Otter Creek Wilderness

Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia

Administered by the United States Forest Service, Cheat District Ranger, Parsons, WV 26287 Tel. 304-478-3251. This area is located in Randolph County, WV.

Write-up assembled by Andy Hiltz

About the Wilderness

The 20,000-acre Otter Creek Wilderness is located in the Tucker and Randolph Counties, West Virginia. It includes almost the entire drainage areas of Otter Creek and Shavers Lick Run. The area provides outstanding opportunities for hiking, camping, and other forms of wilderness recreation.

Most of the area is forested with second-growth timber stands which developed following timber harvests from 1890 to 1914. Parts of the area were also logged between 1958 and 1972. Extensive portions of the area are covered by nearly impenetrable stands of rhododendron, which can make travel off the trails extremely difficult.

Weather and Snow

You should plan for rain or snow (in winter, spring, and fall). The area receives more than 55 inches of precipitation annually, usually quite evenly distributed through the year. The weather frequently changes suddenly, and 2 to 3 inches of rain, or 12 to 18 inches of snow in a single storm are not uncommon. Temperatures at high elevations are comparable to those several hundred miles to the north. Frost may occur during any month of the year. It is very important to have proper equipment and clothing to protect against insects, snakes, rain and cold.

About the area......

This is a heavily used Wilderness area, likely due to its close proximity to the populations centers of Washington, D.C. as well as those in Ohio. And its heavily used probably due to another good reason - it's quite beautiful. Like many of the USFS Wilderness Areas, Otter Creek is a river valley surrounded by mountains. The absolute headwaters of Otter Creek is actually outside the Wilderness area, but by the time it enters the boundary, it's a beautiful river lined with rhododendron thickets. As the river travels down the valley, it cascades over stones and between large boulders providing a picturesqe scene. By the time it reaches Green Mountain Trail, it has widened a bit and slowed down some, but it's still quite pretty. Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the large swimming hole that can be found in this region of Otter Creek. During the warmer months, many can be found camped in this region, enjoying the chilly, if not refreshing wading opportunties offered by this swimming hole.

For many of the people who backpack into the area, the river valley is quite enough. There are many fine campsites along the length of the river, and that's where most of the people stay when they visit. But the side trails are quite interesting too, including a large marsh located at the top of the Moore Run Trail. While Moore Run Trail skirts the marsh along its northern boundary, there is a fine view near the top. I've not had a chance to explore this part of Otter Creek yet, but it looks very interesting. Meanwhile, the trail marking the eastern edge of the wilderness, Shaver's Mountain, is basically non-descript eastern cove hardwood forest, except for one or two groupings of virgin trees that were left behind during the clearcutting heyday of 1909.

One advantage of the this Wilderness is the availability of hiking circuits following the McGowan Mtn. Trail and Shavers Mtn. Trail tied into some side trails which link to the Otter Creek Trail. If you want to leave the hordes of people behind along the river, you might consider exploring some of these side trails for camp possibilities, though some of the best camps may be near the tops of these trails. If you want to know more about the Wilderness, read this story on a backpacking trip in the Wilderness.

Trails worth hiking?

The Otter Creek Trail along Otter Creek is the main feature of this area. The creek is quite large in its lower reaches and quite beautiful. In terms of scenic beauty, I prefer the upper reaches down to the Green Mountain Trail, which I consider exceptionally beautiful. There are three or four stream crossings which should be negotiated with extreme caution (or bypassed) during high water. The crossings are typically knee-deep during most of the year. Walks along the mountain trails are hardwood forests typical to West Virginia, with lots of rhododendron.

Permits

Not required.

Hunting

Allowed. Backpackers/hikers traveling during this season might consider wearing blaze orange or brightly colored clothes.

Mountain Biking

Strictly prohibited in ALL USFS Wilderness Areas.

Cross-country Skiing

An excellent area for beginner skiers. The grades are very gentle and easy to traverse.

Campfires

Legal, but not recommended. Please protect the Wilderness for future generations and use your backpacking stove and either an oil or candle lantern for light when you're visiting the area. Fires can be dangerous if not properly tended and extinguished, and they leave an ugly fire ring for the next visitor.

Access

From Petersburg, WV, take State Route 55/28 south to Seneca Rock. Then head west on State Route 55/33 to Harmon. Stay on 55 heading south out of Harmon and continue west. On the west side of Low Gap, look for the sign/road to your right for Bear Heaven Recreation Area. Take this dirt road up to the Otter Creek trailhead.

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Guidebooks

Hiking Guide to the Monogahela National Forest (1988) which covers all the backpacking areas in West Virginia, can be ordered directly from the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. Jump to the PATC Guidebook page, where you can securely order this guide online.

The Map

Here's a TRAIL MAP (243K) of the Otter Creek Wilderness.