Activities at Babcock State Park
In addition to its iconic sights, like the Glade Creek Grist Mill, Babcock State Park offers a wide variety of activities, including biking, boating, camping, fishing, geocaching, hiking and much more. Explore this beautiful slice of Almost Heaven to the fullest and enjoy the serene wilderness surrounding you.
Biking
Ready to explore Babcock State Park atop a bike? All paved and gravel roads at Babcock are open for riders. You can also bike along the Narrow Gauge Trail, Ridge Top Trail, Old Pond Trail, Twin Hollow Trail, North Slope Trail, Connector Trail, Short Cut Trail, Wilderness Trail, Old Sewell Trail, Triple Creek Trail and Manns Creek Gorge Trail. Enjoy adventures on two wheels at Babcock State Park.
Boating
Hit the water for a nice relaxing day and soak up the sunshine. Boating is welcome at Babcock State Park, but proper license and stamps are required. Paddleboats, rowboats and canoes are also available for rent at the Boley Lake Marina, between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. Motors must be electric, and no boat launch area is available.
Camping
Babcock State Park’s 52-unit campground has 28 sites with electric hookups and 24 non-electric sites. The campground has a central bathhouse with coin-operated laundry machines, two water fill-up stations and two sewage dump facilities. Wireless Internet is available, and cell phone service is available from most major cell phone providers. Babcock also offers a group tent camping area that can accommodate up to 20 tents and features a covered shelter with nine picnic tables, electric and a covered stone fireplace. The campground is open the third Friday in April until the fourth Monday in October, weather permitting. Reservations for the group tent camping area must be made through the park office.
Fishing
If you enjoy spending time by the water, you will love fishing at Babcock State Park. Plenty of largemouth bass, bluegill, trout and channel catfish live in Boley Lake and Glade Creek. Within a 20-minute drive is the New River, which provides even more fishing opportunities. West Virginia fishing licenses are available for purchase online.
Geocaching
For the ultimate outdoor scavenger hunt, go geocaching at Babcock State Park. There are two cache sites here. When you find a container, take an object and replace it with something that’s similar in size. Bring your smartphone, a few small items and your friends for a fun adventure outside.
Babcock State Park Geocache Locations:
Old Stone Building
Glade Creek Waterfall
Take Steps to Prepare
Hiking
No matter what kind of hiker you are, Babcock has more than 20 miles of hiking trails for you to explore – from easy loops to heart-pumping hill climbs. Stop by the park office to pick up a trail guide on your way out.
Hunting
Beury Mountain WMA in Fayette County is a popular spot for deer, turkey, and squirrel hunting. Proper licenses are available online. Hunting is not permitted in Babcock State Park.
Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor adventures await at Babcock State Park. Game courts are set up for horseshoes, volleyball, tennis and basketball from mid-April to the end of October. During the summer months, a park naturalist hosts on-site nature tours, movie presentations, special sports activities and get-togethers. Guests can also tour the fully operational Glade Creek Grist Mill and even purchase freshly ground cornmeal when available.
Rafting
The New River Gorge has some of the best whitewater rafting in America. Local outfitters have guided trips for all ages and abilities.
