West Virginia's Adventure-Packed State Park Offers Canoeing, Water Sports, And Stunning Gorges

West Virginia proudly bears the descriptor "Wild and Wonderful" for a reason. Nestled deep in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, the state protects some of the most scenic natural wonders east of the Mississippi, arguably rivaling the dramatic landscapes further west. All across the state, outdoor adventurers can find a variety of amazing parks to immerse themselves in lush forests and other striking natural features. Even underrated West Virginia gems like Kumbrabow State Forest are mountainous havens with breathtaking views and trails. Yet the crown jewel of the West Virginia State Park System — and, possibly, the state's entire collection of public lands — could very well be the magnificent Babcock State Park. With outstanding natural scenery, photogenic historic landmarks, and plenty of opportunities for adventure, Babcock State Park is easily one of the most memorable outdoor attractions in West Virginia. 

Babcock State Park is located in West Virginia's Fayette County. It's a convenient 90-minute drive from the West Virginia International Yeager Airport in Charleston and squarely in the heart of the state's deep Appalachian beauty. In terms of prime real estate, Babock State Park is just north of West Virginia's only national park, with which it shares the state's most famous natural wonder: the New River Gorge. And while this prestigious neighbor may overshadow a smaller state park at times, Babcock more than holds its own against even famed national parks when it comes to supreme beauty and outdoor recreation. All-in-all, Babcock State Park is a treasure trove of Instagram-worthy scenery, epic hikes, and outdoor adventures, all found in a relatively modest state park package. 

Babcock State Park protects 4,127 acres of a stunning river valley in the heart of West Virginia's Appalachian Mountains. However, the river valley Babcock State Park lies in happens to be West Virginia's ancient and epic New River Gorge. If that name sounds familiar, it's because this particular gorge is also the centerpiece of the much better-known New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. Babcock State Park is a mere 20 miles from the national park's famous New River Gorge Bridge, a slight geographic misfortune that may prevent the former from getting the full attention it deserves. On the other hand, being overshadowed by a neighboring national park does mean that Babcock gets the coveted hidden gem status, offering exceptional New River Gorge experiences without national park crowds. 

And the New River Gorge is definitely worth seeing at least once. Believed to be somewhere between 65 and 325 million years old, West Virginia's ironically named New River is one of the oldest rivers on earth, and its surrounding gorge is a timeless masterpiece of geological architecture. In Babcock State Park, visitors can explore a lesser-known side of the gorge, complete with several scenic overlooks, picturesque waterfalls, and even unique geological features like a natural rock arch. Alongside its ancient rivers and mountain streams, Babcock also features the tranquil Boley Lake, plus breathtaking cliffs that rival those in the national park. Not every attraction in the park was created by nature, however. Babcock's most famous feature is arguably the photogenic Glade Creek Grist Mill. Built in 1976 and modeled after earlier 19th-century mills, the Glade Creek Grist Mill combines rustic architecture and an extraordinary natural backdrop to create one of the most-photographed spots in West Virginia.

Like its national park counterpart, Babcock State Park is rich in thrilling West Virginia outdoor recreational opportunities. The park's 20 miles of hiking trails are among the state's most scenic, with exceptional views of the New River Gorge, the Glade Creek Grist Mill, and other beautiful park features. Many trails, like the Island in the Sky and Narrow Gauge Loop, offer views of the ancient river gorge that rival those in New River Gorge National Park. And despite the mountainous terrain, many of Babcock's trails are quite easy for most visitors, including the stunning Natural Arch Trail, which showcases its eponymous rock feature on a simple 0.2-mile hike. The park's paved and gravel roads also make excellent mountain biking routes. 

While the New River Gorge has some of the country's best whitewater rafting, the main routes operate outside Babcock State Park itself. However, if you're looking for a more peaceful day out on the water, Boley Lake is perfect for peaceful boating excursions and fishing trips. You can even rent paddleboats, rowboats, and canoes between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Babcock State Park also has more modern recreational facilities, including basketball courts, tennis courts, and a horseshoe pit. And if you're looking for a perfect Babcock State Park photo-op, the Almost Heaven Swing provides excellent solo and group shots with the Glade Creek Grist Mill framed in the background. Babcock State Park also has top outdoor lodging facilities, including 52 campsites and 28 cozy cabins (plus electric hookups, a central bathhouse, and a coin-operated laundry facility). Nearby resorts like West Virginia's all-inclusive Ace Adventure Resort and waterpark provide even more opportunities to immerse yourself in the unforgettable New River Gorge area.