📷 Photo by Joylynn Goh on UnsplashGlade Creek Grist Mill, Babcock State Park
Clifftop, WV
A working reconstructed grist mill over a rocky creek, one of the most photographed spots in West Virginia, especially in October color.
The Glade Creek Grist Mill in Babcock State Park near Clifftop, West Virginia, is a working grist mill on a rocky mountain stream. It was built in 1976 as a replica of the nearby Cooper's Mill and recalls the many mills that once operated across West Virginia. The main building came from the Stoney Creek Mill in Pocahontas County, the water wheel from the Spring Run Mill in Grant County, and other parts from a third mill in Pendleton County.
A sluice gate sends water from Glade Creek onto the wheel, which turns a grindstone weighing about 900 pounds (410 kilograms). If the miller is on site, you can watch corn being ground into cornmeal, which is sold in the park's gift shop. The setting is considered picturesque in all four seasons, and in autumn many photographers come for the foliage.
The park has more than 20 miles (30 kilometers) of hiking trails, 28 cabins and a campground with 52 sites. The mill, cabins and campgrounds are open seasonally, and according to Atlas Obscura the mill keeps summer hours only (as of October 2026), so check the schedule before you go. The New River Gorge Bridge is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) from the park.
- Nearest town
- Clifftop, WV
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 37.9775, -80.9500
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Arrowhead Bike Farm CampgroundCampsite8 mi from Glade Creek Grist Mill, Babcock State Park
- Hilltop SunriseMotorhome stopover11 mi from Glade Creek Grist Mill, Babcock State Park · 2 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Summersville Lake RetreatMotorhome stopover16 mi from Glade Creek Grist Mill, Babcock State Park · 65 pitchesTentsMotorhomes
- Little Beaver State Park CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Glade Creek Grist Mill, Babcock State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Mountain Lake CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Glade Creek Grist Mill, Babcock State Park
- Lake Stephens RV CampgroundMotorhome stopover23 mi from Glade Creek Grist Mill, Babcock State Park · 100 pitchesMotorhomes
All campsites in West Virginia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Glade Creek Grist Mill, Babcock State Park?
Glade Creek Grist Mill, Babcock State Park is in Clifftop, WV, at GPS 37.9775, -80.9500. It is about 7 mi from Thurmond.
Can you camp near Glade Creek Grist Mill, Babcock State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Brooklyn Campground, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 42 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Glade Creek Grist Mill, Babcock State Park?
Glade Creek Grist Mill, Babcock State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: New River Gorge National Park.
What is there to see near Glade Creek Grist Mill, Babcock State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Thurmond Historic District (7 mi), New River Gorge Bridge (9 mi), Grandview (12 mi) and Hawks Nest State Park (14 mi).
When is the best time to visit Glade Creek Grist Mill, Babcock State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)