As you can see, the cabin's stairway's been rebuilt this season; we've also got new pots and pans and are feeling a little spoilt. Old Sewell Road used to run five miles or so to the site of Sewell on the C&O line along the New River. 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. Check-in is after 4 p.m., and check-out is by 10 a.m. (Originally a blog post written in July of 2004. All cabins have Wi-Fi, modern appliances and are stocked with cooking utensils, dishes, flatware, bed linens, and bath towels. Proper licenses are available online. Babcock State Park, one of the oldest parks in West Virginia, is located within the boundaries of New River Gorge National River. read more The cabin also had a tiny shower and bathroom. long, this option follows the former railroad tracks of a railway that closed in 1956. There was a tiny screened in porch which would have been better if it were even just slightly larger. Suitable for biking. 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. To show our appreciation, were offering 10% off all lodge room, cabins and campsites. It's recently become impassible by car; Joan and I hiked a mile or two on Tuesday morning and discovered two washouts that the park isn't planning to fix. away, the beautiful New River Gorge Bridge. The trail has steep uphill sections from either starting point. Its impressive claim to fame is being the very first lodge in the West Virginia State Parks System. There are three types of cabins at Babcock State Park vacation cabins, legacy cabins, and economy cabins. This rugged, beautiful reserve in West Virginia is known for its vistas over verdant mountain tops, vast expanses of pine forests, scenic Glade Creek Grist Mill, and just 20mi. 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. Amenities include fully equipped kitchens, linen service, central heat and air conditioning, gas or wood fireplace and an outside grill. 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. The trailheads to this mostly level loop around Boley Lake are at the lake parking lot or at the gate above the grist mill. The cabin is 6 miles from Adventures on the Gorge (AOTG). @2021 - Bill On The Road | Rediscover America, Visit Roswell, New Mexico For Out of This World Family Fun, Visit These Three States And The Life of Buddy Holly, Now Is The Time To Rediscover Abilene, Texas. Three styles of cabins are available at Babcock - Legacy, Vacation and Economy. I think this would have been cool had I been traveling with someone else or part of a group. We recommend you to update it for security reasons and to be able to use the site. Head on out for trout fishing on Boley Lake and Glade Creek and see if anything will bite! Only show listings you can book instantly with no waiting for a Host's confirmation. Address: 486 Babcock Road, Clifftop, WV 25831 History 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. The Glade Creek Grist Mill is a fully functional replica of the original Coopers Mill, which once stood on the grounds. Lake Ovid, covering 410-acres, was developed . ). This park encompasses more than 70,000 acres of land along the New River one of the oldest rivers in North America. The campground is open spring through fall, weather permitting. Specific cabins are designated pet-friendly. The trail follows a natural cliff line with spectacular vistas. Decided to spend this past Sunday at Babcock State Park and take some photos and scout the area. An easy trail that's 2.5mi. Located 20 miles southeast of the New River Gorge Bridge, the park is most known for the Glade Creek Grist Mill, a fully functional replica of the original Cooper's Mill, which once stood on the grounds. Three styles of cabins are available at Babcock, described below. The park, set on the rim of the Gauley River Canyon, was the setting for the 1861 Civil War battle during which Confederate troops were driven out of the Kanawha Valley. The metal bridge along this spur was originally a gangplank from the showboat Rhododendron. The second half of the trail is very steep and is a difficult climb, connecting to the Ridge Top Trail. Awaken your a Planning a fun vacation or day trip doesn't have to be expensive. Spend your days boating, swimming, and fishing. Rushing waterfalls. Stop by the park office to pick up a trail guide on your way out. *Offer is not available at Stonewall Resort State Park. With fifteen different routes of varying lengths and difficulties, you'll easily find a trail that suits your and your traveling companions' abilities. Company Houses A fast flowing trout stream winds through a boulder-strewn canyon. This program is about an hour or a tad longer. 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. It is much easier to walk downhill from the Skyline Trail. Lepp is back and live on stage at Beech Fork State Park, July 22, 2023. . Hikers must return along the same trail or by park roads. The basic structure of the mill came from the Stoney Creek Grist Mill which dates back to 1890. See the Mounta At the end of Winter, in February and March, the forests of West Virginia begin to feel different. The most amazing thing was that each cabin had internet connection. The trailheads are at the service road between the campground and economy cabins and on Sewell Road approximately 0.75 mile below Cabin 13. Motors must be electric, and no boat launch area is available. Your guide to trusted BBB Ratings, customer reviews and BBB Accredited businesses. Economy cabins are of wood frame construction. (The second wash is pretty spectacular, and if my good camera got any decent shots you'll see them.) The trail begins at the former swimming pool parking lot and connects to the Wilderness Trail. The trailhead is 300 yards north of the main intersection on the road leading to the Manns Creek picnic area. Babcock State Park WV is a state park, located in the New River Gorge area of West Virginia, in the small mountain town of Clifftop WV. Just use code VETS10 when you make your reservation and present a valid military ID at check in. All cabins have Wi-Fi, modern appliances and are stocked with cooking utensils, dishes, flatware, bed linens, and bath towels. It's pretty much like Cabin 3, where we stayed, like these folks, in 2001--except it has fewer steps (38, by my count). Glade Creek's running wild in the channel tonight, which looks spectacular and sounds quite impressive. A feature of the 4,000 acre park is a widely photographed grist mill. Is Fredericksburg The Best Small Town In Texas? #1 of 3 things to do in Clifftop Nature & Parks, Forests, State Parks 486 Babcock Rd, Butt, Clifftop, WV 25831-7240 Open today: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Save " " " " mailstop , Oak Ridge, Tennessee Read all 241 reviews Bopeep2013 23 17 Cabin 13 Review of Babcock State Park Reviewed July 5, 2019 via mobile To find out how to opt out of our cookies or how our cookies work, please visit our Cookies Policy. WV 25831, View the live stream of the Glade Creek Grist Mill, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park. Every day. There are plenty of activities that you can find all across the state wit Head to West Virginia this spring and find an Almost Heaven atmosphere full of sunny skies and blushing blooms awaiting you. They feature electric, water, a fully equipped kitchen, bunk bed combined living/sleeping area, linens, bathrooms with showers and an outside grill. Babcock State Park has two cache sites for the technological scavenger hunt known as geocaching. cell phone service is available from most major cell phone companies. Campsites may be reserved anytime online, by phone, or at the campground office. Overall Babcock State Park was a really great place to visit and I would love to come back and spend more than one day with more time to explore nature. The Glade Creek Grist Mill closes for the season on the last Sunday in October. Become a subscriber* and receive great tips on travel planning sent to your inbox! Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 9 min to complete. It accommodates tents or trailers and has a central bathhouse with coin-operated laundry, two water fill-up stations and two sewage facilities, firewood and ice are available for purchase, WiFi is available and Babcock State Park offers 28 cabins for vacation rentals. 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. Economy cabins close for the season October 31. Legacy cabins close for the season on the fourth Monday in October. As you plan your mountain road trip, explore one-of-a-kind stays and traditional comforts along the way. As the third most forested state, our country roads are vibrant with color and a sight to behold in the fall. The park is one of the most photographed spots in the state and has some of the best views. Suitable for mountain biking. 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. A valid military ID must be presented at check in. Drones may not be flown over buildings or the parking area, and must stay a minimum of 20 feet away from the mill. 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. 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 . New River Gorge is known as one of the best spots in America for some adrenalin-inducing white water rafting. 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. The rugged mountains were once home to several coal mining camps, and some historical artifacts and buildings remain. Nature works her magic every autumn in West Virginia. About Foodies, photographers, and history buffs alike can get down with West Virginia's Babcock State park. 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. With a stay in Babcock State Park cabins, opportunities for families to enjoy this diverse nature reserve are in abundance. Receive exclusive offers, inspirational stories, and travel regulation updates. It had a set of bunk beds which I hadnt seen since I was in grade school. An additional 15 cabins are located deeper into the park. The parking spur is on the right side of the road, with the trailhead on the left. A valid military ID must be presented at check in. Glamping Hub is designed for modern browsers. Most of its working parts came from old mills that were no longer in use. There is no food service in the park youre on your own. It features a high cliff area, so watch your children carefully. Located about 20 miles southeast of the historic New River Gorge Bridge, Babcock State Park is also home to one of the most photographed spots in the state. The rest of the time I had the screened-in windows open for fresh air. Wireless Internet is available, and cell phone service is available from most major cell phone companies. Babcock State Park is one of the most photographed places in West Virginia for a good reason. Known as Coopers Mill, it stood on the present location of the parks administration building parking lot. Sure to tickle your funny bone, the laughter and show begins at 7:00 p.m. at Beech Fork State Park Activities building. Welcome to spring in West Virginia. Hit the water for a nice relaxing day spent soaking up the sunshine. The park itself is very well kept, and the Gristmill certainly . Top 5 Instagrammable Fall Foliage Spots at State Parks, Most Instagramable Spots at West Virginia State Parks, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Boating is welcome at Babcock State Park, but proper license and stamps are required. 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. The mill and surrounding scenery provide the perfect backdrop for beautiful photos. With a stay in Babcock State Park cabins, opportunities for families to enjoy this diverse nature reserve are in abundance. Fully operable, this mill was built as a re-creation of a previous one that once ground grain on Glade Creek long before Babcock became a state park. Suitable for mountain biking. The first purpose of the rail line was to get coal down the hill, but the same road was a traditional lumbering railroad with all the fixings--Shay-type locomotives, lightweight track, even a sharply curved trestle. Check back for updates to the schedule. Babcock State Park includes 4,127 acres of rugged and beautiful adventure. Whichever cabin you stay in, you can be sure to have a quiet place to relax and unwind. Cabin area STATE PA K 1-833-WV-PARKS WVstateparks.com Babcock R. Park trail Descriptions The campground has a central bathhouse with coin-operated laundry machines, two water fill-up stations and two sewage dump facilities. Copyright 2023 West Virginia Department of Tourism. It's pretty much like Cabin 3, where we stayed, like these folks, in 2001--except it has fewer steps (38, by my count). The trail is mostly uphill if starting at the grist mill and mostly level if starting at the sharp curve. Numbered posts and a booklet available at park headquarters take you around this self-guided trail, which leads to the Natural Arch off from the right side of the parking spur. Check in and check out was easy took all of three minutes to sign the papers and get the keys. 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 first 13 are located along Glade Creek close to the parks famous grist mill, you can almost hear its wooden frame churn. You can learn more about Babcock State Park camping through their website. Attraction is located outside of the park. Blooming rhododendrons. Calling all veterans and active duty military personnel! 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. This popular New River Gorge resort has been a family favorite since 1972. Adventure abound, Coopers Rock State Forest boasts canyon overlooks, historical sites, and 50 . Babcock State Park was a gift to West Virginia from Babcock Coal and Coke, an operation which ran coal mines at Clifftop and a lumbering operation headquartered at Landisburg. The park is 4,127 acres of beautiful woodland, and is about 20 miles away from the famous New River Gorge Bridge. 486 Babcock Road, Veterans Salute Discount: Take 10% off your entire stay with offer code VETS10. Local outfitters offer trips and tours for every ability and age. Best Family Activities in Babcock State Park. The first 13 are located along Glade Creek close to the park's famous grist mill, you can almost hear its wooden frame churn. To be completely honest it may be hard for me to come up with many cons. The trail has beautiful vistas and high cliff areas, so watch your children carefully. The Natural Arch is located approximately 75 yards from the parking area associated with Mountain Heath Trail. The trail has some uphill sections from either starting point. Shaped by the famous New River Gorge, youll find plenty of riverside activities, outdoor adventures and some of the most extraordinary views. Suitable for biking. Of special interest, the mill was created by combining parts and pieces from three mills which once dotted the state. Other amenities vary park to park. They put me in an economy cabin which appears to be the cheapest of the three. Both cabins are above Glade Creek, though on opposite sides of the valley; 10 is past the mill, then down the hill on the Old Sewell Road. If you have multiple properties with different mailing addresses, you can create a new property for each here. It is an easy, short walk to this geologic fracture which can be combined with other trails such as Mountain Heath Trail for a longer walk. This is not a loop trail, so return along the same route or walk the Camp Washington Carver Road back to the campground. Outside was a fire pit, a BBQ pit, and a large picnic table which I actually did use during my stay. Best Family Activities in Babcock State Park. Babcock State Park 241 Reviews #1 of 3 things to do in Clifftop Nature & Parks, Forests, State Parks 486 Babcock Rd, Butt, Clifftop, WV 25831-7240 Open today: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Save Review Highlights "Not to be missed" Nestled in among the many attractions for the New River Gorge national park, this state park was.