Babcock Old Sewell Trail

Trails West Virginia Babcock Old Sewell Trail

West Virginia · Fayette County

Babcock Old Sewell Trail

Historic rail grade route to former mining town ruins.

Rating

Length

9.0 mi

Difficulty

7

County

Fayette

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Estimated total time: Varies

Island Loop Trail

Easy loop trail near river access areas.

Time not available

Headhouse Trail

Trail to preserved industrial-era coal headhouse remains.

Time not available

Brooklyn Mine Trail

Historic mine-area route in New River Gorge.

Time not available

About This Trail

Following an 1886 narrow-gauge railroad bed, this 9-mile route descends from Babcock’s Glade Creek Gristmill to the abandoned town of Sewell on the New River. Remnants include a springhouse, coke ovens, and building walls from a community that once housed over 300 coal workers.

Location

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Coordinates: 38.065, -81.1141

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Getting There

Start from the primary trailhead in babcock state park. Confirm parking, closures, and trail conditions before hiking.

Nearby Trails

Island Loop Trail

Easy loop trail near river access areas.

Headhouse Trail

Trail to preserved industrial-era coal headhouse remains.

Brooklyn Mine Trail

Historic mine-area route in New River Gorge.

Big Buck Trail

Short easy New River Gorge forest loop option.

Kaymoor Miner's Trail

Steep historic staircase route to Kaymoor mine structures.

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