Otter Creek Wilderness
The Otter Creek Trail is a premier Monongahela National Forest wilderness hike, featuring rugged miles, mountain streams, and remote backcountry solitude in the Otter Creek Wilderness.
At a Glance
Otter Creek Wilderness covers nearly 20,000 acres of classic Monongahela National Forest backcountry, featuring over 45 miles of rugged trails through steep slopes and rhododendron-lined creek corridors. The popular 12-mile Otter Creek Trail winds along the tumbling namesake stream with campsites and native brook trout fishing opportunities, while limited signage and multiple creek crossings challenge hikers seeking primitive wilderness experiences. Located near Parsons and Elkins, Otter Creek provides designated backcountry adventure without facilities or maintained infrastructure.
Activities
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Camping
- Cross Country Skiing
Features
- River
Difficulty
Season
All Year
Area Trails
Otter Creek Rail-Trail
Turkey Run Trail
Green Mountain Trail
Possession Camp Rail-Trail
Moore Run Rail Trail
McGowan Mountain Trail
Yellow Creek Trail
Middle Point Trail
Hendrick Camp Trail
Shavers Mountain Trail
Mylius Trail
Zero Grade Trail
River Loop Trail
Shingletree Trail
Clover Trail
Pheasant Mountain Trail
Recreation Sites
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Safety
The Otter Creek Wilderness trails travel through remote backcountry with limited signage and multiple stream crossings. Cell service may not be available during your hike. Please plan accordingly and always follow Leave No Trace principles.
During hunting season, stay on established trails, wear bright colors like blaze orange, and make your presence known to ensure safety for all forest users.”
Directions
Multiple trailhead access points are available for the Otter Creek Wilderness. From Elkins, follow US-33 east to Bickle Knob for the southwestern trailhead or Alpena Gap for the southeastern Shavers Mountain trailhead. Continue on Sully Road off US-33 for the centrally located Mylius Trailhead. From Parsons, take Billings Avenue into Fernow Forest and follow Forest Road 701 for Big Springs Gap Trailhead, or continue on WV-72 past Hendricks for Dry Fork Trailhead.
Nearby Towns
Downtown
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