Babcock State Park

Babcock State Park covers about 4,127 acres of rugged plateau country on the eastern rim of the New River Gorge. The park was developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps on land donated by the Babcock Lumber Company and named for company president Edward Vose Babcock.

Glade Creek flows through the heart of the park, tumbling past the reconstructed grist mill and into the New River. The mill, rebuilt in 1976 from parts of three historic West Virginia mills, still turns during demonstrations and is the park's most beloved landmark.

Despite its fame, Babcock remains a quiet, low-key park — a place for slow walks, trout fishing, and cabin weekends rather than big crowds.

Island in the Sky Trail — about 1.5 miles round trip, ending at a dramatic sandstone outcrop with views of the New River Gorge and the river far below. A park signature and a moderate climb.

Narrow Gauge Trail — an easy 2-mile path following the grade of a logging-era narrow-gauge railroad along Manns Creek.

Manns Creek Trail — a longer, steeper route past waterfalls and cascades deep in the gorge.

Wilderness Trail — a backcountry loop for hikers wanting distance and solitude.

Babcock offers a collection of rustic cabins, including classic CCC-era structures and newer units, many with kitchens and fireplaces. A large group or lodge-style cabin is also available for reunions and retreats.

The campground has more than 50 sites with electric and water hookups, plus modern bathhouses and a camp store. It sits close to Boley Lake and the mill, making it a convenient base for photographers who want dawn light on the mill.

There is no full-service lodge, so most overnight visitors choose a cabin or campsite — book well ahead in autumn.

Boley Lake is a small, quiet lake stocked with trout, a favorite of fly anglers and families. Glade Creek and nearby Manns Creek also offer trout water. A valid West Virginia fishing license is required.

The park's outdoor swimming pool operates in summer and is a good way to cool off after a hike. There is a modest fee to swim, and the pool typically opens around Memorial Day and closes after Labor Day.