Beckley Intermodal Gateway Parking
Transportation service
4.4 (12)
501 Neville St, Beckley, WV 25801
Waterfalls/PoolsWV
Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Reach Glade Creek Falls from the campground trailhead near Prince. Compare hike distances, trail cautions and facilities before planning your visit.
Water type
Waterfalls/Pools
Access
Informal
Fee
Check current NPS visitor information
Best season
Check current park alerts, rainfall and creek conditions
Nearby towns
Charleston, Beckley, Prince
Water body
Glade Creek
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Charleston, Beckley, Prince
Access location not verified
PRINCE, WV
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check with the land manager before entering the water.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Glade Creek Falls and swimming pools
Glade Creek in New River Gorge has cascades and pools that the National Park Service describes as local swimming holes. This guide focuses on the falls reached from Glade Creek Campground, not five individually verified swimming entrances. It is a different destination from the Glade Creek Grist Mill at Babcock State Park.
Use the campground trailhead
NPS recommends the campground trailhead. Follow WV-41 toward Prince and turn onto Glade Creek Road before the New River bridge when approaching from Beckley. Continue to the campground trailhead at the road's end. The falls are about one mile along the trail, making an out-and-back walk approximately two miles. Footing can be muddy with short steeper stretches; wear hiking shoes. This is not a step-free swimming entrance.
Do not confuse the longer routes
The full Glade Creek Trail is 5.6 miles one way. Its upper trailhead has a steep, winding dirt access road requiring a more suitable vehicle than many visitors bring. NPS's falls guide describes a much longer 9.4-mile round trip from that end. The trail page also carries a washout notice near the Kates Falls junction, potentially impassable in high water. That is farther along the trail, not the same as the short falls outing. Check park alerts before travel and never force a crossing.
Facilities and water conditions
NPS lists parking and vault/composting toilets for the trail area. These are trailhead facilities, not amenities at each pool. Bring drinking water and consult the campground page for current overnight arrangements. Swimming-hole descriptions do not guarantee water quality, depth or gentle currents. Avoid high or fast water and do not jump or dive. Respect anglers and other trail users.
Getting There
From Beckley, use WV-41 toward Prince. Turn onto Glade Creek Road before the New River bridge and follow it to the campground trailhead at the road's end. Follow NPS's falls route about one mile along the creek. Return the same way for about two miles total. Use the campground trailhead rather than the upper trailhead. Check current park alerts and park only in authorized spaces.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
NPS recommends the campground trailhead. The upper trailhead involves a rough road and a much longer hike. Check the washout notice near the Kates Falls junction if continuing farther.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check official rules, fees, hours, and closures before visiting. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Cranberry Creek Cascades
Hiking area
4.5 (55)
Stanaford Mine Rd, Beckley, WV 25801
Beckley City Parking Department
City government office
5 (1)
409 S Kanawha St, Beckley, WV 25801
Lower Glade Creek Trailhead
Hiking area
4.8 (91)
Glade Creek Trail, Beaver, WV 25813
Upper Glade Creek Trailhead
Hiking area
4.6 (21)
Scott Branch Rd, Beaver, WV 25813
Glade Creek Falls
Hiking area
4.9 (32)
Beaver, WV 25813
Grandview Sandbar Campground
Campground
4.5 (163)
Glade Creek Rd, Beaver, WV 25813
Public restroomRestroomRunning waterTent sites
Little Beaver State Park Campground
Campground
4.5 (39)
Little Beaver Campground Rd, Beaver, WV 25813
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Frequently Asked Questions About Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia
Is Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia free to visit?
Reported fee information: Check current NPS visitor information. Verify current pricing with the managing agency before your visit.
Is swimming allowed at Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia?
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Check with the land manager and follow posted restrictions.
What type of swimming spot is Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia?
Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia is a waterfalls/pools on Glade Creek located in West Virginia, near Charleston. Reach Glade Creek Falls from the campground trailhead near Prince. Compare hike distances, trail cautions and facilities before planning your visit.
When is the best time to visit Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia?
Seasonal planning notes: Check current park alerts, rainfall and creek conditions; warm weather does not guarantee suitable water. Water levels, clarity, and temperature vary with recent weather. Check current conditions before going, especially after rain or snowmelt.
What facilities are available at Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia?
Reported facilities at Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia include: NPS lists parking and vault/composting toilets for the trail area. Do not assume facilities at the falls. Bring drinking water. Amenities can change - contact the managing agency or check recent visitor reports to confirm current availability.
Is camping available near Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia?
Glade Creek Campground is at the lower trailhead. Consult NPS for current arrangements and availability; the old five-campsite count is not retained.
Highlights
NPS-documented swimming pools and cascades
Campground trailhead approach
About two miles out and back to the falls
Unique Features
Cascading creek along an old railroad corridor
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Avoid high or fast water
- Check park alerts and respect the washout notice near Kates Falls if traveling farther
- Swimming-water quality and depth are not guaranteed
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
The trail follows a former narrow-gauge railroad corridor.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Creek and falls views from the established trail; do not enter hazardous water for photographs.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Stay on established routes and pack out waste. Share the creek respectfully with anglers.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check current park alerts, rainfall and creek conditions; warm weather does not guarantee suitable water.
Difficulty Level
Shorter falls approach has muddy and steeper stretches. The full trail is a separate moderate 5.6-mile one-way route.
Fee
Check current NPS visitor information
Facilities
NPS lists parking and vault/composting toilets for the trail area. Do not assume facilities at the falls. Bring drinking water.
Activities
Hiking and swimming at your own risk
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Glade Creek Campground is at the lower trailhead. Consult NPS for current arrangements and availability; the old five-campsite count is not retained.
Nearby Attractions
- Glade Creek Campground - Campground
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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