🌲⛰️ Hiking Island in the Sky with Simba the Adventure Pup - Babcock State Park, WV 🐾✨

Hey trail fam! Ash here — and this week, Simba the Adventure Pup and I took a quiet, soul-soothing stroll through the Island in the Sky Trail at beautiful Babcock State Park in Danese, West Virginia. 🐶🌿

This trail may be lesser-known, but it packs a peaceful punch — offering shaded forest paths, mountain air, and an overlook that feels like you're standing on top of the world. Add in a well-maintained trail and a dog-friendly vibe, and you've got one of our favorite low-key hikes in the Mountain State.

📍 Trail Overview

Location: Babcock State Park – Danese, West Virginia
Trail Name: Island in the Sky Trail
Distance: ~2.3 miles out and back
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (some elevation, mostly forested)
Dog-Friendly: Absolutely! Simba gave it a full tail-wag rating 🐾
Highlights: Forest canopy, quiet paths, scenic overlook with mountain views

🥾 Trail Experience

We started at the well-marked Island in the Sky trailhead, just a short drive from the iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill. As soon as we stepped onto the trail, we were surrounded by dense, peaceful forest — the kind that smells like pine, moss, and mountain magic. 🌲💨

The trail is easy to follow, with a gentle climb that gradually leads you upward through shaded ridges and fern-covered paths. Along the way, we passed a few scenic clearings, a couple of chirpy songbirds, and one very enthusiastic golden retriever sniffing everything in sight. (Guess who? 🐶)

🌄 The Overlook

At the end of the trail, the forest suddenly opens up to a breathtaking overlook — a rocky outcrop perched high above the valley. It’s easy to see where the trail gets its name: you truly feel like you’re standing on an island in the sky, surrounded by endless green ridges.

We took a long break here, enjoying a snack (Simba had trail biscuits, of course), breathing in that cool Appalachian breeze, and soaking in the silence. ✨

🐶 Simba’s Trail Report

✔️ Loved: The cool shade, soft forest floor, and mountaintop breeze
✔️ Did great with: Mild incline and rocky overlook
✔️ Trail rating: 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾 “Peaceful, shady, and perfect for pups!”

🚐 RV Tips

• Babcock State Park has RV-friendly sites with full hookups and forested charm
• Park at the main lot near the grist mill and walk or drive to the trailhead
• Great as a half-day hike paired with a picnic or photos by the mill
• Add nearby trails like Skyline or Cliffside for a full weekend of hiking

🎥 Watch the Full Adventure


This week’s video includes:

🎬 Trail views through dense forest
🐶 Simba’s zen forest strolls and overlook break
🌄 The mountaintop views that gave this trail its name
📸 Tips for hiking Babcock with your pup

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📲 Follow our journey: @lifeonpawsandwheels

✨ Final Thoughts

Sometimes the best hikes aren’t the longest or the most extreme — they’re the ones that calm your mind, stretch your legs, and give you a moment to just be. 💛

Island in the Sky Trail was exactly that. Quiet, forested, and full of that wild and wonderful West Virginia magic — the perfect place to reset and wander with your best pup by your side.

Until next time — happy hikes, quiet trails, and tail wags from the ridgeline!
– Ash & Simba 🐾⛰️

Location: Danese, WV 25831, USA

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