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.[2] The Wilderness sits in a bowl-shaped valley formed by Otter Creek, between McGowan Mountain and Shavers Mountain in Tucker and Randolph Counties.[3] It is crossed by 42 miles (68 km) of hiking trails. Otter Creek Trail is the longest, at 11 miles (18 km).[4]
History
By 1914, almost all of the virgin forest in the Otter Creek watershed had been timbered, mostly by the Otter Creek Boom and Lumber Company, but also by the owners of several small farms and homesteads.[2] In 1917 key land purchases were made by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the formation of the national forest system. The Otter Creek area was managed as a multiple use forest, including some second growth logging, until the passage of the Eastern Wilderness Act in 1975.[5] The last private in-holding was acquired the same year.
2009 addition
The Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009 added 698 acres (282 ha) to the original 20,000 acres (8,100 ha) of the Otter Creek Wilderness.[6] This addition is situated on the northern and eastern flanks of McGowan Mountain leading down to Dry Fork. It provides much of the scenic view for this popular river which contains excellent whitewater paddling and trout fishing.
Lichen covered boulder in Otter Creek Wilderness. (The species is Umbilicaria mammulata.)
Ecology
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Otter Creek Wilderness, located in West Virginia, offers a plethora of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some activities you can enjoy there:[7]
Hiking: Explore the numerous trails that wind through the wilderness, offering varying degrees of difficulty and stunning scenery. Popular trails include the Otter Creek Trail, which follows the creek for several miles, and the Red Creek Trail, which leads to high mountain ridges and expansive views.
Backpacking: With over 40 miles of trails, Otter Creek Wilderness is a backpacker's paradise. Spend a night or more under the stars, camping along the trails and immersing yourself in the tranquility of the wilderness.
Fishing: Otter Creek and its tributaries offer excellent trout fishing opportunities. Spend a day casting your line into the clear mountain streams and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that calls Otter Creek Wilderness home. Deer, black bear, wild turkey, and numerous bird species can often be spotted throughout the area.
Photography: Capture the beauty of the wilderness with your camera as you hike along scenic trails, cross crystal-clear streams, and take in breathtaking vistas.
Birdwatching: Bring your binoculars and bird guidebook to spot a variety of bird species, including warblers, thrushes, woodpeckers, and more.
Nature Study: Take a leisurely stroll through the forest and observe the diverse plant life, from towering hardwood trees to delicate wildflowers.
Picnicking: Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic at one of the designated picnic areas or find a scenic spot along the trails to stop and have a meal surrounded by nature.
Geocaching: Join the treasure hunt by searching for hidden geocaches scattered throughout the wilderness. It's a fun way to explore the area while adding an element of adventure to your hike.
Stargazing: On clear nights, take advantage of the lack of light pollution and gaze up at the star-filled sky. The remote location of Otter Creek Wilderness makes it an ideal spot for stargazing.
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