There are so many enjoyable hikes through beautiful mountainscapes in our state. Dolly Sods, Spruce Knob, Blackwater Falls, New River Gorge. But if you want to truly experience West Virginia's wild side, you really need to consider exploring Otter Creek Wilderness.
In a bowl shaped valley between McGowan and Shavers Mountains (in Randolph and Tucker Counties) is a beautiful little creek.
It's called Otter Creek, and it passes through some of the wildest, most wonderful mountain country in West Virginia.
The area is known as Otter Creek Wilderness, within the Otter Creek Wildlife Management Area.
The 20,000 acre wilderness is crossed by 42 miles of trails, but the main rail trail that cuts through the whole thing is the 11 mile Otter Creek Trail.
You can access the Otter Creek Trail from multiple points along that 11 mile length.
Other trails through the wilderness area (some of which form loops with the Otter Creek Trail) are the Moore Run Trail, Green Mountain Trail, Condon Run Trail, and Big Springs Gap Trail, among others.
Keep in mind that while the scenery is just as good as some of the most well known areas in West Virginia, the trails are not. This is a remote area, and many trails are overgrown or poorly marked.
For some, that adds to the appeal, but for others, it's definitely not ideal.
There are also primitive campsites along the trails.
Or you can camp in Bear Haven, Lower Glady, and Stewart Park recreation areas.
To learn more about the best ways to access Otter Creek Wilderness, check this article in Outdoor Project or visit AllTrails.
Have you hiked any (or all) of Otter Creek Wilderness? What's your favorite way to access the area? Let us know in the comments!
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