Posted in West Virginia Hiking, Nature May 08, 2021 by

West Virginia’s Most Refreshing Hike, Glade Creek Trail, Will Lead You Straight To A Beautiful Swimming Hole

There are countless beautiful, peaceful, refreshing hikes in West Virginia. But at the top of the list, as the most refreshing hike in the state, there’s one clear stand-out: Glade Creek Trail in the state’s New River Gorge region.

It's a bold claim to make, saying that Glade Creek Trail is the most refreshing hike in West Virginia. Sure, it looks nice - a well-graded trail through the shady forest. But there are plenty of footpaths in West Virginia that boast the same.
luisa duque/Google Maps
However, do they all closely follow a creek as beautiful as Glade Creek the whole way?
David Ruth/Google Maps
Do they all pass cascade after cascade?
Brittany Facemyre/Google Maps
Do they all offer swimming hole after swimming hole?
Brittany Facemyre/Google Maps
THIS is why we've boldly declared Glade Creek Trail "The Most Refreshing Trail In West Virginia."
Nora Sweeney/Google Maps
After a long but beautiful hike along this beautiful, soothing mountain stream...
Brittany Facemyre/Google Maps
...you can plunge into the water for a long, relaxing swim.
Mario Gomez/Google Maps
One end of the Glade Creek Trail starts not far from Little Beaver State Park in the Beckley, West Virginia area. The other spits out at the New River not far from Prince, West Virginia.
Nora Sweeney/Google Maps
Do the whole length, or just hike to the nearest pool and wade on in. The Lower Trailhead, by the New River, puts you closest to the swimming hole pictured.
There's no wrong way to tackle this gorgeous hike.
Nora Sweeney/Google Maps
As always when swimming in nature, use extreme caution. Rocks become slippery when wet, and many have fallen to their deaths while swimming at pools like this one.

To learn more about accessing the Glade Creek Trail, see it on Google Maps here. As a bonus, if you hike the whole length of the Glade Creek Trail, you’ll cross right under the highest interstate bridge in America!

Address: Glade Creek Trail, District 3, WV, USA