Glade Creek Trail:
West Virginia
Trail Map
  • Get Personalized Driving Directions!
  • Find Trail Side Shops with Google Search!
  • See Users’ Geocoded Photos!
  • Get a Print-Friendly Map and Get Outdoors!
Description:
Situated in the heart of West Virginia's pristine New River Gorge National River, the Glade Creek Trail (out-and-back only) has something for everyone. Once a narrow gauge railroad corridor used to haul coal from remote mines within New River Gorge, Glade Creek Trail is now a popular destination for hiking, swimming, fishing, camping, and kayaking.
Start your trip at the trailhead located near the confluence of Glade Creek and the New River. Here you will find several well-maintained campsites, picnic tables, and restrooms. The trailhead is also home to a popular swimming hole that is a great place to cool off after a hot summer hike.
Once on the trail, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and picturesque waterfalls provided by Glade Creek, as it rushes past on its way to the New River. Be sure to bring your fishing pole, as the lower section of Glade Creek is an official catch-and-release trout stream. As the trail meanders along the banks of the creek, keep an eye out for native wildlife and the occasional adventurous kayaker attempting to navigate the creek's swift rapids.
The Glade Creek Trail has a moderate grade, but the first half can be difficult to hike, as the path is slightly narrow and frequently strewn with large rocks and tree branches. Once you cross the trail's lone bridge, found around the 3-mile mark, the trail becomes wider and better maintained. If you're looking for a challenge, hit the more strenuous Kates Falls Trail located about 1 mile before the end of Glade Creek Trail.
... Click to read more
Parking & Trail Access:
From Beckley, follow US Hwy. 19 north toward Oak Hill and then drive north on WV Route 41 toward Prince. Turn right onto Glade Creek Road, just before the bridge in Prince. Follow the gravel road for 7 miles to the Glade Creek Trailhead.
... Click to read more
... Click to read more
Reviews: [0 trail ratings]