Kates Falls

Kates Falls

© Andy Hammes

Quick Facts

Amenities

1 listed

Scenic View/Photo Spot

As part of a tributary that feeds into Glade Creek, Kates Falls plunges spectacularly over steep sandstone cliffs onto rocks below. Kates Falls is not part of the New River Gorge Waterfall Tour. Hiking is required to reach this falls; Kates Falls is not accessible.

Directions

Kates Falls is located on a spur trail, Kates Falls Trail, from the Glade Creek Trail which is accessed from two trailheads. It is strongly recommended to use the campground trailhead even though the hike is longer.

Travel Advisory: The road to the upper Glade Creek Trailhead is steep, narrow, winding, and unpaved dirt. It is not suitable for most vehicles except those with high clearance and 4WD.

From Canyon Rim Visitor Center: From the parking lot, head back to US-19 and take a left to head south. Follow US-19 for 12.7 miles past the towns of Fayetteville and Oak Hill. Turn left at the signal following sings for Glen Jean and the Thurmond Historic District. Turn right and follow WV-16 S / WV-61 S for 2.7 miles. Turn left onto WV-61 S near Mount Hope. Follow for 4.4 miles, then turn left onto WV-41 N. In 3.9 miles, there will be a bridge crossing the New River near Prince. Before this bridge, take a slight right onto Glade Creek Rd crossing over the railroad tracks. Follow Glade Creek Rd to the end, about 5.6 miles. The trailhead will be on your right.

From Sandstone Visitor Center: Take a left out of the visitor center parking lot. Turn left onto the onramp for I-64 W towards Beckley. Follow I-64 W for 14.4 miles to exit 124. Continue onto E Beckley Bypass / Joe L Smith Dr for 3.3 miles then turn right onto WV-41 N / Stanaford Rd. After 4.5 miles, turn right to continue on WV-41 N. In 3.9 miles, there will be a bridge crossing the New River near Prince. Before this bridge, take a slight right onto Glade Creek Rd crossing over the railroad tracks. Follow Glade Creek Rd to the end, about 5.6 miles. The trailhead will be on your right.

To Hike to the Falls: From the trailhead parking lot, hike along Glade Creek for 4.6 miles. The trail has slight elevation gain with brief steeper portions. Some areas may be muddy. Good hiking shoes are recommended. From Glade Creek Trail, take the Kates Falls spur trail 0.2 miles to access the falls.

From the upper Glade Creek Trailhead (requires high clearance, 4WD vehicle to access), hike for 1.1 miles on the Glade Creek Trail then take the Kates Falls spur trail.

Hiking Advisory: There is currently a partial trail washout on the Glade Creek Trail near the start of the Kates Falls Trail that can be impassible at high water times. Use caution.