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Glade Creek Falls (New River Gorge)

📍 Prince, WV🥾 2 mi round trip · moderate🎟 No entrance fee (NPS)

A moderate hike to a cascade with local swimming holes below, dog-friendly and open, though an alternate upper trailhead is currently closed.

DirectionsOfficial site

Getting there

moderate2 mi round tripDog-friendlySwimming allowed

No entrance fee (NPS)

Conditions

Loading current conditions…

Based on this listing's approximate location — see the note on coordinates below.

Our take

Glade Creek Falls is a scenic cascade in New River Gorge National Park accessed via a 2-mile round-trip moderate hike from the main trailhead near Fayette Station Road. The falls drops into pools that serve as local swimming holes, making this an attractive destination for visitors combining waterfall viewing with water recreation.

Dogs are allowed on-leash, and there is no entrance fee. The hike is not wheelchair accessible. It’s important to note that while the main trailhead is open and reliable, a separate high-clearance-only upper trailhead (connecting via the Kates Plateau Trail) is currently closed due to slide damage—this does not affect the main access route.

Swimming in the pools below the falls is possible, though water temperature and conditions vary seasonally. The moderate difficulty and reliable water access make this a popular destination for hikers seeking both scenic views and water recreation.

Planning your visit

Best time to go

Year-round; accessible via the main trailhead near Fayette Station Road.

Accessibility

NOT wheelchair accessible

What to bring

  • Swimming gear if you plan to use the local swimming holes.

Who it suits

Good for

  • hiking
  • swimming
  • dog-friendly outings
  • waterfall photography

Skip it if

If seeking the upper/alternate trailhead: a separate high-clearance-only route is closed due to slide damage.

Common questions

Is there a fee to visit Glade Creek Falls (New River Gorge)?

No entrance fee (NPS)

How do I get to Glade Creek Falls (New River Gorge)?

Via a 2-mile round-trip trail rated moderate by the managing agency.

Can I bring my dog to Glade Creek Falls (New River Gorge)?

Yes, per the managing agency's own page — but check current leash rules before you go.

Is swimming allowed at Glade Creek Falls (New River Gorge)?

Yes, per the managing agency — conditions and safety vary by season, so use judgment regardless.

Glade Creek Falls (New River Gorge) in New River Gorge

We track 8 waterfalls in New River Gorge.

Other waterfalls near Prince

There are 6 other waterfalls we track in Fayette County. All New River Gorge waterfalls →

Quick facts

HeightNot published
Trail2 mi round trip
Difficultymoderate
Fee / permitNo entrance fee (NPS)
Managing agencyNational Park Service — New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
DogsAllowed
SwimmingAllowed
ADA accessNo
CountyFayette County
RegionNew River Gorge
Official pageView source ↗

Directions

Open in Google Maps ↗

Source

nps.gov

NPS 'places' page, checked Sept 2026; no closure noted for the lower/main trailhead (1 mi one-way from parking, doubled here for round trip). NPS text: pools below the largest drop 'serve as local swimming holes.' NPS road-and-trail-closures page separately notes a slide-related closure on the connecting Kates Plateau Trail affecting only the alternate, high-clearance-only upper trailhead approach, not this main access route.

Checked September 2026.