Babcock State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Babcock State Park |
|
|---|---|
|
IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
|
|
Glade Creek Grist Mill
|
|
 Babcock State Park
Location in West Virginia
|
|
| Location | Fayette, West Virginia, United States |
| Area | 4,127 acres (16.70 km2) |
| Elevation | 2,510 ft (770 m) |
| Established | October 11, 1934 |
Babcock State Park is a super cool state park in West Virginia! It's located right next to the amazing New River Gorge. This park covers a huge area of about 4,127 acres, which is like 3,126 football fields! It's full of beautiful woods in Fayette County. The park is about 20 miles from the famous New River Gorge Bridge.
The park was named in honor of Edward V. Babcock. It was officially opened on October 11, 1934.
The Famous Glade Creek Grist Mill
One of the most famous and photographed spots in Babcock State Park is the Glade Creek Grist Mill. It's a special building that looks like an old mill. This mill was finished in 1976.
The Glade Creek Grist Mill is unique because it was made using parts from three other old mills in West Virginia! It's a copy of an original mill called Cooper's Mill that used to be nearby. The park calls it a "living, working monument." This means it shows how important mills were in the past. Over 500 mills used to be all over West Virginia!
Fun Things to Do at Babcock State Park
Babcock State Park has lots of exciting things for visitors to enjoy. You can find something fun to do whether you love adventure or just want to relax.
- Stay Overnight: The park has 28 cozy cabins where you can stay. There are also 52 campsites if you prefer sleeping under the stars.
- Explore Nature: If you love walking, there are more than 20 miles of hiking trails. You can explore the beautiful woods and see amazing views. Naturalists also lead hikes and presentations to teach you about the park's plants and animals.
- Play Sports: The park has outdoor sports facilities. You can play basketball, tennis, or volleyball. There's also a horseshoe pit for some classic fun.
- Water Activities: You can visit Boley Lake, which is about 19 acres big. You can rent paddleboats, rowboats, or canoes to explore the lake. Fishing is also popular in the lake and streams.
- Cool Off: On hot days, you can take a dip in the park's swimming pool.
- Souvenirs and Snacks: There's a gift shop where you can find cool items. You can also buy corn meal and buckwheat flour made right at the Glade Creek Grist Mill!
- Great Views: Don't forget to check out the scenic overlooks. They offer amazing views of the park and the surrounding area.
- Picnic Time: There are picnic shelters available if you want to enjoy a meal outdoors with your family or friends.
Making Babcock Park Welcoming for Everyone
Babcock State Park works hard to make sure everyone can enjoy its beauty. Experts from West Virginia University checked the park's accessibility.
They found that many parts of the park are easy to use for people with disabilities. This includes the campground, picnic shelters, and restrooms. Ramps and doorways to public buildings are also accessible. The park even has special fishing spots and two cabins designed for easy access.
During their check in 2005, they noted a few things that could be improved. For example, some parking lot signs and stairways needed attention. The park continues to improve these areas to make sure everyone has a great visit.
