stopped tracking for a short time on beginning of morning #2 so mileage is a little off .. Hopefully get back and do some more trail work on remaining part of Green Mountain Trail.. BACKPACKING the OTTER CREEK WILDERNESS in Monongahela National Forest, WEST VIRGINIA. The Otter Creek Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness area located in the Cheat-Potomac Ranger District of Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia, USA. We did see quite a few other families making a day of it. We didnât do full loop cut some of it off. If you are up for the challenge and have a GPS and some sort of non-cellular mobile communication device for emergencies, then I would say go for it. The southern half of the trail is not nearly so bad, but it can get quite wet. The trail is the spine of the system, offering direct connections to seven other hiking trails in the Otter Creek Wilderness. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. It is part of the James River/Otter Creek Recreation Area/George Washington National Forest. From hiking a couple of miles to spending the night out for a 24 mile round trip trek, Otter Creek Trail is an absolute treasure. The first 4-5 miles after that are okay, but there are places that I believe a Horse will not be able to navigate, if they made it past the first rough spot. Lacoa Corder and other cavers crossing Otter Creek. The Otter Creek Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness area located in the Cheat-Potomac Ranger District of Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia, USA. Most of the streams flow north into Otter Creek. Major hiking trails: designated hiking trails in the Otter Creek Wilderness, Laurel Fork North and South Wilderness, East Fork Trail and sections of the 300-mile Allegheny Trail. I'd rate this trail moderate/difficult with really nice views along the creek but limited views at the higher elevations due to the thickness of the rhodes and trees. Itâs the largest trail in the wilderness. There were many times when I wasn't sure if we were on the right trail. Otter Lake Loop Trail (0.9 miles) Provides scenic views of Otter ⦠I will try to upload some photos from the trail at a later time. The acres ( sq. The views at the creek are beautiful, we had lunch on the water, and the stream crossings were only up to knee deep if you found the best route. It was a little muddy at the start, need good boots or waterproof shoes. Ready for some activity? The trail is the spine of the system, offering direct connections to seven other hiking trails in the Otter Creek Wilderness. There isnât much easy walking. We only saw other hikers on our return trip. I camped the first night at the ford about 7/10 mile north from the ford at the Mylius/Otter Creek intersection. Hike was difficult. It is real nice to see some of the old rail ties in a few areas. Did this loop with the kids, we had a great time. 11.6 mi 18.7 km #1 Otter Creek Trail (TR 131) ... WV. (2) Turn northeast (hikerâs right) onto the Shavers Mountain Trail and continue 2.7 miles along the ridge to a fork. We camped just past the intersection of Green Mtn Trail and Possession trail. Runoff turns trail into impromptu streambed before it drains into Otter Creek A modified loop of the original..Took my time doing some trail clearing..All trails are easy to follow..Green Mountain and Possession trails was pretty overgrown.. For some reason app. Otter Creek Trail (3.5 miles) Parallels the Parkway road as it meanders from Otter Creek campground to the James River Visitor Center. I believe I will return next year! FYI, there is a nice camping area in the little jog out area on the eastern side of the trail by the cliffs and a number of campsites scattered along the creek at the lower elevations. Overall, the hike was absolutely beautiful just a little overgrown in places but all in all not bad. There are areas on the North end of this trail where you have impassable rhododendrons to your right, a muddy, treacherously narrow dirt trail, with a dangerous drop-off to the left. (1) Follow the Mylius Trail 1.5 miles northwest up the southern face of Shavers Mountain to a four-way junction. Biking is prohibited on the trails, but horses are allowed in some areas. I do not recommend this trail to Novice Hikers and someone that does not have a topo map and or GPS in addition to Wilderness survival Skills because It is real possible to get into a very bad Situation out there if you are not prepared. We camped by Otter Creek and had a great time. Doug Mc and Lacoa looking at the entrance to Otter Maze. TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy, We're a non-profit all about helping you enjoy the outdoors, Condon Run Trailhead and Dry Fork Trailhead. Beautiful area, little tough going at start from lower end. Be prepared to get muddy and I would be careful after heavy rain because otter creek can become to swift to cross. Otter Creek Wilderness has 45 miles of trails, many of which follow old ⦠9. This rail-trail is not for the faint of heart, but it is worth the hike if you are up for a challenge. You start off on Mylius Trail (the only trail that doesn't need maintenance currently), then take a right at intersection to continue onto Shavers Mountain Trail. We found the trails fairly easy to follow. Hiked a couple more hours and turned back. There are seven trailheads, with the two more popular ones at the north and south of the Wilderness. This is my first review, so forgive me if it's too much: The plotted trail includes 4 trails. Horseback riders are urged not to use the segment of the Otter Creek Trail between the Moore Run Trail and Green Mountain Trail; the trail is narrow through here and the drop-off steep. Otter Creeks forms a valley and this is where most of the wilderness area is located. The trail is primarily used for hiking, trail running, and backpacking. The elevations for this trail were really gradual compared to other trails in the area too, which was a ⦠Otter Creek Trail is a 24.5 kilometer lightly trafficked loop trail located near Harman, West Virginia and is rated as difficult. Location: 38.9495697021484, -79.6686172485352. Lexie and Gracie having a good time in Otter Creek, WV. Otter Creek Wilderness Area, within Monongahela National Forest, is a unique and special place hidden between two mountains not far from Dolly Sods Wilderness in West Virginia. We decided to go south and make a loop with Hedrick Camp and Shavers Mountain Trail. The wilderness area has 42 miles of hiking trails. Had a picnic style lunch a couple of miles in. Mylius trail to Otter Creek. Otter Creek Wilderness is displayed on the Bowden USGS quad topo map. Otter Creek Trail is covered by the Bowden, WV US Topo Map quadrant Add Your Trails. It had thunderstormed over the weekend and was very muddy, but since we followed feeder streams much of the trail, it's likely muddy all summer. love this trail easy hike , beautiful views not super busy. Otter Creek Trail is a nice little out and back that meanders alongside its namesake creek. Flattens out after half mile or so and gets easier. Trails Map ID Length Trail Name TR 128 2.5 Miles Mylius * We went south down otter creek trail to yellow creek, yellow creek to Mcgowan Mtn. A couple good climbs but not too strenuous. Had the family, 10 yo, 14 yo, Mom and Dad. OCT003. The Otter Creek Trail, the most popular, follows an abandoned logging railroad grade along Otter Creek between Condon Run and the Dry Fork River. They are starting to get some signs up at trail intersection but I can understand being as far in that they have to carry them.. There is 1 campsite just before the final creek crossing as you start back up but nothing further until you get the the marked trail junction that heads back to the trailhead so if you are looking for a spot in that area grab it before heading across the creek... Also, water is sparse outside of the creek bottom so doing this loop counterclockwise allowed us to mitigate this by carrying in water at the start of the hike. Youâre either in a rhododendron THICKet or in a bog, or climbing/descending rocks and streams, or a mix of all three! At that point it was getting late and we decided to turn around rather than try and find where the trail continued. The Otter Creek Wilderness is located in the Cheat-Potomac Ranger District of the Monongahela National Forest in Tucker and Randolph counties. Veer L @ Y onto Otter Creek Trail, which follows an old logging railroad. The Otter Creek Trail, the most popular, follows an abandoned logging railroad grade along Otter Creek between Condon Run and the Dry Fork River. Be prepared to slog through mud. Otter creek Dr , Gerrardstown, WV 25420 is a vacant lot listed for-sale at $43,000. This map spans the northwestern tier of Monongahela National Forest, Fernow Experimental Forest, Otter Creek Wilderness, Laurel Fork ⦠The snake along the trail gave us a thrill. The Entrance to Otter Maze. Please note that the entire trail is 11.8 mile one-way so in order to do the entire trail out-and-back, you're looking at 23.6 miles unless you have two cars. Loved camping near the creek. Become a member and wear your FREE T-Shirt with pride. We camped a little ways above the falls in an established campsite. Went about 3.5 miles up from swinging bridge. The wilderness area is almost 21,000 acres, and has more than 45 miles of trails, most beginning at 3 different trailheads. Saw chipmunks, birds, and other wildlife. Otter Creek Wilderness is in the Reserves category for Randolph County in the state of West Virginia. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on ⦠West Virginiaâs Otter Creek Wilderness sits between Shavers Mountain and McGowan Mountain. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. With the exception of a very long, suspended footbridge over the Dry Fork tributary of the Cheat River toward the end of the trail, there are no bridges to aid your stream crossings. I have been here many times. The lower part of Otter Creek Trail is very boggy. The USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) publishes a set of the most commonly used topographic maps of the U.S. called US Topo that are separated into rectangular quadrants that are printed at 22.75"x29" or larger. The Otter Creek Wilderness is West Virginiaâs second largest wilderness, and it has 42 miles of established trails. Check or FAQs for more common login questions. Jul 20, 2019 near Parsons, WV. Otter Creek Wilderness is located on the Cheat-Potomac Ranger District of the Monongahela National Forest in Tucker and Randolph Counties, West Virginia. Swimming holes were available. Took it counterclockwise and that works out pretty good as it makes for a moderate climb out. It is crossed by 42 miles (68 km) of hiking trails. Standard black ⦠There are no signs or blazes. Jul 12, 2019 near Parsons, WV. Otter Creek Wilderness is part of the Monongahela National Forest located in Eastern West Virginia, near the cities of Elkins and Parsons. Made for a great first backpacking trip! Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 30,000 miles of trail maps and more! Like all of the trails in the Otter Creek Wilderness, attention has been given to keeping this trail very primitive. They are virtually untouched, and give runners an intense, technical workout. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Your donation will help us to continue connecting more people to trails around the country. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow⦠3 of the 4 trails need heavy maintenance/rerouting to be enjoyable. Elkins-Otter Creek Area Trail Map by Purple Lizard Maps The Elkins-Otter Creek Lizard Map will help you plan all your adventures in and around the northwestern tier of Monongahela National Forest including the Otter Creek and Laurel Fork Wilderness. Native Brook Trout are found in Otter Creek ⦠Otter Creek. To reach the Condon Run Trailhead, take Stuart Memorial Drive/FR 91 1.4 miles north of US 33/State Route 55; go right at the fork (FR 303). This was a nice open trail for a ways, it winds along the creekside and crosses many times (5, if i remember correctly NOTE: The book we had said 4 crossings) The Ford crossings on the upper part of the trail were clearly marked with cairns, the water was swift and refreshing. Otter Creek Trail West Virginia. Photos taken by Jeff Lydic. The rugged trail offers spectacular views and a moderate to challenging hike. I believe there are too many downed logs as well as tricky areas to maneuver the rocky slick trail. Contemplating the swimming hole. The portion we did was a pretty easy hike. The gate on McGowan Mountain Road/Forest Road 324 at the boundary with the Fernow Experimental Forest is closed between April 15 and August 15. AllTrails has 7 great hiking trails, forest trails, views trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. There was one part where we opted to walk through knee high vegetation to the right of the trail and discovered what Stinging Nettles were... oops. The Otter Creek Trail, the most popular, follows an abandoned logging railroad grade along Otter Creek between Condon Run and the Dry Fork River. 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Rail trails Guidebook when you become a member and wear your FREE T-Shirt with pride overall i this., we began hiking the other part of Otter Creek Wilderness, within the Monongahela National Forest in and... Easy trail a constant companion, i.e shared a campsite with had a... Continued on Green Mtn trail mix of all three the USGS 1:24K topographic map Bowden, WV instead.
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