Babcock State Park Nearby Attractions

Set on the rim of the Gauley River Canyon, the 156-acre Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park is an important Civil War battle site. It is part of the Civil War Discovery Trail, which links more than 300 historical sites in 16 states, and commemorates the 1861 Battle of Carnifex Ferry, a major Union victory that led to the eventual Confederate withdrawal from western Virginia. Carnifex Ferry is one of the oldest state parks in the United States and is a popular site for Civil War reenactments.

Nestled in the heart of whitewater rafting country, Hawks Nest State Park is a 270-acre recreational area with a nature museum, jetboat rides, hiking trails and one of the most challenging whitewater boating waterways in the nation. Its 31-room lodge offers luxurious rooms, dining and spacious conference and meeting facilities. Located just 10 miles north of the New River Gorge Bridge, Hawks Nest is known for its scenic overlook, which provides a bird’s eye view of the rugged New River Gorge National Park and Preserve below.

Introducing West Virginia’s newest state park, Summersville Lake State Park. This state park is the state’s first new state park to be added in more than 30 years and sits on 177 acres on the northern shore of the state’s largest lake in Nicholas County. Making history, former Governor Justice signed the bill to officially designate this new state park on August 11, 2023.

 

Summersville Lake State Park is West Virginia’s first state park with climbing access, as well as the nation’s first state park with an emphasis on climbing education. The park currently features hiking and biking trails, day-use picnic areas with many more planned recreational activities and amenities on the way including water activities, aerial sports, camping, cabins and more.

Welcome to America’s 63rd national park – the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. Home to more than 70,000 acres of public lands, this park has been a hallowed spot for locals for centuries. The recent designation as the nation’s newest national park invites travelers to visit, explore and discover their own slice of heaven. Come see why this spot is already considered to be one of the best national parks in the USA.