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Otter Creek Wilderness
PETE GLADDEN
Pete’s World
Published: October 21, 2019
A hidden gem’s usually something that’s deemed especially outstanding, yet something whose existence might be completely concealed. So when talk turns to hidden gems, we usually perk up our ears in interest.
Well, perk up those ears because I’ve got a hidden gem - Otter Creek Wilderness. And I’d be willing to bet it’s a place you’ve never heard of…right?
With scenic riverscapes, dramatic ridges, and high altitude bogs, Otter Creek Wilderness is one of West Virginia’s more remote hiking and backpacking destinations. It’s a 20,698-acre natural bowl that rests between Shavers and McGowan Mountains, and the heart of this spectacular area is the 11-mile stretch of Otter Creek. Otter creek rumbles over numerous waterfalls, cascades, pools and boulders as it plummets some 1,200 feet down to the Dry Fork of the Cheat River.
So the Otter Creek Valley is where most of the wilderness area resides, and it’s an area that has more than 45 miles of hiking/backpacking trails, most of which originate at three different trailheads. Some trails follow old logging roads, others follow old farm roads, and still others follow old railroad grades. Most all of these trails can be combined to form loops which can range from several to twelve-plus miles in length.
My favorite section of the Otter Creek Valley is where it opens up into a four-mile wide basin that’s surrounded by several lofty ridges, some reaching as much as 3,800 feet in elevation. A couple of these ridge tops make for some amazing camping/lunching spots because of the rocky overhangs that offer breathtaking views of the valley below.
Now I have to admit that much of my fascination with Otter Creek lies in the fact that it’s a bonafide wilderness area…which means it’s very lightly developed. In other words Otter Creek Wilderness is a backcountry venue with truly remote trails, trails that are not heavily signed or marked. But that makes it perfect for hikers and backpackers who are comfortable using gps and/or reading trail maps in order to navigate the terrain.
It’s also an area where tricky switchbacks and challenging water crossings are pretty much standard fare. What’s more, the Otter Creek Valley and its intersecting side streams lie beneath these vast canopies of spruce trees, rhododendrons and mountain laurels, making it seem as if you’re trekking through some kind of primeval world. It’s a unique backcountry setting that’s getting harder and harder to find east of the Mississippi.
I’ve both day hiked and backpacked Otter Creek Wilderness, and I can guarantee that either endeavor is well worth the effort of driving there.
Now if I had to hike just one trail, my hands down choice is the 12-mile point-to-point Otter Creek Trail, which follows an old logging road and has access to seven other trails. Its northern and southern trailheads are Dry Fork and Condon Run respectively.
Now I will say that this trail’s no cakewalk. It’s a challenging track that crosses over Otter Creek several times…but the payoff is a non-stop panorama of amazingly beautiful scenery. There’s a gazillion chutes, waterfalls, rapids and pools. The waterfalls range from three feet to ten feet high, and some of the pools are deep enough to submerge yourself in when the temps get torrid.
Camping here is free. But know that camping is permitted along the banks of Otter Creek at established campsites only, and they’re available on a first come-first serve basis. Each site is large enough for two tents. Camping along the other trails is also free but you can camp where you want as long as it’s at least 200 feet away from any road, stream and trail.
Otter Creek Wilderness is a five-hour drive from Akron. Take I-77 South into West Virginia. Then get on State Road 50 east to I-79 south, and finally onto State Road 33 east to Otter Creek.
For a great pdf trail map of Otter Creek go to: https://diyoutdoors.wvu.edu/files/d/151c6ce3-6afa-4ffe-be4d-0121ca65fea1/ottercreek-map.pdf
For an online brochure of the wilderness area go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5090667.pdf