Hiking Otter Creek Wilderness

Located about five miles Southeast of Parsons, West Virginia, Otter Creek Wilderness is the second largest Wilderness Area in the state. It is bordered by McGowan Mountain to the west and Shavers Mountain to the east. In between, draining South to North across Randolph and Tucker Counties, is Otter Creek.

Wildlife observation in the wilderness is excellent. Species such as black bear, whitetail deer, turkey, grouse, snowshoe hare, cottontail rabbit, and squirrels, along with songbirds and raptors, make their homes here. In addition, hikers should be aware of several species of amphibians and reptiles including poisonous timber rattlesnakes and copperheads. Otter Creek is also home to a small brook trout population.

As you travel throughout the area, you will find evidence of past human activities. From 1897 to 1914, all the timber was logged by the Otter Creek Boom & Lumber Co. Even up until 1972, additional areas were logged near Turkey Run, Condon Run, and Big Springs Gap in the northwestern section of the area. Also in 1964, in an effort to neutralize the naturally acidic waters of Otter Creek, a limestone drum was installed near the headwaters of the stream. Hikers will find that many of the trails were built on old railroad grades which make hiking easier.

Furthermore, the area contains a wide variety of ecosystems. Native red spruce and planted Norway spruce dominate the higher elevations and gradually give way to hardwood trees, such as black cherry and yellow birch, on the middle and lower slopes. Travelers may also find occasional grove of apple trees, dating from the time when the are area was regularly inhabited. In addition, many areas, particularly stream drainage areas, are covered with thickets of impenetrable rhododendron and mountain laurel. Moore Run, Devil’s Gulch, and Shavers Lick are three high-plateau bogs.

In 1975, this area was designated the Otter Creek Wilderness by Congress. The Wilderness Act of 1964, defines a Wilderness as an area that "generally appears to have been affected by the forces of nature" and "has outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation." Once you enter Otter Creek Wilderness, be prepared for a primitive setting. Motorized or wheeled vehicles including mountain bikes, are not permitted with the exception of non-motorized wheelchairs. There are no designated campsites and trail signs and trail maintenance are kept to a minimum. This can make travel difficult. Trails can be rough, wet, or steep. No bridges exist to aid in crossing streams. Otter Creek can rise very quickly and become too dangerous to cross. Keep in mind to practice "leave-no-trace" camping methods. Group size in the Wilderness is limited to ten people.

Hunting and fishing are allowed with the proper West Virginia licenses.

For More Information:
USDA Forest Service
Cheat Ranger District
PO Box 368
Parsons, WV 26287
Telephone/ TDD: (304) 478-3251
Office Hours: Monday -Friday 7 am - 4:45 pm