Calling all hiking enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a picturesque adventure filled with natural wonders and historical charm, look no further than the Old Sewell Road. This new hiking trail stretches from the serene Babcock State Park to the fascinating ghost town of Sewell in the New River Gorge in West Virginia, offering an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts.
Located in the heart of West Virginia, Babcock State Park serves as the starting point for this scenic trail; the trailhead begins from the Glade Creek Gristmill parking lot, running behind the Babcock State Park cabins to a gated road just below Cabin 13.
As you embark on the Old Sewell Road, you'll be surrounded by the park's unspoiled beauty. The soothing sound of flowing streams and the refreshing scent of pine trees will immediately uplift your spirits and set the tone for your journey.
Prepare to be spellbound as you venture further into this trail. The Old Sewell Road winds its way through a variety of landscapes, all beautiful. Towering trees create a natural canopy overhead, allowing patches of vibrant sunlight to dance across the forest floor.
As you near the end of the trail, you'll find yourself in what remains of the ghost town of Sewell. This once-thriving coal mining community was home to thousands of hardworking individuals during its heyday. Today, the remnants of the abandoned town provide a hauntingly beautiful scene, proving that time marches on.
It's important to note that the Old Sewell Road Trail is well maintained through Babcock State Park, but once it enters into the New River Gorge National Park, it is overgrown and much trickier to navigate to reach the town of Sewell, which will be off to the right of the railroad grade and marked by a white gate.
If you do make it all the way to Sewell, the National Park Service asks that you please do not to disturb this culturally significant site by removing any remnants of this historic community.
The Old Sewell Road hiking trail detailed on AllTrails promises an unforgettable 9-mile journey through West Virginia’s natural and historical wonders. So, lace up your hiking boots, pack your curiosity, and immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of this new trail from Babcock State Park to the ghost town of Sewell.
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