GLADE CREEK GRIST MILL

GLADE CREEK GRIST MILL

Babcock State Park, W.Va.

Image by David Long @ www.davelongphoto.com

 
 

Hidden deep in the Appalachians in West Virginia is found one of the most iconic Fall color scenes in America. The Glade Creek Grist Mill is located in Babcock State Park near Fayetteville, W.Va., and provides incredible opportunities for both photographers and adventurers.

Located near the park headquarters, the Glade Creek Grist Mill is was built in 1976 and was named in honor of Edward V. Babcock. It is a replica of the original Cooper's Mill that was located nearby and combines the parts of three other West Virginia mills.

Photos and location summary by David Long.

David is a landscape and travel photographer based in New England and provides both workshops and a series of self-guided e-books to help find the best locations to shoot in the Northeast US. David’s portfolio along with information on his workshops and self-guided e-book can be found at davelongphoto.com.

Trail Difficulty - EASY

This trail is a 1 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most difficult). The mill is located adjacent to the park headquarters. The trail is paved and very easy and surrounds the mill and Glade Creek and provides multiple angles for both closeup and longer telephoto shots. Entry to Glade Creek is allowed, but this is wet and slippery and the correct footwear and hiking poles are recommended.

What Lens(es) Do You Need

Depending on where you photograph from, you can use as wide as 20mm (especially if you are trying to incorporate the walkway) or a short telephoto 80mm lens for scenes farther back.

The images above were taken at 70mm and the closeup shot was at 22mm.

Nuances of Shot

This location has a multitude of compositions. I think it photographs best with wet and foggy conditions that provide a very saturated look to the scene. If you go down into the creek, you end up shooting up at the mill and lose some of the beautiful backdrops. I prefer moving back on the right-hand side of the mill for the best perspective and the ability to compress the scene with a longer telephoto.

Optional compositions

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Our location summaries are written by experienced photographers - with practical information for planning your adventure - and with tips to getting the best shot

GPS Coordinates & Elevation

xx°27'5.80"N xxx°50'16.64"W

1,207 Ft. Elevation

Directions

CLICK HERE to get driving directions to Glade Creek Grist Mill parking area.

The Glade Creek Grist Mill is found deep in the Appalachian Mountains near the New River Gorge of West Virginia - with the closest town is Fayetteville and the closest city is Charleston, W.Va.

From Fayetteville - head northeast on US-19 North for 7 miles and then take US-60 south for about 10 miles. Turn right on WV-41 south for 3.7 miles and look for Babcock Rd on the right. Take Babcock Rd for about a half-mile …

Equipment Needed

Other than your camera - you will need a sturdy tripod, a polarizing first, and a 3-stop neutral density filter to provide movement in the water.

As mentioned, drones usage is currently permitted near …

Weather

Download KMZ Trail File

Click Here to download the KMZ file for this location.

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  • Best Time of Day to Shoot

    It is all about the light! We help you plan your trip and let you know if the location is a sunrise, sunset or anytime shot.

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