Babcock State Park: 1 Day Itinerary

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If you’re looking for a delightful escape into nature, Babcock State Park in West Virginia is just the place for you. With stunning landscapes, peaceful waters, and endless outdoor fun, it’s a paradise for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

During our visit, we had an amazing time hiking through the beautiful trails, and whether you’re a seasoned camper or just want to sip coffee on a cabin porch surrounded by nature, this park has got you covered.

Join us as we share our one-day itinerary packed with scenic hikes and handy tips to make the most of your visit to Babcock State Park. Let’s dive in and plan your next outdoor adventure together!

Glade Creek Grist Mill

Entrance Fee:

FREE

Lodging:

Babcock State Park has one campground available with 52 sites- 28 of which are electric. The campground is typically open from April through October. The park also has 28 cabin options. We hiked past several of the cabins, and they looked so lovely. Many of them are tucked into the forest with views of Glade Creek right from the front porches. We are campers most of the time, but the location of these cabins was so dreamy that I could easily be convinced to stay in one of them on our next visit. Reservations for both the campground and cabins can be made here- Babcock State Park Camping.

Babcock State Park is also just a couple of miles from New River Gorge National Park and only 15 miles from Fayetteville. If you are looking for more hotel or camping options, check out either location. We personally stayed at Bear Mountain Cabins and Campground in Fayetteville and would definitely recommend it!

Dining:

There are no dining options within the park, but several picnic areas are available if you choose to bring your own food. The closest food options outside the park are in Fayetteville. Personal recommendations: Secret Sandwich Society, Wood Iron Eatery, and Cathedral Café.

Most Know Before You Go:

The Glade Creek Grist Mill does offer tours seasonally. Daily hours are limited, so check in at the Visitor Center upon arrival to see if tours are available.
This park and all of its trails are pet-friendly!
Fishing is available at Boley Lake. A West Virginia fishing license is required. Purchase one here- Fishing License.
Boating is also available at Boley Lake. Bring your own, or rent paddleboats, rowboats, or canoes from the marina.
While sightings are rare, black bears are present throughout this area. Please review wildlife safety before heading out.
Please grab a map before heading out on any trail. (Want to check out AllTrails+? Use this link for a discount- AllTrails+.)
As always, please follow Leave No Trace principles.

1 Day Itinerary

STOP 1: Skyline/Rocky/Narrow Loop

Distance: 4.6 miles round-trip

Trail Route: Loop

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 600+ ft

Trail Access: Park in the lot near the Glade Creek Grist Mill and Visitor Center.

Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash.

If you can only hike one trail in this park, make it this one. You’ll experience a bit of everything: mountain views, creek views, elevation changes, bridges, and stone stairs. It truly is incredible.

From the mill, you can hike this trail in either direction; however, I recommend going counterclockwise and heading up the park road first. This direction has its advantages: the road is narrow, so it’s safer to see oncoming cars and move over when needed. Additionally, this route will place the flattest part of the trail toward the end of your hike.

Start by heading up the park road for 0.2 miles until the road splits. Veer left toward Cabins 1-6. After the split, the Skyline Trail will be on your right in approximately 0.1 miles. Follow the Skyline Trail as it winds through the stunning landscape for about 1.7 miles; you’ll encounter an overlook and two trail junctions along the way.

At the second trail junction, turn left onto the Rocky Trail, which will take you toward Manns Creek. The Rocky Trail is only 0.3 miles long until you reach another trail junction. Take a left onto the Narrow Gauge Trail, and follow it for 0.8 miles until you reach the junction with the Old Sewell Trail. Finally, turn left onto the Old Sewell Trail and follow it for 1.5 miles back to the mill.

While this may sound confusing, the trails are well labeled, and I found it pretty easy to follow. Also, have an AllTrails map downloaded to help prevent going off course!

STOP 2: Boley Lake View Trail

Distance: 1.2 miles round-trip

Trail Route: Loop

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 50+ ft

Trail Access: Park in the lot off Park Forest Road 801, near the marina.

Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash.

Next, make your way to Boley Lake. The trail here is straightforward to follow, as it loops around the entire lake. I recommend parking in the lot near the marina. Since it’s a loop trail, you can start in either direction. While this trail is beautiful throughout the year, it is especially stunning in early summer when the rhododendrons are in bloom, and in the fall when the leaves change color, showcasing bursts of orange, red, and yellow reflected on the water.

STOP 3: Island in the Sky

Distance: 0.2/0.7 miles round-trip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate

Elevation Gain: 20+ ft/ 100+ ft

Trail Access: Park in the lot off Park Forest Road 801/ Park near the Glade Creek Grist Mill.

Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash.

There are two ways to hike this trail. The first option is to start from the bottom and hike up, while the second option is to start at the top and walk out. With both options, please use caution near the ledges.

For the first option, begin the trail at the bottom of the cliffside, near the mill. This route involves climbing straight up the cliff using steep stairs and ladders until you reach the top. Once you arrive at the “Island in the Sky,” you can take a short loop walk before heading back down.

The second option allows you to park in a small lot off Forest Road 801. From there, you can take a brief path that leads directly to the small loop at the top of the cliffside.

Both routes offer limited views of the surrounding area because the brush near the edge is quite tall. We preferred the ladder option, as it made the trail a bit more fun!

STOP 4: Natural Arch/Mountain Heath Trail

Distance: 0.5 miles round-trip

Trail Route: Loop with an out-and-back to the arch.

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 30+ ft

Trail Access: Park on the pull-off, off Park Forest Road 802.

Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash.

This final stop of the day is short and sweet. There are pull-offs on both sides of Park Forest Road 802. You can head in either direction from there. On one side of the street, you’ll find a quick 0.2-mile out-and-back trail to a natural arch. On the other side, there’s a 0.3-mile loop through the forest. Be sure to pick up a map from the Visitor Center for the loop portion, so you can follow along with the informational stops.