The Glade Run Tour will begin just above the remains of Central Iron Furnace, which is located just a few yards upstream from the confluence of Glade Run with Dunbar Creek.  The tour will follow Glade Run toward its source over a distance of 2.5 miles and an altitude change of  400 ft.  The end of the tour will be at the Alkali Sand Project which is located on the Chestnut Ridge Plateau, 2 miles downstream from Glade Run's source.

Most of Glade Run's drop from the plateau to Dunbar Creek occurs in four very steep and rugged cascades.  Each cascade drops 100 feet in less than a quarter mile.  The area between the cascades is relatively flat water but is still quite rugged.  The stream is bounded on both sides by steep mountain walls from the point where it leaves the plateau till it reaches Dunbar Creek. 

We take our tour during the extremely low flow conditions prevalent during the drought of the summer of 1999.  This is a good time to make the trip, as the rugged terrain makes it necessary for us to frequently cross or follow the stream-bed on our way up the valley.  During periods of high flow, this would be very a very dangerous, if not impossible route.

The route and timing of our tour will provide us with but a glimpse of the power and habitat potential of the stream.  For now, we will see the stream much as one might observe and anticipate a new interstate highway, by traveling  the detoured side roads severed by construction.

Like the interstate, Glade Run is "Under Construction"  Base-line electro- fishing studies have shown Glade Run to be "sterile".  The water quality of the stream has been to poor to support aquatic life.  But, thanks to a project directed by The Western Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation, with the cooperation of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Fayette County Conservation District and the Chestnut Ridge Chapter of Trout Unlimited.  The effects of the project are being documented by faculty and students of The California University of Pennsylvania.  Preliminary results after two sand treatments are very encouraging.  Water quality is improving dramatically.  The Alkali Sand Project, on the headwaters of Glade, Little Piney and Big Piney Runs,  is reducing the effects of acid runoff and may allow Glade Run to recover much of its natural flora and fauna.  If the success continues during periods of high flow,  reintroduction efforts, scheduled for next year will return brook trout to their natural habitats in this portion of the Dunbar Creek Watershed.

When we reach the deep hole, shown in the pictures to the left, we find an indication that the sand project is having its intended effect.  Three moderate sized, stocked brook trout have migrated up the stream from Dunbar Creek.  In the past, the water quality of this stream was so low, that these fish could not have survived such a trip.