Glade Creek Trail
Hiking Trail
Moderate
10.85 mi
746 ft
An easy hike along an abandoned railroad bed with numerous swimming holes and fishing opportunities.
If you're searching for your own private swimming hole or a quiet riverside spot to cast a line, look no further than Glade Creek. Following an abandoned railroad bed along the river, this hike is sure to impress anyone in the family - including the dog! The abundance of unnamed cascades and small waterfalls make this one of the classic must-do hikes for anyone visiting New River Gorge.
As an out-and-back, this trail gives you the option to hike as much, or as little, as you'd like. With two vehicles, shuttling the trail is an option, though a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle is needed to reach the upper trailhead. Mud can also be an issue, which is why most opt for the out-and-back from the campground.
The main (lower) trailhead is at the Glade Creek Campground, where Glade Creek Road ends. Whether you come from Beckley or Fayetteville, you have 7 miles on unpaved road after driving through Prince, but a 2WD vehicle is more than adequate, according to most sources.
For those planning to fish along Glade Creek, the lower section of the river is a *WV Catch & Release trout stream*. More information on fishing in New River Gorge [can be found here](
[NPS]( Written by Brendon Voelker
If you're searching for your own private swimming hole or a quiet riverside spot to cast a line, look no further than Glade Creek. Following an abandoned railroad bed along the river, this hike is sure to impress anyone in the family - including the dog! The abundance of unnamed cascades and small waterfalls make this one of the classic must-do hikes for anyone visiting New River Gorge.
As an out-and-back, this trail gives you the option to hike as much, or as little, as you'd like. With two vehicles, shuttling the trail is an option, though a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle is needed to reach the upper trailhead. Mud can also be an issue, which is why most opt for the out-and-back from the campground.
The main (lower) trailhead is at the Glade Creek Campground, where Glade Creek Road ends. Whether you come from Beckley or Fayetteville, you have 7 miles on unpaved road after driving through Prince, but a 2WD vehicle is more than adequate, according to most sources.
For those planning to fish along Glade Creek, the lower section of the river is a *WV Catch & Release trout stream*. More information on fishing in New River Gorge [can be found here](
[NPS]( Written by Brendon Voelker
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