
Glade Creek Trail
Discover the serene beauty of Glade Creek Trail, featuring accessible waterfalls and peaceful fishing spots within New River Gorge.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden leaves and peaceful atmosphere

Glade Creek Trail
Best Time
Golden leaves and peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the serene beauty of Glade Creek Trail, featuring accessible waterfalls and peaceful fishing spots within New River Gorge.
"A beautiful trail offering privacy and stunning natural features like Glade Creek Falls."

🚗 High Clearance Vehicle Needed
Upper trailhead requires 4x4. Opt for lower trailhead if you don't have one. :car:
🐍 Watch for Snakes
Be aware of potential wildlife, including rattlesnakes, on the trail. :snake:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Glade Creek Falls
Lower Glade Creek Trail
An easily accessible waterfall, perfect for a peaceful fall hike.

The Glade Creek Bridge
Glade Creek Trail
A scenic footbridge offering a picturesque spot along the trail.

Trout Fishing Opportunities
Glade Creek
Enjoy fishing in Glade Creek, with different regulations above and below the footbridge.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Upper Trailhead
Fishing Regulations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 High Clearance Vehicle Needed
Upper trailhead requires 4x4. Opt for lower trailhead if you don't have one. :car:
🐍 Watch for Snakes
Be aware of potential wildlife, including rattlesnakes, on the trail. :snake:
🎣 Know Fishing Rules
Catch and keep above bridge, catch and release below. :fishingpoleand_வத:
🚶♀️ Easy Waterfall Access
Glade Creek Falls is a short, easy 1km walk from the trailhead. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 High Clearance Vehicle Needed
Upper trailhead requires 4x4. Opt for lower trailhead if you don't have one. :car:
🐍 Watch for Snakes
Be aware of potential wildlife, including rattlesnakes, on the trail. :snake:
🎣 Know Fishing Rules
Catch and keep above bridge, catch and release below. :fishingpoleand_வத:
🚶♀️ Easy Waterfall Access
Glade Creek Falls is a short, easy 1km walk from the trailhead. :hiking_boot:
🏞️ Seek Privacy
This trail offers a more secluded experience compared to busier parks. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Glade Creek Trail is praised for its beautiful, secluded atmosphere and the accessible Glade Creek Falls. Anglers appreciate the distinct fishing regulations along the creek. However, some visitors have encountered navigation issues, with GPS leading to private driveways, and the upper trailhead requires a high-clearance vehicle.
"Beautiful trail, a little off the beaten path so if you want a little more privacy this is a good spot for it. There's a foot bridge about 2.5 miles down the trail, everything above that bridge is catch and keep trout, everything below that bridge is catch and release. Nice creek to fish. Pro tip, the area around and directly below the I-64 overpass (its WAY above you) has some good fishing opportunities, at least it did for us."
Michael Polt
"trail looks awesome but address it brought us to is someone’s private driveway. 👎👎that’s lame as hell google."
jonas sell
""
Holly
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
There are two main trailheads: the upper and lower. The upper trailhead requires a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle due to its rugged access. If you don't have such a vehicle, the lower trailhead is a more accessible option, though it may mean a longer hike to reach certain points like Glade Creek Falls. Some visitors have reported GPS leading to private driveways, so double-check your navigation.
Yes, Glade Creek Trail is located within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia.
Using a reliable GPS or map is recommended. Be aware that some navigation apps might direct you to private property, so confirm your route, especially for the upper trailhead.
You can access the lower Glade Creek Trailhead with a regular car. The upper trailhead is not recommended for standard vehicles.
The upper trailhead is known to be challenging to access and requires a high-clearance or 4x4 vehicle. It's best to research current road conditions and specific directions from local sources before attempting.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Glade Creek Trail is part of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, which generally does not require entrance fees or tickets for day use.
As a natural trail within a national park, Glade Creek Trail is typically open year-round from dawn to dusk. Always check the official National Park Service website for any temporary closures or alerts.
No, there is no entrance fee to access Glade Creek Trail or the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve for general hiking and recreation.
Dispersed camping may be permitted in certain areas of the New River Gorge National Park, but it's essential to check the park's regulations and obtain any necessary permits beforehand.
Yes, a valid West Virginia fishing license is required to fish in Glade Creek. Regulations regarding catch and keep/release also apply.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The difficulty varies depending on the section. The trail to Glade Creek Falls is generally considered easy, around 1 km round trip. Longer hikes, like from the lower to upper trailheads, can be more strenuous with elevation gain.
Don't miss Glade Creek Falls, a beautiful and easily accessible waterfall. The footbridge is also a picturesque landmark along the trail. Many enjoy the scenic creek itself.
Yes, Glade Creek is known for its trout fishing. Remember that regulations differ: 'catch and keep' is allowed above the footbridge, while 'catch and release' is enforced below.
Visitors have reported seeing wildlife, including rattlesnakes, so it's important to be aware of your surroundings. You might also encounter various birds and other small animals.
Absolutely! Glade Creek Trail is a fantastic option for a day trip, offering beautiful scenery, a waterfall, and fishing opportunities.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the beauty of Glade Creek Falls, especially during the fall with golden leaves. The footbridge offers a classic scenic shot. Drone photography can also capture the expansive New River Gorge landscape.
Yes, drone footage can provide stunning aerial views of the Glade Creek area and the surrounding New River Gorge National Park.
Morning light can be beautiful for photographing Glade Creek Falls, offering softer light and fewer crowds.
The area around Glade Creek Falls and the footbridge are prime spots. The I-64 overpass area also offers unique perspectives, though it's high above.
Many visitors share photos of the waterfall, the creek, and the lush forest scenery. Hiking and nature photography are very popular.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the upper trailhead requires a 4x4, the lower trailhead is accessible for most vehicles, making it easier to bring the family. Be mindful of wildlife, such as snakes, and teach children to observe from a safe distance. The trail offers a good balance of adventure and manageability for a family day trip.
🎣 Anglers and Fishermen
Don't forget to secure your West Virginia fishing license before you go. Some anglers have found success even in areas near the I-64 overpass, suggesting varied fishing spots along the creek. It's a great place to combine a hike with your passion for fishing.
🚶♀️ Hikers Seeking Solitude
While the hike to Glade Creek Falls is relatively short and easy, longer stretches of the trail offer more of a challenge and a chance to truly immerse yourself in nature. The consistent presence of the creek adds to the tranquil ambiance, making it ideal for a peaceful hike.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trailheads
It's important to note that some navigation systems might incorrectly direct visitors to private driveways when searching for trailheads. Always cross-reference your route with official park maps or reliable GPS data. The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a vast area, and precise navigation is key to enjoying its natural beauty without unintended detours.
Fishing in Glade Creek
Below the footbridge, however, the regulations shift to 'catch and release' only. This distinction is vital for all fishermen to observe. Visitors have found good fishing opportunities even in areas near the I-64 overpass, which looms high above the creek. Remember to always carry a valid West Virginia fishing license and be aware of the specific size and creel limits in effect.
The Natural Beauty of Glade Creek
During the fall, the trail transforms into a spectacle of color, with golden leaves creating a picturesque setting. The highlight for many is Glade Creek Falls, an easily accessible waterfall that adds to the trail's allure. Whether you're seeking a short hike to a waterfall or a longer trek along the creek, Glade Creek Trail offers a delightful immersion in West Virginia's natural beauty.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit