Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Location
Fayette County
Endpoints
Old Sewell Road to Babcock State Park
Mileage
3
Roughness Index
2
Surface
Gravel, dirt
The Narrow Gauge Trail in Babcock State Park follows the gentle grade of what was
the Manns Creek Railway, which connected Clifftop to Sewel until it closed in 1956.
The trail is breathtaking, but be forewarned: If you are not an accomplished mountain
biker, you should consider it a hiking trail. The name rings true, as the trail is very
narrow, tends to sit less than a foot away from a cliff over a shallow creek, and is oc-
casionally blocked by boulders, forcing you to scale the cliff a bit on trail detours.
Before heading out on the trail, be sure to take a moment to enjoy the Glade
Creek Grist Mill, arguably the most photographed site in West Virginia. Built in
1976 from parts of older mills found all over West Virginia, its design is based
on the 1890 Stoney Creek Grist Mill. The mill is fully operational and offers park
guests freshly ground buckwheat, whole-wheat flour, and cornmeal during the sum-
mer months when it is open.
From Cabin #13, which you can rent from Babcock State Park, it is almost a mile
downhill to the official start of the Narrow Gauge Trail. Along the trail, Manns Creek
provides the soundtrack as you travel through a beautiful example of a typical West
Virginia mountain forest, with secondary hardwood and pine trees peppered among
rhododendron bushes. The trail ends between the Babcock State Park campgrounds
and the stables.
