Babcock Scenic Trail

Babcock State Park is one of the most photographed places in West Virginia for a good reason. 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. Babcock is also located near several other cultural and natural attractions, and the route is along two scenic highways. This trip couldn’t be more relaxing and beautiful.

• Overview
• Ansted
• Babcock State Park
• Prince
• Gauley Bridge

• One of West Virginia's Most Photographed State Parks

• Ansted is a quaint little town with lots of history. Be sure to check our the New River Jetboats at Hawks Nest State Park for a great view of the Gorge. Before you leave town, stop at The Mystery Hole, a favorite kitchsy roadside attraction.

• This state park boasts over 4,000 acres of rugged outdoor beauty adjacent to the New River Gorge. Babcock offers numerous activities to entertain the whole family, including paddleboat, canoe and rowboat rentals on Boley Lake. Don’t miss Glade Creek Grist Mill, one of the most photographed icons in Southern West Virginia

• Prince is a little railroad town that still boasts an active Amtrak stop. This retro train station is quaint and picturesque. If you cross the bridge over the New River, you will find Glade Creek, a camping and hiking area that is part of the New River Gorge National River.

• Gauley Bridge is a quaint little town at the confluence of the New and Gauley rivers. Here, these two rivers meet to form the Kanawha River. Check out Cathedral Falls, a spectacular 60-ft. waterfall, and Kanawha Falls, a wide waterfall on the Kanawha River.