The Glade Creek Grist Mill is a hidden gem in the hills of West Virginia. It is located in Babcock State Park, WV and is a photographer’s dream. I flew to West Virginia from California to see and photograph the Glade Creek Grist Mill back on July 25, 2014.
On our drive down to see the Glade Creek Grist Mill in Babcock State Park, WV, we encountered some storm damaged houses
First of all, flying to West Virginia again provided a great opportunity to go on another drive with my dad. The almost 5 hour drive from my parent’s house to Babcock State Park, WV took us past several areas of severe storm damage that had occurred just days prior.
This poor little stone house had an uprooted tree that completely destroyed its roof and structure during the storm.
Thankfully, I flew in just after the storm ripped through Virginia and West Virginia.
On our way to Babcock State Park, WV, we drove through the tiny town of Hillsboro, VA
In addition to seeing storm damaged homes, we also enjoyed some diverse architectural beauty. As we drove through Hillsboro, VA on route 9, dad spotted an old style thatched log cabin attached to a regular house.
Old and new blended together in this quaint little home. Hillsboro is known for its historic charm and keeps a strict speed limit of 25 mph to maintain the quiet atmosphere.
I loved seeing the diversity of the homes, some of them with historic dates of when they were built etched into them.
Finding Babcock State Park and the Glade Creek Grist Mill is fairly simple
Driving to Babcock State Park, WV proved to be easy and fairly uneventful. We traveled down 81 S through Virginia, and then headed west at Lexington on 64. Upon entering West Virginia, we following the map until we entered Babcock State Park.
Arriving at the Glade Creek Grist Mill in Babcock State Park, West Virginia
Upon arriving at Babcock State Park, West Virginia, the mill was very easy to find.
The Glade Creek Grist Mill was located right next to the parking lot close to the entrance, so I didn’t have to walk far and my dad could see it from the car, which he appreciated.
Due to the long drive, we arrived at Babcock State Park and the grist mill close to sunset. While a few people were there, ghosting my images, I mostly had the place to myself.
A little bit of history on the Glade Creek Grist Mill in Babcock State Park, WV
The Glade Creek Grist Mill had to be rebuilt in 1976.
Originally, it was named Cooper’s Mill. Parts and pieces from three different grist mills were used to rebuild this beautiful structure.
The mill sits on Glade Creek in Babcock State Park, WV. I loved the greenery and flowing water.
Another interesting fact is that the Glade Creek Grist Mill is a fully functioning mill today. Furthermore, you can actually buy freshly ground cornmeal at the grist mill when the water levels and conditions are right.
As much as I would have liked to buy some, we arrived late, so nothing was open. There was, however, a public restroom which we both greatly appreciated. (To learn more about Babcock State Park and the history of the Glade Creek Grist Mill click here.)
Walking around the grounds of the Glade Creek Grist Mill and Babcock State Park, WV
Babcock State Park in West Virginia really is beautiful. Flowing water and lush trees surround you in almost every direction. If I could go back, I would definitely rent a little cabin and camp here overnight.
In addition to the natural beauty, stone pathways also graced the grounds.
I hiked down into the river bed to see and photograph the mill from different angles.
As a result, I was able to capture some soft water photographs. I love using my Singh Ray Variable ND Filter and Polarizer for slow water shots!
While I photographed the mill, the sun finished setting. Hence, I knew it was time to start heading home.
Because we needed to leave, I took one last look at the Glade Creek Grist Mill and then said goodbye to the lovely Babcock State Park in West Virginia.
What I would give to come back to photograph this beautiful grist mill in the fall! Dad and I drove back to his home and arrived close to 1 or 2 am. While our visit to Babcock State Park was too short, I loved the conversations shared between me and my dad while driving.
I hope you enjoyed my photographs of the Glade Creek Grist Mill in Babcock State Park, WV. Thanks for reading and sharing this journey with me!
Happy travels!
Juventa Vezzani
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