Babcock State Park: Glade Creek Grist Mill

Babcock State Park resides in the Appalachian Mountains near the New River Gorge.   This state park is a multi faceted park with a variety of opportunities for fun.  However, the main attraction at this state park is the Glade Creek Grist Mill.

Glade Creek Grist Mill

The Glade Creek Grist mill is frequently touted as one of the most picturesque locations in West Virginia.  Many  go as far as to say that it is the most commonly photographed spot in the state.  I can attest to it's beauty and how photogenic this building really is.

Glade Creek Grist Mill -Autumn Colors

The History of the Glade Creek Grist Mill

The Glade Creek Grist Mill may look old, but this building is relatively new with the construction being completed in 1976.  What makes this mill look old and vintage?  This mill was built from the parts of three other West Virginia Mills.

The actual building structure is from the remains of the Stoney Creek Grist mill.  That mill dated back to the 1890's and was located in Campbelltown, which is in Pocahontas County.  
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Glade Creek Grist Mill Structure

The overshot waterwheel is from the Spring Run Grist Mill that was located near Petersburg, WV.   The waterwheel was the only thing that was salvageable after a fire decimated the mill that was located in Grant County.

Overshot Water Wheel of the Glade Creek Grist Mill

The other inner workings for the mill came from the Onego Grist Mill that was located near Seneca Rocks in Pendleton County.  

The Glade Creek Grist Mill was built near the sight of the former Coopers Mill which was destroyed in 1920.  This mill is fully operational and is open on the weekends.  You can even buy some cornmeal that is ground on the premises. 

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What else does Babcock State Park Have

Babcock State Park is not just for the Grist Mill.  There is a campground and the most charming cabins that are for rent.  They have multiple trails that are good for trail running, hiking and mountain biking.  They even have a mountain top lake for those hot summer days.  

Babcock State Park and the Glade Creek Grist Mill are definitely something that we are happy that we took the time to visit.  We are already making plans to return to this state park and stay in one of the cabins and explore more of the trails that this park has to offer.