You know, and I know, about Babcock State Park. And we know about Glade Creek Gristmill (everyone knows about Glade Creek Gristmill!). But as iconic a sight as the gristmill is, there's so much more to Babcock State Park than just that famous scene. Take Boley Lake, for example, the beautiful but much lesser known mountain lake hiding in the woods above Glade Creek Gristmill at Babcock State Park that offers fishing, boating, hiking, and more.
Boley Lake is tucked away in the woods of Babcock State Park outside of Danese in Clifftop West Virginia, about half a mile above the famous Glade Creek Gristmill in a little bowl in the mountains.
The setting provides stunning views, especially in the fall.
And it's a haven for wildlife: birds, deer, amphibians, and more.
Boley Lake isn't large by many standards, but at 19 acres, this scenic waterbody is still big enough to be perfect for boating on, fishing in, and hiking around.
Several types of fish are found in the waters of Boley Lake, including trout, largemouth bass, and bluegill. Night fishing is permitted at Boley Lake, but only by paying overnight guests of the Babcock State Park campground or cabins.
Note that Boley Lake does not have a boat launch, and only electric motors or rowing or paddling or pedaling boats are permitted on the lake. Proper licenses and stamps are required for boating and fishing. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, a small selection of boats are available for rent at the Boley Lake Marina.
The trail around the lake is level and approximately one mile in length.
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Have you visited Babcock State Park in Clifftop, West Virginia to see the iconic Glade Creek Gristmill, and if so, did you make it up the hill and around the bend to go fishing or hiking at the hidden treasure that is Boley Lake? What a peaceful, quiet, beautiful scene that is well worth discovering on your next trip!
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