Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia
Swimming hole in Charleston, West Virginia · Waterfall
Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia is a waterfalls/pools swimming hole. It is near Charleston, West Virginia. Access is free. Best season: Spring for lush greenery and cool waters.
Typical season: Spring for lush greenery and cool waters
About Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia
Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia lies in West Virginia. Visitors trade crowds for a quieter bank access.
A series of five distinct . Carved over millennia into sandstone and shale formations. Cascade through a corridor of dense Appalachian forest, offering cool, crystal-clear water that feels almost impossibly clean against the summer heat. 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. 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.
No lifeguards patrol Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia. Facilities are limited, so judge depth, current, and weather when you arrive.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Waterfalls/pools
- Water body
- Glade Creek
- Fee
- Free
- Nearest town
- Charleston
- State
- West Virginia
- Best season
- Spring for lush greenery and cool waters; Summer for warm .
- Access difficulty
- Moderate; trails vary in difficulty with uneven terrain requiring sturdy footwear.
- Parking
- Designated area
- Restrooms
- None on site
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Camping
- Camping at lower end of trail, where Glade Creek meets New River.
- Activities
- Swimming, hiking
- Facilities
- Five campsites, picnic tables, vault toilets available at the lower end of the trail; no potable water provided.
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Spring for lush greenery and cool waters; Summer for warm .
- Access Moderate; trails vary in difficulty with uneven terrain requiring sturdy footwear.
- Facilities Five campsites, picnic tables, vault toilets available at the lower end of the trail; no potable water provided.
- Camping nearby Camping at lower end of trail, where Glade Creek meets New River.
Highlights & features
- Crystal-clear swimming holes
- Scenic hiking trails
- Camping near the New River
- Rich Appalachian wildlife
- Photographic landscapes
- Five unique swimming holes
- Sandstone and shale formations
- Proximity to the New River Gorge National Park
How to get there
Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia lies in West Virginia near Charleston, Beckley, and Prince. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. Bring water, sunscreen, and gear for a primitive swim day. Weekends and holidays can draw more visitors. Check local updates on access and water levels before you leave home.
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Starting Point: Beckley, WV
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Head East on I-64/I-77
Begin your journey by heading east on I-64/I-77 from Beckley. Follow signs for Charleston and continue for about 13 miles.
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Take Exit 133 for Route 3 toward Shady Spring/Grandview
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Exit the interstate at Exit 133 and merge onto WV-3 East toward Shady Spring. Continue on WV-3 for about 7 miles.
Turn Left onto Glade Creek Road (CR-9/Glade Creek) Look for the turnoff for Glade Creek Road (County Route 9). Turn left onto Glade Creek Road and follow it for about 6 miles. This road is narrow and winding, so drive carefully.
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Arrive at the Parking
Area The parking area for the Glade Creek . Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot. Be prepared to park along the roadside if the designated parking area is full. Trailhead Access From the parking area, follow the trailhead that leads down toward Glade Creek. The trail is well-marked and provides access to several . Wear sturdy shoes, as the path can be uneven and slippery in places. Landmarks Along the Way As you approach the . These are great spots to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The .
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Helpful Tips
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Parking
Parking is free but limited, so plan to arrive early, especially on weekends. Amenities: There are no restrooms or facilities at the site, so come prepared with water, snacks, and any other essentials. Safety: Exercise caution when swimming, as water levels and currents can vary depending on recent rainfall. Always supervise children and avoid diving into unknown areas. Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and belongings to help preserve the natural beauty of Glade Creek. Have a safe visit to the Glade Creek !
Plan your visit
Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia works well as a day trip from Charleston or Beckley. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Combine the swim with camping at Bemis Area or browse more West Virginia waterfall spots in our directory. For the full list in West Virginia, see our state directory.
Access & fees
This is an unofficial, natural area with no lifeguards or managed services. Parking is extremely limited, especially on summer weekends. The access road (Glade Creek Road/CR-9) is narrow and winding. There is no entrance fee, but amenities are minimal (vault toilets, picnic tables). Overnight camping is allowed only in the five designated primitive campsites; they do not have water hookups.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia?
Yes. Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia near Charleston, Beckley, and Prince in WV has waterfall / cascade pools on Glade Creek used for swimming. Rocks are slippery and there are no lifeguards at informal access.
Is Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia free?
Access is generally free (fee listed as “No”). Confirm any parking or day-use rules on site, and pack out trash.
How do you get to Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia?
Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia is in WV within day-trip range of Charleston, Beckley, and Prince. Use a current map for the put-in or park entrance; cell service can be limited at remote spots.
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Culture & history
Beckley's coal-mining heritage and Charleston's vibrant cultural scene provide rich historical and cultural layers to the area.
Conservation
Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the delicate ecosystem. Carry out all trash and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Sources & updates
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.