Things to do in Babcock State Park Grist Mill in Winter

Are you looking for information on things to do in Babcock State Park Grist Mill in winter? You have arrived at the right place because my family and I just visited the grist mill on January 1st, 2025.

Babcock State Park Grist Mill came to my radar when I searched for things to do in New River Gorge National Park in winter. The park suggests visitors explore a different side of the gorge. Glade Creek Grist Mill in Babcock State Park is one of them.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links meaning I receive commissions for purchases made through those links at no cost to you. Please read my Privacy Policy for more information.

Things to do in Babcock State Park Grist Mill in Winter

The Glade Creek Grist Mill is fully operated. You can buy freshly ground cornmeal from the park’s store, depending on availability and stream conditions. During operating hours, visitors can tour the mill and learn about grinding corn into cornmeal.  

After the last Sunday in October, the Glade Creek Grist Mill closed. So, it leaves you taking tons of pictures from all angles for the things to do in Babcock State Park Grist Mill in winter.

It is most likely there are no other visitors during your visit. Or, around ten people top. That’s what we had during our visit on January 1st. 

Glade Creek Grist Mill is not only the most photographed structure in West Virginia State but also one of the most photographed images in the world. It sees the most visitors in the fall, followed by summertime. 

If you want to take pictures without strangers in the frame, the winter season is for you. You must prepare for the season, though.

It was cold and snowing during our visit. Fortunately, there was no ice.

Call the park at (304) 438-3004 for hours, road conditions, and closures. The office is open from Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the winter season.

Hiking is another thing to do when visiting Babcock State Park Grist Mill in the winter.

I noticed there’s a hiking trail behind the mill. It was perfect for the first-day hike, but we still had to drive to Grandview Overlook in Beaver. It gets dark fast in the mountains, so I saved the trail for summer or fall.

Later, I checked the park map. It was Island in the Sky Trail that led to a scenic viewpoint/overlook.

If you plan to hike during your visit, bundle up, and remember the crampons. You may need them.

Another thing to do is visit the Park Headquarters and Gift Shop. Then take the stairs to the river. You will have a beautiful view of the grist mill with the Glade Creek Grist Mill Falls in the foreground. You must be careful, though.

Lastly, you may fly a drone near the Glade Creek Grist Mill, if you are a nature and landscape photographer.

But, you can’t fly the drone over buildings or the parking area. Moreover, you must fly it a minimum of 20 feet away from the mill.

You can fly the drone daily between 1 and 3 p.m. However, you must check in at the park office in advance.

How old is the grist mill at Babcock State Park?

The Glade Creek Grist Mill is not that old. It was completed in 1976 using parts salvaged from much older mills in the state. Glade Creek Grist Mill is a replica of the original Cooper’s Mill which once stood on the grounds.

Its main structure came from Stoney Creek Grist Mill, dating back to 1890. The water wheel came from Spring Run Grist Mill near Petersburg in Grant County. Other parts for the mill came from Onego Grist Mill near Seneca Rocks in Pendleton County.

Glade Creek Grist Mill is the most photographed mill in West Virginia.

Babcock State Park Grist Mill Hours

The Glade Creek Grist Mill closes for the season on the last Sunday in October. Picnic area restrooms and certain area gates close for the season on October 31st.

It is open again on the third Saturday in April.

I talked with the Park Ranger on the phone. He said the road to the grist mill is always open in the winter, and they clean the road of snow.

Glade Creek Grist Mill Webcam

You don’t have time to visit the grist mill this year? Don’t worry. You can view the live stream of the Glade Creek Grist Mill.

Directions to Babcock State State Park Grist Mill

From US-19 N or S in Lansing, West Virginia, take US-60 E/Midland Trail to WV-41 S  in Danese. Continue on WV-41 S. Drive to Babcock State Park Road on the right.

You will see the Glade Creek Grist Mill at the end of the road. It’s not the end of the road, but it feels like it is.

There will be a small parking on the left-hand side before the bridge to the grist mill. On the right, is the Babcock State Park Office and Gift Shop with a spacious parking lot.   

A parking spot is also available after the bridge. It will be on the left side.

If you continue driving on Babcock State Park Road, you will arrive at the boat dock at Boley Lake. At the end of the road is the Sugar Camp Run Picnic Area. However, this extended road is closed over the winter.

From New River Gorge Bridge Canyon Rim Visitor Center is about 20 miles or 30 minutes drive.

Where is Babcock State Park located?

Babcock State Park is located in southern West Virginia. It is one of West Virginia’s most iconic locations on 4,127 acres of stunning scenery.

The park is mostly known for the Glade Creek Grist Mill. Other attractions include biking, boating, camping, fishing, geocaching, hiking, and outdoor adventures.

Visitors who want to stay in the park can choose the cabins or campgrounds. Several cabins are designated pet-friendly. However, they open from spring through fall.

We visited with our dog Snoopy and stayed at Quality Inn New River Gorge in Fayetteville. It’s about 22 mile or 30 minutes drive to the park.

West Virginia is the only state within the Appalachian Mountain range, aptly named the Mountain State.

Address: 486 Babcock Road, Clifftop, WV 25831.

Things to do near Babcock State Park

– Explore New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

– Visit Hawks Nest State Park

– Learn a piece of history at Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park