Babcock State Park Area Spring, Clifftop, WV

## Overview The Babcock State Park Area Spring is a roadside spring located near the community of Clifftop in Raleigh County, West Virginia. Situated along Route 41 in the scenic mountains surrounding Babcock State Park, this spring delivers cold, clear water through a white plastic pipe that channels flow from the mountainside directly to the roadside. The spring runs year-round, 24 hours a day, and has been reported to maintain a steady, strong flow. This spring has been a trusted water source for locals and visitors for many years. One longtime visitor, Dr. Mike, notes: *"I have been drinking water from this spring for many years and it has never caused me any problems. I take home a dozen glasses of water from this spring before I head home. The flow is steady and strong."* The surrounding area is part of the rugged Appalachian Plateau, where Babcock State Park preserves over 4,000 acres of dense forest, dramatic gorges, and rocky terrain. The geology of the region — layered sandstone and shale formations — naturally filters groundwater as it percolates through the mountain, which is typical of the many roadside springs found throughout southern West Virginia. ## Directions 1. From **US Route 60** near Clifftop, WV, head south on **Route 41** toward Babcock State Park. 2. Travel approximately **2.1 miles south** of the Route 60 / Route 41 intersection. 3. Watch for a **white plastic pipe** running from the mountainside on the **east side of Route 41** (the northbound/uphill side of the road). 4. Parking is available at a **wide gravel shoulder pull-off directly across the road** (west side) from the spring pipe. **GPS Coordinates:** 37.81073, -81.158081 ## What to Expect This is a simple, no-frills roadside spring — a white plastic pipe emerging from the mountainside that delivers a continuous stream of cold, clear water. There are no facilities, signage, or formal infrastructure beyond the pipe itself. The spring is accessible at any time of day, year-round. The pull-off area across the road provides enough space for one or two vehicles to park safely on the wide shoulder. Because the spring is on a state route, visitors should exercise caution when crossing the road, especially during periods of low visibility or heavy traffic. Bring your own containers if you plan to collect water. The flow has been described as steady and strong enough to fill jugs without a long wait. The water has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals, though as with any natural spring, water quality can vary with weather and seasonal conditions. The drive along Route 41 is scenic in its own right, winding through the forested mountains near Babcock State Park. If you're in the area, the park itself is well worth a visit — it's home to the iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill, extensive hiking trails, and some of the most beautiful fall foliage in West Virginia.