The Glade Creek Gristmill
Just a short thirty minute drive from our lodge at Hawks Nest State park is another one of West Virginia's fantastic parks, Babcock State Park. This 4,127 acre park has all the typical activities you would expect to find, such as camping and cottages, miles of hiking and biking trails, picnic areas and a small lake. One unique feature of the park, and it's most popular attraction is the Glade Creek Grist Mill. This fully operational mill is actually a replica of another mill (Coopers Mill) that was located on the same site. Although we didn't purchase any (mainly because we forgot to stop by on our way out), freshly ground corn meal can be purchased in the parks headquarters/camp store.
Paddle boats, canoes and row boats are available for rent.
We enjoyed visiting the mill and did a couple of relatively short hikes. One of the hikes was on the Lake View Trail, which circled the lake. Only one thing was missing along this relatively flat, well used trail and that was views of the lake! Other than the first and last several hundred yards of the trail we only occasionally caught glimpses of the lake. No complaints though, there were places to "sit and ponder" at a couple of places along the way. After the hike we also enjoyed taking a paddle boat on the small lake.
The overlook from near the Manns Creek Picnic area
The drive to Babcock State Park was a treat in and of itself. It was along a section of US Route 60 known as the Midland Trail. This nationally designated scenic byway runs approximately 100 miles from Charleston to the unincorporated community known as Sam Black Church. The trail was believed to have been originally cleared by buffalo and Native Americans. In 1790 George Washington ordered the trail to be further cleared and improved. It was used by both stage coaches and later by soldiers in the civil war.
The close proximity of several interstate highways has driven many small businesses away from the once thriving communities along the Midland Trail. However, if you're looking for a beautiful drive along a well maintained and historic route, the Midland Trail and a stop at Babcock State Park just may be right up your alley.
