Hiking The Island In The Sky Trail At Babcock State Park
The Island In The Sky Trail is a 0.8 mile hike found in Babcock State Park in West Virginia.
This moderate trail can be done as a loop trail or an out-and-back. If you do it as a loop you will have to walk on the park road to finish it. There is around 150 feet of elevation gain during the hike.
This trail is pet friendly so be sure to bring your furry friends along as well.
If you follow the white diamonds marking the path you won’t get lost and have to be rescued.
There are two different trailheads for this hike.
The first can be found directly across from the Glade Creek Grist Mill. If you start here you will be hiking uphill and the hike is more difficult. Then you would hike down the park road to finish.
The second trailhead can be found at the small parking lot in the sharp curve along the road to Boley Lake.
If you start here the trail is easier being more level and downhill. But, once you reach the end you still have to hike back up the park road which is mostly uphill.
Either way you’re gonna be walking uphill, but if you start at the second trailhead they say it’s easier.
I suggest downloading a map here before heading to the park, because we had no service.
We started at the second trailhead.
Shortly after traveling through some rhododendron shrubs (I love rhododendron) we reached a shelter and the spot I believe they call the “Island in the Sky”.
Unfortunately, the only views we got were the tops of trees. The forest is really overgrown here and we didn’t get any of the epic views I was expecting of the Glade Creek valley.
Remember that this area is on the edge of the cliff so don’t get to close to the edge and fall off!
The hike got fun after the disappointing viewpoint though.
The trail continues down into a small “cave” which has the cutest little wooden ladder you have to use to access it. Then you get to travel down this ramp to reach the trail again.
The wooden ramp and ladder are old and sketchy looking so use caution, but have fun!
The rocky trail continues along the base of the rock cliffs (which are my favorite hikes).
A little bit of rock scrambling may be required at times and those rocks can get slippery when wet so wear sturdy shoes. You will also be walking on the edge at times with drop-offs so be vigilant.
The trail is also quite rooty in parts, because of the rhododendron shrubs, so watch your step. No one wants to twist an ankle and ruin this fun hike.
And it is a fun hike.
Despite the lack of views the trail is a fun little adventure with some great landscape and added bonuses. It’s a hike I would highly recommend on your visit to Babcock State Park.
