Otter Creek Wilderness

Popular pursuits at Otter Creek Wilderness

• Mountaineering

  Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.

• Hiking

  Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.

• Backpacking

  Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.

• Wildlife Viewing

  Best light, best season, and where animals move.

• Canoeing

  Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.

• Fishing

  Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.

Animals around Otter Creek Wilderness

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  Wildlife guide

  Black bear

  Ursus americanus
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  Big game

  Whitetail Deer

  Odocoileus virginianus
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  Gamefish

  Brook Trout

  Salvelinus fontinalis
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  Wildlife guide

  North American beaver

  Castor canadensis
• 
  Big game

  Black Bear

  Ursus americanus
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  Gamefish

  Smallmouth Bass

  Micropterus dolomieu
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  Wildlife guide

  Snowshoe hare

  Lepus americanus
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  Big game

  Wild Hog

  Sus scrofa

Browse all wildlife guides →

Route options

• Otter Creek Trail — northern out-and-back

  Enter across the Dry Fork River bridge and follow Otter Creek Trail for a self-selected distance before returning the same way. Choose the turnaround according to navigation, footing, and water levels rather than assuming every ford will be passable.

• Otter Creek Trail — full-length route11 miles

  Follow the wilderness’s longest trail along Otter Creek. Several fords, unsigned tread, mud, and uncleared deadfall require careful planning. Confirm endpoint access and return arrangements before attempting the full trail; the stated length does not include a return trip.

Sample itineraries

• Northern Otter Creek Trail day hike · 1 day

  Use the northern bridge access across Dry Fork River to reach Otter Creek Trail. Make an out-and-back through second-growth forest, choosing a turnaround that suits conditions. The trail requires creek fords farther along; do not treat the entrance bridge as evidence of bridged crossings throughout.

• Otter Creek overnight · 2 days

  Plan an out-and-back backpack on Otter Creek Trail, allowing extra time for fords, mud and deadfall. Choose mileage using the wilderness trail map rather than assuming maintained-trail speeds. Camp at least 200 feet from roads, streams and trails, and return only when crossings remain safe.

Seasonal conditions

Permits, fees & closures

Confirm current permit requirements and trip restrictions with the Monongahela National Forest's Cheat Ranger District at (304) 478-2000.

Official source: Monongahela National Forest | Otter Creek Wilderness · Verified November 2, 2026

Hazards & regulations

• Streams frequently flash flood during heavy rain. Avoid committing to a route that depends on crossing rising water.
• Few creek crossings have bridges. Otter Creek Trail requires several fords, and high water can make crossings difficult.
• Trails are neither signed nor blazed. Occasional rock cairns are not a substitute for a map and navigation skills.
• Deadfall generally remains across trails, and muddy, wet tread can slow travel considerably.
• Black bears and timber rattlesnakes occur here. Secure food, give wildlife space and watch where hands and feet go.

What to pack for Otter Creek Wilderness

Build this list in the gear builder →

Otter Creek Wilderness FAQ

Where is Otter Creek Wilderness, and what is the terrain like?

It lies in West Virginia's Tucker and Randolph Counties within Monongahela National Forest. Shavers Mountain and McGowan Mountain form a bowl around its streams. The 20,698-acre wilderness rises from 1,800 to 3,900 feet, with second-growth forest, streamside rhododendron and higher-elevation spruce.

How extensive is the trail system?

There are 45 miles of trails, many following old railroad grades, logging roads or farm roads. Otter Creek Trail is the longest at 11 miles. Trails are unsigned and unblazed, so carry the wilderness trail map and know how to use it.

What camping and fire rules apply?

Do not build a camp within 200 feet of roads, streams or trails. Keep fires small and use only dead and down branches. Lightweight camping stoves are encouraged. Follow Leave No Trace practices.

Are dogs, large groups or bicycles allowed?

Pets must remain under control at all times. Groups larger than 10 people are prohibited. Mountain bikes and mechanical devices such as carts are not allowed on wilderness trails. Motor vehicles are restricted to roads and parking areas.

Is drinking water available?

No potable water is available at the site. Carry drinking water or equipment to treat collected water. Numerous streams drain toward Otter Creek, but their presence does not guarantee safe drinking water or safe crossings.

Is there bridge access to Otter Creek Trail?

The northern approach has bridge access across Dry Fork River. Once on Otter Creek Trail, expect several creek fords. Few bridges serve wilderness crossings, and heavy rain can cause flash flooding.