Babcock 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 outdoor enthusiasts.
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-books 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.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
1,207 Ft. Elevation
View In Google earth
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 and you will see the parking area on your right.
The Grist Mill is a short walk from the parking area.
From Charleston - drive on US-60 E for 63 miles until you come to WV-41 S. Take a right on WV-41 (Stanaford Rd) and drive for 3.7 miles and look for Babcock Rd on the right. Take Babcock Rd for about a half-mile and you will see the parking area on your right.
The Grist Mill is a short walk from the parking area.
Photography Tips
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
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 22 mm
Exposure – 60th sec @ f 8.0
ISO – 100
Date – Oct 22
Time – 10:45 am
Best Time of Day to Shoot
When shooting the mill, most shots face west by southwest. For this reason, the best times to shoot are either first thing in the morning or later afternoon.
Best Time of Year
The Grist Mill can be photographed any time of the year. However, this wonderful location is at its very best in the Fall (the last two weeks of October usually being peak, but based on the year it can extend into early November). Winter is also a popular time to photograph the Grist Mill - when a nice snowfall is blanketing the mill.
These images were taken on October 22.
The Babcock State Park provides a Grist Mill has a Webcam to view the surrounding areas any time of year.
Lens(es) Needed
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.
Birds-Eye View
Permits
At the time of this writing (Oct 2021) permits were not required to visit/photograph the mill.
Photographers who wish to fly a drone near the Glade Creek Grist Mill, are required to check-in at the park office in advance. The use of drones is permitted, but only from 1-3 p.m., daily. Check-in at the park office for drone use at other times. Drones may not be flown over buildings or the parking area and must stay a minimum of 20 feet away from the mill.
Direction of the Shot
The direction of the most shoots are West by Southwest around 215°.
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 the Glade Creek Grist Mill - but you are required to check-in at the park office in advance and are only permitted from 1-3 p.m daily.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
During the Fall, the Glade Creek Grist Mill is a very popular location - so expect photo clubs and many landscape photographers. However, it is not nearly as busy in the winter.
Weather
Cell Service
Cell service is available inside Babcock State Park.
Lodging & Camping
The Glade Creek Grist Mill is in the Appalachian Mountains near the New River Gorge of West Virginia - with the closest town being Fayetteville and the closest city being Charleston, W.Va.
The closest town to Glade Creek Grist Mill is Fayetteville and the closest city is Charleston, W.Va. However, there are lodges, cabins, and camping sites available in Babcock State Park. The park offers 52 campsites (28 sites with electric hookups and 24 non-electric) and cabins very near to the Grist Mill.
Nearby camping and lodging
Camping and Cabins - click on the links below to book your stay
Nearby Restaurants
The Glade Creek Grist Mill is 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.
Area Guides and Workshops
None