Vacationers at Babcock may select from among 13 log cabins located by Glade Creek (trout stream) - (may require access by as many as 65 steps), five cabins of frame construction, 8 bungalow cabins and 2 handicap . Babcock State Park 486 Babcock Road, WV, 25831 (304) 438-3004 Website Rifrafters Campground 448 Laurel Creek Rd., Fayetteville, WV, 25840 304-574-1065 Website Camp McComas at Wild Rock Victor, WV Website Cedar Waxwing Cabin 273 Ames Heights Road, Lansing, WV, 25862 Website The Manor at Glen Jean Meadows Glen Jean, WV Website A spur from the grist mill gate is 0.5 mile, uphill and moderately difficult. See the Mounta At the end of Winter, in February and March, the forests of West Virginia begin to feel different. The park is most known for the Glade Creek Grist Mill, a fully functional replica of the original Cooper's Mill. (Originally a blog post written in July of 2004. Motors must be electric, and no boat launch area is available. It's the season where Almost Heaven comes alive. Babcock State Park If you are looking for an authentic camping experience in the "Mountain State," consider renting one of the Glade Creek Cabins in Babcock State Park. Shaped by the famous New River Gorge, youll find plenty of riverside activities, outdoor adventures and some of the most extraordinary views. While not ideal, it was perfectly fine for me as I was traveling solo and Im not a very tall, large person. Anglers also have a good opportunity to catch largemouth bass, bluegill, trout and channel catfish. The Glade Creek Grist Mill, a reproduction of the historic Cooper's Mill that formerly existed on the property, is the park's most famous feature. Become a subscriber* and receive great tips on travel planning sent to your inbox! Visitors can enjoy hiking the many trails through the mountains, canyons and along the river. Children can manage the trail but due to the cliff, should be kept an eye on! It features three creek crossings. Babcock also offers a group tent camping area that can accommodate up to 20 tents and features a covered shelter with nine picnic tables, electric and a covered stone fireplace. They come with electricity and water, a fully equipped kitchen, linens, bathrooms with showers, wood fireplace and an outside grill. Im not sure if other cabins have larger versions. Just use code VETS10 when you make your reservation and present a valid military ID at check in. The trail follows a natural cliff line with spectacular vistas. The metal bridge along this spur was originally a gangplank from the showboat Rhododendron. The trailhead is at the sharp curve on Boley Lake Road. A living monument to the over 500 mills which thrived in West Virginia at the turn of the century, the Glade Creek Grist Mill provides freshly ground cornmeal, which park guests may purchase depending on availability and stream conditions. Visitors can tour the mill certain times of the year and even purchase the cornmeal thats produced there. The Natural Arch is located approximately 75 yards from the parking area associated with Mountain Heath Trail. Babcock State Park offers 28 cabins for vacation rentals. The Glade Creek Grist Mill closes for the season on the last Sunday in October. Rest and relax at a world-class resort or head out for a waterfall hike. Within the park are log cabin accommodations, hiking trails, a stable, a lake for fishing and boating, and campsites. All Hipcampers should review and adhere to these standards for safety, trip preparation, and respect in order to uphold Hipcamps most important value: leave it better., Hipcamp is created with and hope for our future. The cabin included a heating/air-conditioning unit which I only used at night to sleep. Suitable for biking. If you are looking for an authentic camping experience in the Mountain State, consider renting one of the Glade Creek Cabins in Babcock State Park. Review. The park itself is very well kept, and the Gristmill certainly . Economy cabins close for the season October 31. Suitable for biking. If you want to make it more difficult, approach from beautiful Grist Mill instead of the road, and you'll encounter a steep but fun climb. To find out how to opt out of our cookies or how our cookies work, please visit our Cookies Policy. Hunting is not permitted in Babcock State Park. Plunge into the clearest water east of the Mississippi. Open mid-April to last of October. Local outfitters offer trips and tours for every ability and age. This short, steep trail connects Skyline Trail with Narrow Gauge Trail and is a stone staircase constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Cabin 14 has four bedrooms and can accommodate eight people. The trailhead is shared with the Ridge Top Trail parking area along Manns Creek Road. It was named in honor of Edward V. Babcock.Completed in 1976 by combining parts of three other West Virginia grist . The rugged mountains were once home to several coal mining camps, and some historical artifacts and buildings remain. Check in and check out was easy took all of three minutes to sign the papers and get the keys. Head on out for trout fishing on Boley Lake and Glade Creek and see if anything will bite! It features a high cliff area, so watch your children carefully. Please enable Javascript in your browser to use all elements of our website. Foodies, photographers, and history buffs alike can get down with West Virginias Babcock State park. The Glade Creek Grist Mill is a fully functional replica of the original Coopers Mill that was completed in 1976. Explore wide open spaces with plenty of room to roam. Expect to see remnants of the former railway, including railroad ties and telegraph poles. Known as Coopers Mill, it stood on the present location of the parks administration building parking lot. The Glade Creek Grist Mill. An additional 15 cabins are located deeper into the park. The park makes for a superb getaway in a natural setting, and Babcock State Park hotels are ideal for retiring to after a busy day outdoors with your family. *Offer is not available at Stonewall Resort State Park. There are plenty of wonderful trails to check out when you're staying in nearby Babcock State Park cabins. Copyright 2023 West Virginia Department of Tourism. Granted, it wasnt super high speed but for being in the middle of the woods to check a quick e-mail or look up something now and then it was perfect. Glade Creek's running wild in the channel tonight, which looks spectacular and sounds quite impressive. Three styles of cabins are available at Babcock, described below. Of special interest, the mill was created by combining parts and pieces from three mills which once dotted the state. All Hosts should review and adhere to these standards around providing a positive Hipcamp experience, being a thoughtful neighbor, and serving as a responsible citizen. It lies 20 miles southeast of the New River Gorge Bridge. away, the beautiful New River Gorge Bridge. The gentle grade follows the bed of Manns Creek Railway that connected Clifftop with Sewell until its closure in 1956. A fast flowing trout stream winds through a boulder-strewn canyon. As the sun sets. Babcock State Park is a state park located along the New River Gorge 2) wooded in Fayette County, West Virginia. Rent a boat and take to the lake, or let the kids hang onto the cell phones, so they can participate in a 21st-century-style scavenger hunt known as geocaching. A valid military ID must be presented at check in. The park features the Patterson House Museum and three overlooks of the Gauley River. The wonder of winter in West Virginia is filled with untouched fallen snow, scrapes of skates along fresh ice and snow-capped mountain views you have to see to believe. The Glade Creek Grist Mill on the park grounds has had its picture taken more than pretty much any other monument in the state, its a replica of the old Coopers Mill and an homage to the states milling history. The adventures continue! The 52-unit campground provides 28 sites with electric hookups, four of which are accessible and 24 non-electric sites. I think this would have been cool had I been traveling with someone else or part of a group. They put me in an economy cabin which appears to be the cheapest of the three. The trailhead is shared with the Narrow Gauge Trail and is located next to Manns Creek Bridge on the service road. The first 13 are located along Glade Creek close to the park's famous grist mill, you can almost hear its wooden frame churn. A foot and bicycle trail, now, and pretty inconvenient on a bike. The use of drones is permitted, but only from 1-3 p.m., daily. Sure to tickle your funny bone, the laughter and show begins at 7:00 p.m. at Beech Fork State Park Activities building. BBB Start with Trust . The trail has beautiful vistas and high cliff areas, so watch your children carefully. To show our appreciation, were offering 10% off all lodge room, cabins and campsites. This 276-acre park with a lodge and restaurant is known for its scenic overlooks of the New River Gorge and exciting transportation. Babcock is also located near several other cultural and natural attractions, and the route is along two scenic highways. BABCOCK STATE PARK 4,127 acres OLD TOWN OF SEWELL SITE NEW RIVER NATURAL AREA Intensive Use Area SEWELL ROAD 11 41 41 19 33 Cabins Cabin Type Capacity Cabin Number Legacy 2 person 17, 18 . With the historic and picturesque Glade Creek Grist Mill, miles of trails and cabins, you could spend a few hours or a few days here. It's pretty much like Cabin 3, where we stayed, like these folks, in 2001--except it has fewer steps (38, by my count). Best Family Activities in Babcock State Park. As the third most forested state, our country roads are vibrant with color and a sight to behold in the fall. The peace and solitude of Almost Heaven is just an overnight stay away. This is Cabin 10 at West Virginia's Babcock State Park. Top 5 Instagrammable Fall Foliage Spots at State Parks, Most Instagramable Spots at West Virginia State Parks, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Witness Almost Heaven's natural beauty Set out for the adventure of a lifetime and explore some of the best the Metro Valley has to offer on a mountain bike. You can also bike along the Narrow Gauge Trail, Ridge Top Trail, Old Pond Trail, Twin Hollow Trail, North Slope Trail, Connector Trail, Short Cut Trail, Wilderness Trail, Triple Creek Trail and Manns Creek Gorge Trail. The rest of the time I had the screened-in windows open for fresh air. There wasnt much space, so I didnt utilize it at all. Specific cabins are designated pet-friendly. Every day. Veterans Salute Discount: Take 10% off your entire stay with offer code VETS10. Bill Clevlen is a road trip expert and travel content creator for radio and TV stations across the U.S. His stories have been published in major media outlets like The Los Angeles Times and is heard sharing travel tips and ideas on SiriusXM Radio. About One of West Virginia's most iconic locations, Babcock State Park has 4,127 acres of stunning scenery. It was a really great experience all the way around. cell phone service is available from most major cell phone companies. No thanks. This popular New River Gorge resort has been a family favorite since 1972. When they closed down the line around the end of 1954, Mann's Creek got a flurry of publicity in the railfan press; the last train run on the line, on May 30, 1955, was the road's first fan trip. The second half of the trail is very steep and is a difficult climb, connecting to the Ridge Top Trail. West Virginia State Parks thanks you for your service. We use cookies to personalize content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. (The second wash is pretty spectacular, and if my good camera got any decent shots you'll see them.) You can learn more about Babcock State Park camping through their website. There are many campsites available for campers as well as cozy cabins for those who want a more comfortable accommodation. Babcock State Park offers 28 cabins for vacation rentals. About Foodies, photographers, and history buffs alike can get down with West Virginia's Babcock State park. Now before we continue, let me clarify that camping for me is not putting up a tent, rolling out a sleeping bag, and trying to make scrambled eggs in the morning over a campfire. Babcock State Park is home to the Glade Creek Grist Mill which is a very photogenic structure dating back to the early days of America. The trailheads are at the service road between the campground and economy cabins and on Sewell Road approximately 0.75 mile below Cabin 13. Mountain bikes are permitted but must be carried around difficult sections of the trail. This short trail is a mere half-mile, and while not very challenging, most people hike this path for the stunning views offered at the end. A feature of the 4,000 acre park is a widely photographed grist mill. A valid military ID must be presented at check in. Amenities include fully equipped kitchens, linen service, central heat and air conditioning, gas or wood fireplace and an outside grill. It is a mostly level, remote, dead-end trail that connects with Triple Creek Trail. *Offer is not available at Stonewall Resort State Park. For some more low key fun with the family, simply rent one of the paddleboats or row boats from the Boley Lake Marina. All cabins have Wi-Fi, modern appliances and are stocked with cooking utensils, dishes, flatware, bed linens, and bath towels. All plans for the administration building, cabins, and other work were drawn up by park staff at the park and approved by the Department of the Interior. Located near the park headquarters, the Glade Creek Grist Mill is commonly photographed. Stop by the park office to pick up a trail guide on your way out. Welcome to spring in West Virginia. To show our appreciation, were offering 10% off all lodge room, cabins and campsites. It is located approximately 20 miles away from the New River Gorge Bridge.. They are open mid-spring through October 31. An additional 15 cabins are located deeper into the park. Visitors can ride the aerial tramway to the bottom of the gorge and ride a jetboat to the base of the New River Gorge Bridge. The premise consists of using your phone's GPS to put a modern twist on the classic outdoor pursuit of scavenger hunting. The road was originally the "main line" for the narrow gauge Mann's Creek Railway, then was converted to a narrow and precarious automobile road when the rails were pulled in the fifties. Its impressive claim to fame is being the very first lodge in the West Virginia State Parks System. Galveston, Oh Galveston: My Visit To Galveston, Texas, Coastal Mississippis Biggest Attraction: Kindness, What I Learned After One Week In The Villages, Thoroughbred Country Is A Hidden Gem in South Carolina, Discover This Small Georgia Town for Big Family Fun. The trailheads are across from Campsite 26 and at the first parking area at Camp Washington Carver. Lepp is back and live on stage at Beech Fork State Park, July 22, 2023. Wildflower hikes. This is a popular trail for hiking and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Check-in is after 4 p.m., and check-out is by 10 a.m. The original camp buildings are gone today, but Babcocks Campground is located at the former site of Camp Lee. $175 night. Babcock State Park: A Nice stay in a CCC built Cabin - See 241 traveler reviews, 433 candid photos, and great deals for Clifftop, WV, at Tripadvisor. 4.76 (151) Campsites may be reserved anytime online, by phone, or at the campground office. The trailheads are at Manns Creek overlook in the picnic area and across the road from Cabin 5. Suitable for biking. This a short and steep trail connecting Twin Hollow Trail to Ridge Top Trail. The trail has some uphill sections from either starting point. Its also West Virginias largest lake, with 60 miles of shoreline. Hit the water for a nice relaxing day spent soaking up the sunshine. Defined by its rivers and lush forests, this region in southern West Virginia has some of the most spectacular outdoor recreation. 2023 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved. The trail is mostly uphill if starting at the grist mill and mostly level if starting at the sharp curve. By clicking I Agree you expressly consent our use of cookies. Other help included a skilled stonemason foreman who supervised the parks stone quarry and work on the administration building. Whitewater rafting, zip lining, and guided hiking are just some of the recreational trips you can try. The trailheads are at the parking lot for the Natural Arch and at the gate before the intersection to the Manns Creek overlook. The trailheads to this mostly level loop around Boley Lake are at the lake parking lot or at the gate above the grist mill. Just use code VETS10 when you make your reservation and present a valid military ID at check in. Wireless Internet is available, and cell phone service is available from most major cell phone companies. Lake Ovid, covering 410-acres, was developed . Today's been quite wet--really serious rain for six or eight hours. Local outfitters have guided trips for all ages and abilities. Recreational opportunities include whitewater rafting, fishing, hiking and rock climbing. Your guide to trusted BBB Ratings, customer reviews and BBB Accredited businesses. From ATV excursions in small towns to scenic drives across the state, West Virginia is made for everyone. There are no events scheduled at this time. Cabin area STATE PA K 1-833-WV-PARKS WVstateparks.com Babcock R. Park trail Descriptions In the 1930s, two CCC camps located in Clifftop, Camp Beaver and Camp Lee became the site of what is now known as Babcock State Park. Whichever cabin you stay in, you can be sure to have a quiet place to relax and unwind. West Virginia fishing licenses are available for purchase online. Only show listings you can book instantly with no waiting for a Host's confirmation. If you want to add more listings at the same mailing address, please. Specific cabins (1-2, 9, 12-15, 17-18 and 24-27) are designated pet-friendly. Vacation cabins at Babcock State Park are modern cabins with heat air conditioning, gas fireplaces, television, microwaves, and fully equipped kitchens, linens, and relaxed settings. The original camp buildings are gone today, but Babcock's Campground is located at the former site of Camp Lee. The campground is open the third Friday in April until the fourth Monday in October, weather permitting. Nature and landscape photographers who wish to fly a drone near the Glade Creek Grist Mill, are required to check in at the park office in advance. Babcock Camping Twenty-miles north of West Virginia's iconic New River Gorge Bridge, Babcock State Park offers its guests 4,127 acres of serene, yet rugged beauty. . Check in at the park office for drone use at other times. Suitable for mountain biking. Outside was a fire pit, a BBQ pit, and a large picnic table which I actually did use during my stay.