weekends are busier than weekdays.
Fees
This wonderful park has no fees to visit it! You can stay in the park via camping or cabins for a fee. You can fish in Boley Lake but need a fishing permit.
things to do
visit the glade creek grist mill
The Glade Creek Grist Mill is the drawing attraction to this state park. It is one of the most photographed mills in the world and especially popular in the autumn. You can enter the mill on Saturdays and Sundays from 10AM-12PM and 1PM-6PM. It is free to visit the mill.
hiking
The park offers over 20 miles of hiking trails. The Skyline trail is known for vistas, Old Sewell Road follows the path of old railroad and connects to New River Gorge NP and the Lake View Trail is an easy 1 mile loop around Boley Lake. There is also Island-in-the-sky Trail which is ranked easy to difficult depending on which way you go and located right near the grist mill. Read more about our experience hiking that trail.
Almost Heaven Swing
All around West Virginia are some iconic Almost Heaven swings. They are conveniently located in some of the top tourist areas and this one is right in front of the Glade Creek Grist Mill. Make sure to snap your picture here!
Check out the Gift Shop
The park headquarters and gift shop are located right in front of the grist mill. It is open 10AM-6PM on the weekends and 8AM-5PM on weekdays. There are bathrooms on the lower level of the gift shop as well.
Visit Boley Lake
Boley Lake is a 19 acre lake perfect for boating and fishing. The Lake View Trail is a one mile easy loop around the lake. Boating and fishing is permitted with proper licenses. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day small boats are available for rent.
Spend the night
There are 28 cabins with running water and electricity you can spend a night in. You can also camp in one of the 52 spots in the park. It is a great way to maximize your time in this incredible state park
