Nestled in the heart of the stunning Babcock State Park, Glade Creek Grist Mill is a treasure that offers more than just beautiful views. It’s a living piece of history, bringing together nature, engineering and a bit of Appalachian culture all under one roof. If you’re looking for a spot that combines adventure with discovery, this is one place you don’t want to miss!
A Peek Into History
Glade Creek Grist Mill isn’t just any mill. It was built in 1976 to replace an older mill that stood nearby. Though it’s a newer structure, it’s designed to reflect the traditional grist mills used by early settlers in West Virginia. The mill uses the same design and operational techniques as the ones that ground corn and wheat for local families many years ago. Walking up to the mill, you can almost hear the whispers of the past echoing through the flowing water and the spinning wheel.
Cathedral Falls, Hawks Nest and The New River Gorge Area
MrsFaceless and I had been away for a ten days on a photo tour, but decided to take a small detour on the way home to take in the New River Gorge area. Redesignated in 2020, it became the 63rd National Park in the United States. Wanting to shoot the infamous grist mill at dawn, for that classic shot, we arrived late afternoon and had some time to kill before getting an early night, ready for an even earlier morning!
Having been through this area a few years previously, we had hoped to improve on the images we had hurriedly got on that trip. Unfortunately, as we arrived at Cathedral Falls, there was no water flowing.
As in none. Nada. Zip. Zilch.
My previous image, on the right, was slightly blown out. Cathedral Falls can get busy. Very busy. Combined with the fact it is a small and easily accessible location, you may need to be quick to get your shot!
With the falls a bust, we took the short drive to Hawk’s Nest overlook and then, for a sunset shot, onto the Tunney Hunsaker Bridge which has a fabulous view of the New River Gorge Bridge.
The Beauty of Babcock State Park
The grist mill is part of Babcock State Park, a gorgeous area filled with rolling hills, rich forests, and sparkling creeks. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic, a hike, or simply basking in the beauty of nature. Not to mention the obvious – photography. Oops…mentioned it.
Watching the Mill in Action
One of the best aspects of visiting Glade Creek Grist Mill is the chance to see it in action. The mill operates on weekends from April through October, allowing visitors to witness the grinding process firsthand. You’ll be amazed at how grain is transformed into flour right before your eyes! Watching the water rush over the wheel while grain turns into something you can use in your kitchen feels like a magic trick from yesteryear.
Accessing Glade Creek Grist Mill
Getting to Glade Creek Grist Mill is easy. Located off U.S. Route 60, you can enjoy a scenic drive to reach this gem. Once you arrive, the park welcomes you with open arms and plenty of places to explore. The drive through the park itself is worth the trip, winding through nature’s artwork that changes with the seasons.
Morning Glory
After an early night, MrsFaceless and I were on the road a couple of hours before sunrise. The forecast was overnight rain, clearing to cloudy skies. That, we hoped, would mean a good chance of dramatic skies or colourful sunrise.
In the end, neither happened. A flat grey sky was all we got. The bonus was that the forecast of rain had kept all but one other photographer away. There was no need to jockey for position and we could take our time as the flat grey sky acted as a lightbox to diffuse the light as the sun came up.
A Must-Visit Destination
If you’re looking for a slice of history, an adventure in nature, or just a beautiful place to relax, Glade Creek Grist Mill in West Virginia is the spot for you. The blend of history, beauty, and fun activities makes it a perfect destination for everyone. Even more so with fabulous autumnal colours. So why wait? Pack your bags and head to one of West Virginia’s hidden gems. You won’t regret it!
Glade Creek Grist Mill 2024 Gallery
We hope you have enjoyed our little journey together – the blog and the video; if so please head over and leave a comment on youtube – and a like and subscribe is always much appreciated!
Until next time…..