Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia

About Glade Creek Swimming Holes

Tucked deep inside the forested hollows of West Virginia's New River Gorge region, Glade Creek is the kind of place that rewards those willing to lace up their boots and earn their swim. A series of five distinct swimming holes — carved over millennia into sandstone and shale formations — cascade through a corridor of dense Appalachian forest, offering cool, clear water that feels almost impossibly clean against the summer heat. This is an unofficial swimming destination, beloved by locals and discovered with quiet reverence by those who seek it out.

The Setting and Landscape

Walking the trail along Glade Creek feels like stepping into the heart of Appalachia itself. Hemlocks and hardwoods press close to the water's edge, their roots gripping the rocky banks while ferns carpet the forest floor in vivid green. The creek tumbles and pools through a landscape shaped by shale and sandstone, creating natural basins where the water stills to a glassy calm before rushing onward. In spring, wildflowers push through the leaf litter and the air smells of rain-soaked earth and fresh growth. By autumn, the canopy ignites in amber and crimson, reflected in the dark surface of each pool below. Keep your eyes open — this corridor is alive with Appalachian wildlife, from songbirds to salamanders threading through the shallows.

The Swimming Experience

Each of the five swimming holes along Glade Creek has its own character. You'll find pools fed by small waterfalls that send a cooling mist across the surface, and quieter stretches where the water deepens into shadowed hollows perfect for wading or floating. The water runs clear and cold, particularly in spring and early summer when snowmelt keeps temperatures bracingly crisp. By midsummer, conditions warm to a more comfortable level for longer swims. The creek bottom is rocky and uneven, so water shoes are a smart addition to your pack alongside your towel. There are no lifeguards on duty, and swimming here is entirely at your own discretion — come prepared, swim with a buddy, and read the water carefully before you enter.

Plan Your Visit

Access requires a moderate hike along trails with uneven terrain, so sturdy footwear is essential. The difficulty is manageable for most active hikers, though the footing demands your attention. Admission is free, and the site offers picnic tables, vault toilets, and five primitive campsites at the lower end of the trail where Glade Creek meets the New River — note that there is no potable water available at the camping area, so bring everything you need. The trail is open for both day hiking and swimming visits. For those making a weekend of it, camping beside the New River with the sound of the creek nearby is an experience worth planning around. The nearest towns for supplies, fuel, and lodging are Prince, Beckley, and Charleston. The proximity to New River Gorge National Park means your trip can easily extend into one of the most dramatic natural landscapes in the eastern United States.