Babcock State Park — Attraction in Thurmond

“What’s the deal with Babcock State Park? You’ve got a mill that looks like it’s auditioning for a postcard, raccoons running a crime syndicate, and trails that will make you say, ‘Wow, I earned that view.’”

First, the good stuff:

This park is packed with hidden gems if you’re willing to do a little exploring. Hiking? Plenty of scenic trails, with Island in the Sky giving you that “main character on a mountaintop” feeling when you reach the overlook. Fishing? Absolutely, and if you don’t catch anything, it’s still relaxing enough to convince yourself you didn’t need fish anyway.

They’ve got boat rentals for when you want to float around pretending you’re in a nature documentary. Playgrounds are scattered around to let the kids burn off their sugar. And if you’re planning a family reunion or church picnic, Babcock’s picnic shelters are chef’s kiss—perfect spots whether you’ve got 10 people or half your county.

And let’s not forget the working grist mill. You don’t see many of these anymore, and it’s so picturesque it should have its own Instagram account. “#MillLife” should trend here.

The cabins are lovely, especially cabins 1-6, which practically demand you light a fireplace and pretend you’re in a Nicholas Sparks novel (minus the melodrama). It’s also a great home base for New River Gorge day trips, giving you cozy nights after a day of rafting or hiking.

Now, the “quirks.”

If you’re camping, know this: the campgrounds are technically in the park, but feel like they’re in a different zip code from the main attractions. It’s less “backyard to adventure” and more “short drive to adventure,” but still worth it if you’re prepped.

Bugs? Oh, they’re here. Mosquitoes, gnats, and daddy longlegs like you’ve never seen before. It’s like they’ve got a union and everyone shows up during your stay.

If it rains, brace yourself for branches falling like confetti. Keep your eyes up or you’ll get a surprise acorn massage you didn’t ask for.

Bathhouses? They’ve got stories, and they look it. Functional, cleanish, but definitely vintage in the “don’t drop your towel” kind of way.

Now, let’s talk about the raccoons. These aren’t your average trash pandas. These are PhD-level, Ocean’s Eleven raccoons. You leave your cooler out? They’ll open it. Hide it under the bench? They’ll drag it out. Put rocks on it? They’ll knock them off, look you in the eye, and open it anyway. Your best bet is locking your food in your car, unless you want to watch a raccoon eat your cheeseburger while maintaining eye contact. And if you leave so much as a fast-food cup around, they will find it.

Also, no swimming in the lake (not allowed) and the river’s a bit much for a casual dip unless your hobby is “almost drowning.”

Bottom line?

Babcock State Park is worth it. Come for the mill and the views, stay for the hiking, fishing, picnicking, and cabin lounging. It’s not your “in-and-out in a day” park; it’s a place you settle into, discover hidden rock formations, cross a suspension bridge tucked in the forest, and collect “I can’t believe we found this” moments.

Plan a few days, bring your bug spray, and lock up your cheeseburgers. Because if you’re looking for a base camp for the New River Gorge or just a peaceful West Virginia escape with postcard-perfect moments, Babcock delivers—raccoon...

Babcock State Park: A Photographer's Paradise in Autumn Splendor

For photographers seeking a picturesque haven, Babcock State Park in West Virginia explodes with vibrant beauty during the fall season. Nestled amidst rolling hills and lush forests, the park's crown jewel is the Glade Creek Grist Mill, a rustic wooden structure standing proudly beside a cascading waterfall.

A Symphony of Color and Motion:

The combination of the mill, waterfall, and fall foliage creates a visual symphony. The leaves blaze in fiery oranges, reds, and yellows, contrasting with the deep brown tones of the mill and the gushing white water. Imagine capturing slow-motion footage of the leaves swirling around the mill, carried by the wind like vibrant confetti.

Beyond the Mill:

While the mill is undoubtedly the star of the show, Babcock State Park offers a treasure trove of other photographic opportunities. Hike along scenic trails like the Glade Creek Trail, capturing the vibrant tapestry of the forest floor or the breathtaking vistas from overlooks.

A Photographer's Playground:

The park's varied terrain and diverse features cater to every photographer's style. Capture the serenity of a sunrise mist over the lake, the playful reflections of sunlight on the cascading water, or the intricate details of the mill's weathered wood.

Tips for the Perfect Shot:

Golden Hour Magic: Visit during the golden hour of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting.

Play with Angles: Experiment with different angles and perspectives to capture unique compositions.

Embrace the Details: Don't forget to zoom in on the intricate details of the mill, leaves, and water droplets.

Weather Wonders: Embrace the occasional mist or rain; it can add an ethereal touch to your photos.

More than Just a Photo Op:

Babcock State Park isn't just for photographers. Hike the scenic trails, go for a swim in the lake, or simply relax and soak in the beauty of nature. Enjoy a picnic lunch beside the mill or take a guided tour to learn about the history of the park and the gristmill.

A Must-Visit for Fall Photography:

If you're a photographer seeking an autumn wonderland, Babcock State Park is a must-visit. With its stunning scenery, diverse photographic opportunities, and a peaceful atmosphere, it's the perfect place to capture the magic of the fall season.

So grab your camera, lace up your hiking boots, and prepare to be enchanted by the beauty of Babcock State Park. It's an unforgettable experience that will leave you with breathtaking photos and memories to cherish.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Pro Tip: Check the park's website for fall foliage updates and plan your visit accordingly. Drones are allowed but require prior permission from the park office.

I hope this review inspires you to explore the photographic wonders of...

Me and my husband rented one of the economy cabins for 3 nights, it was our first time in WV and we were a little apprehensive about the cabin since there are almost no pictures online and they were so cheap. However, we were BLOWN AWAY by the cabin and everything else in the park. The cabin was not only perfectly clean but also absolutely adorable and had everything we needed. We kept asking each other how it was so cheap and so nice all weekend (I think we paid $65/night). The cabin included Heat/ac, wifi, towels, linens, a coffee maker and coffee filters, dishes, cups/coffee mugs, silverware, pots/pans, pot holders, and even a strainer. They even give you mini bars of soap that is also sold in the gift shop and dish soap. They provided 3 rolls of toilet paper and a few garbage bags but depending on how long you’re staying I’d recommend bringing some extra. Outside you have your own fire place (the cabin even came with a bundle of firewood) and a charcoal grill and there are other cabins close by but far enough away that we felt secluded. There is also a small screened in porch with a table and seats. I will attach photos since it was hard to tell how nice the cabin was from photos on the parks website.

Aside from the cabin the park and trails were amazing. We hiked the lakeside trail and the first day which was an easy 1 mile trail around the lake and saw lots of beautiful wildlife. Our favorite part was all of the colorful mushrooms along the way. We also hiked the narrow gauge trail which was amazing. The Mann’s creek runs next to it and you can literally get into the creek and sit right in the middle of it on the rocks. The capability to do this probably depends on the time of year you visit (we were here in the first week of October). There was also plenty of wildlife and beautiful moss and mushrooms along this trail. The lady in the office said they were very busy while we were visiting but we saw maybe 5 other people total while we were hiking, it felt like we were all alone in the middle of nowhere.

We can’t wait to return another time now that we know about this beautiful park and everything it...