Week 5: Skyline, Rocky, and Narrow Gauge loop + Island in the Sky trail
Hikes #6 and #7 took me just over 2 hours away to Babcock State Park, just southeast of Fayetteville, WV to check out a couple of hikes that I have really been looking forward to. The park’s iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill was a great central point to get to these two trailheads. And! It’s the perfect location to snag some instagram worthy shots!
Hike #6 Details:
1. Babcock State Park
2. Skyline, Rocky, and Narrow Gauge Loop
3. 38.00685086213438, -80.9532594866701
4. 5.5 miles
5. ~3 hours
This hike was a combination of three trails: the Skyline, Rocky, and Narrow Gauge Trails. According to All Trails, it is a 4.4 mile loop and considered a moderate trek. I agree with the moderate rating, and I clocked it at 5.5 miles altogether. This could be because I really took my time on this hike and ventured off the main trail sometimes to look for any notable views to share with you guys! Side note: It will be less painful on the thighs if you take the counter-clockwise route.
To reach the trailhead, you have to walk about 0.25-0.5 miles along the road from the Grist Mill parking lot. I feel like when a lot of people hear about walking on the road they get aggravated because WHERE IS THE TRAIL?? But, particularly in this instance, if I didn’t have to walk along the road I never would have gotten to see the cabins that Babcock State Park has to offer. I only got to check them out from the outside, but they are situated right next to Glade Creek, offering you the perfect spot to drink your morning cup of coffee. I would check out their lodging options at wvstateparks.com and see when they begin taking reservations because WOW.
This hike has been my favorite hike so far. It has everything from vistas to mountain stream crossings - even a wooden suspension bridge. From the second that you hit the trailhead, there is something catching your eye. I can only imagine what it will look like in the spring and summer when the forest is lush! I will definitely be coming back to hike this in the warmer months.
Once you hit the Rocky Trail, you will notice that your descents are becoming a little steeper and more technical. It is named the Rocky Trail for a very good reason, and this section of the trail is perfect for practicing some fancy footwork. It’s definitely doable for most people and is a really fun stretch of the trail!
Some noteworthy points on the trail are two STUNNING vistas. At about 1 mile into the trail you’ll encounter the first, and at about 2 miles into the trail you’ll encounter the second. Both require going a little bit off of the main trail, but not by much. Also, the vistas that I mentioned above are extremely exposed, so if you have kids or pets be aware that steep drop-offs are a hazard.
I also have a serious thing for a good mountain stream and boy does this trail have one for you. At about 3 miles into the hike, you will come across a wooden suspension bridge to take you across. You absolutely do not want to miss this part of the hike, it is beautiful. However, if you want to get to this point without doing the entire loop, just start the loop clockwise and turn around once you’ve gotten your fill!
This All Trails link will get you to the trailhead!
Hike #7 Details:
1. Babcock State Park
2. Island in the Sky Trail
3. 38.05578353918191, -80.94486800637634
4. 0.9 miles
5. 30 minutes
This was a short hike to top-off a really fun day exploring Babcock State Park. According to All Trails this hike is 0.7 miles long out and back, and rated as easy. I definitely agree with the easy rating, but I clocked it at 0.9 miles out and back.
There are two starting points for this trail. One is a really easy, gradual descent along a smooth and well manicured path. The second is rocky, a little technical, and so much fun. There are some really cool surprises on this trail that you’ll have to see to fully appreciate, so make sure to check out the footage of this hike as well!
Island in the Sky definitely requires another fall disclaimer with plenty of exposed edges of its own, so watch kids and animals closely.
Due to the relatively short distance and the ease of these hikes, all you really need are some snacks and plenty of water. But, if you wanted to take the time to soak in some vistas, you could enjoy a lunch right there on the edge of the gorge.
If you want to find out more about these trails or about Babcock State Park in general, check out www.wvstateparks.com
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Thanks for coming by, and I hope to see you on the trail!
