This weekend I went to Babcock State Park, then hiked down the old railway to the old coal town of Sewell, WV. The railway followed Mann's Creek down to the New River. The town was in operation from 1886 to 1956. Trains would haul coal from the mines on top of the mountain, to the coke ovens along the river. Then ship the coke on trains to the iron furnaces. My route was about 14 miles, in 5 hours. Weather was in the 30's and Snow flurries. The old mill in Babcock State Park. One of the most photographed spots in WV. Some cabins in the park to rent. Foot bridge across Mann's Creek. Some parts of the tracks remain Looks like part of the steam locomotive. At Sewell, WV Building foundation.
Another foundation Remains of the old Mining Office What's left of the Mine Office Vault. The engine house where they worked on the locomotives. The coke ovens Close up of coke oven 200 years ago a ferry was here to get people across the New River New River Gorge Shaerks Terrashark Bear or Sasquatch maybe
Today I went back to Babcock State Park to do some little trails I didn't get to do last time. There was some drizzle and mist/fog, 40 Deg. Made a good Silent Hill vibe. Some people were there looking at the old Mill and fishing, but I didn't see anyone else on the trails. I did 4 miles. The old Grist Mill Pump House #1 Natural Arch Trail Stone Steps Looked like a Spring coming out of the mountain Swinging Bridge - Had some bounce to it. Lots of rain lately Looking back towards the Spring and Stone Steps
Cabin #13 - Supposed to be Haunted. In 1996, a Preacher, allegedly, killed his Wife there. Good thing I don't have Kids - Could have turned out bad. The Trail Some Ladder/Steps to help climb the Rocks. Nice Shelter at the Overlook. Not much to see tho. I had Lunch in the Shelter. Add water and the element heats of the food. You can see some Steam coming out of the top. Babcock Lake - With Creepy Silent Hill Mist.
Beautiful are man, thanks for sharing. The grist mill is too cool. There's one that looks similar at New Salem State Park here in Illinois.
An old Mountaineer here, man those pics take me back. Been in tornado alley for 30 years but I think of life in the wooded hills every day. Thanks for sharing.
I went back to Babcock State Park today to try some new trails. Also hiked to below the Hawk's Nest Dam. Lots of water flowing with the recent rains. Total of about 6.5 Miles. Mandatory Grist Mill shot. Trail Boley Lake Cool swinging bridge.
Rental Cabin Signs leading towards the Dam Hawk's Nest Dam Lots of huge boulders that people come to climb and do bouldering Stopped by Fayetteville, WV at Cathedral Cafe for Philly cheese steak sandwich and smoothie
This weekend I did some newer trails at Babcock State Park, Narrow Gauge Trail and Mann's Creek Gorge. Did a total of 8.5 miles. Remnants of the old railroad, closed in the 50's I believe. Mann's Creek Swinging bridge Mann's Creek Falls Hike n Chill Mann's Creek Gorge overlook
Another swinging bridge. Stone steps The Mill was operating that day. For $5 bought some Cornmeal Shaerks Mook