Babcock State Park

A Blend of History and Mountain Magic

Babcock State Park is one of West Virginia’s most recognizable parks. The frequently photographed Grist Mill is a fully functional replica of the old Cooper’s Mill. I’ve been in this mill many times growing up, and up until I was researching a bit for this post, had been fully convinced that the mill was the original (so I’m feeling a little silly).

The mill was built in 1976 and is the most photographed spot in the state of West Virginia. Visitors often wonder if it still operates – the answer is yes, but not always daily. When it runs, you can watch the water wheel turn and learn about how Appalachian settlers ground corn and grain using the mountain stream for power.

Babcock is located about 20 minutes from New River Gorge National Park and offers both a step back in time and a convenient place to set up camp close to one of the newest national parks.

Sights You Can’t Miss:

The Grist Mill: The waterwheel, the stone walls and the surrounding forest give off an unmistakable cottage vibe. When full of water, the falls and the pool around it are breathtaking. You can do a self guided tour of the inside on the weekends for free! (Photos Below).

Natural Arch Trail: A short but fascinating hike that leads to a natural stone arch. A reminder of the park’s geological history. Less than 1-mile round trip.

Swinging Bridge: The kids loved this. It gives you a little thrill in the middle of beautiful forest views. Crossing the bridge from Old Sewell Road takes you to the back of the cabin area. There are a few old-style lamp posts that kind of enhance the scene.

Overlook Loop: If you drive the loop road, you’ll eventually reach a scenic overlook and a park at the top.

Retaining Wall and Dam: Making your way behind the gift shop, you’ll find a swimming hole made possible by a dam built by the CCC. The swimming hole is beautiful, but taking a step further down the trail to see the dam gives you a unique view.

The Campground:

The campgrounds at Babcock are not in the grist mill area- they are about two miles away. This was a surprise to me, because I figured I’d be camping out beside this old ass grist mill that was clearly the original mill. Not sure why I thought this, of all the times I’ve been here, didn’t see any campsites at all. Not a big deal though, it’s a big park so that’s cool they have the space.

Just before entering the campground, you’ll find a check-in station on the left. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and offers firewood and ice for sale. There are also vending machines on site, though during our visit they only stocked drinks.

Campsite Highlights/TLDR notes:

Camp Check-In House: Has ice, wood and drinks.
Wi-Fi: Technically available at the bathhouse, but it’s very spotty. There are multiple networks (“guest,” “Babcockguest1,” “Babcockguest2”), none of which worked reliably (which made me a little happy).
Laundry Room: Surprisingly nice, with two washers and two dryers.
Bathhouses: Functional and mostly clean (I hate curtains on showers and prefer doors but, but I’m getting clean in the wilderness, not sure what I expect). There are double curtains.
Playground!: There’s a decent size playground here. My small kids are currently under the minimum age but they’re durable and were just fine.
A Dishwashing Station: A nice, and centrally located, station for washing your camp dishes

Photos of the campground area:

The Gift Shop:

The gift shop was near the mill and is moderately sized but brimming with local charm. One of my favorite finds what The Mothman Learns His ABCs – a quirky adorable book (that I thought should have “Pepperoni Rolls” for the letter “P”, just sayin’. Still bought it.) You’ll also find some Flatwoods Monster trinkets and other Appalachian folklore treasures. Years ago, the Flatwoods Monster wasn’t as popular, and merch was impossible to find. Now it seems to be a proud part of the culture here.

Tale from a Local Shop Owner:

A local shop owner who was super fun, very quirky, and maybe on some psychedelics told me about some weird energy she felt being inside one of the cabins at Babcock. While I thoroughly enjoyed her company, I was left curious if I could confirm her story about a murder that happened there. Turns out, I could! Or the internet could. Or something.

Apparently, Babcock does have a chilling layer of history hidden beneath its picture-perfect beauty. The shop owner stated that the incident occurred in cabin 13, but you can read about it yourself here.

Trails and Networks:

Beyond the Grist Mill, Babcock’s trail system connects to much more park than you can properly enjoy in a day. You can walk from the mill area for about 3.5 miles to reach the campground or take the trail system up to the overlook. You can also branch out into many other woodland paths that take you to the overlooks of the gorge. The density of the forest here makes every hike feel immersive, especially the way the light filters through the trees. There is also a lake that at this time I have not visited, but we’ll be sure to make a stop next time.

Stargazing and Night Magic:

With low light pollution, the night skies at Babcock are spectacular. I took a bit to do some 30 to 90 second exposures and I regretted not bringing my locking camera remote so I could do more. The sky here, especially when you contrast it to the sky in areas like D.C., is a reminder of just how wild this corner of West Virginia remains despite the number of tourists it brings in.

Final Thoughts:

A paleolithic era photo from my childhood

Babcock State Park is more than a picturesque mill, it’s an experience layered with history, folklore and natural wonder. From the swinging bridge to the campsites, to the forest, it’s a place that is endlessly surprising. Whether your goal is to camp and hike, photograph the mill, or explore Appalachian lore, Babcock proves itself to be a destination where past and present blend seamlessly into the mountain landscape.