Glade Creek flows through the heart of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in Raleigh County, West Virginia, joining the New River near the town of Prince. This tributary system offers a unique combination of whitewater paddling, catch-and-release trout fishing, and backcountry hiking along its approximately 6-mile corridor from the upper trailhead to its confluence with the New River. The creek descends through a narrow, forested valley characterized by rhododendron thickets, hemlock forests, and numerous cascades. Paddlers willing to tackle the technical Class I-III rapids will find swift water flowing over rocky ledges, with Glade Creek Falls being the most prominent feature—a multi-tiered cascade that serves as both a swimming hole and a challenging whitewater run during higher flows. The lower half-mile section near the confluence is designated as catch-and-release trout water, supporting populations of brook, rainbow, and brown trout in the cool, oxygen-rich currents.

Access to Glade Creek requires commitment. The primary entry point is Glade Creek Campground, reached via a 7-mile gravel road (Glade Creek Road) from State Route 41 near Prince. This rough access road demands careful navigation and may require high-clearance vehicles during wet conditions. The campground provides primitive camping facilities, picnic tables, and restrooms, serving as the lower trailhead for the Glade Creek Trail—a former narrow-gauge railroad grade that parallels the creek upstream. The Glade Creek Trail extends approximately 6 miles from the campground to the upper trailhead near Little Beaver State Park, gaining elevation gradually but featuring rocky, narrow sections in the first 3 miles before widening beyond the lone footbridge. Hikers encounter multiple waterfalls, including Kates Falls, located about 4.5 miles upstream via a steep spur trail. The trail passes beneath the highest interstate bridge in the United States (I-64) at approximately the 5-mile mark.

Spring and early summer provide optimal water levels for paddling, while fall offers spectacular foliage along the forested corridor. The creek's flow is highly dependent on recent rainfall, as it lacks dam regulation. Wildlife includes white-tailed deer, black bears, and various salamander species that thrive in the moist microclimate. Paddlers should possess solid whitewater skills, as the creek's gradient creates continuous technical challenges with limited eddies for recovery. The narrow channel and numerous strainers from fallen trees demand constant vigilance. Park regulations prohibit camping within 100 feet of the creek, and visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles in this pristine watershed that represents one of the most ecologically intact tributaries in the New River Gorge system.