Otter Creek Wilderness

Otter Creek Wilderness is a 20,706-acre federally protected wilderness area in West Virginia, managed by the Forest Service. The landscape is primitive backcountry where roads, motors, and mechanized travel are prohibited—a genuine non-motorized environment where solitude and self-reliance define the experience.

Hiking and backpacking are the primary ways to explore this wilderness. Visitors should expect rugged terrain and come prepared for variable conditions. Leave No Trace principles are essential; pack out everything you pack in, camp below tree line where permitted, and treat water before drinking.

Access is typically from trailheads on the wilderness perimeter; there are no roads or developed facilities within the area itself. Spring through fall is the main season, though conditions vary by elevation and weather. Winter travel is possible but requires experience and preparation. Permits are not required, but checking current conditions with the Forest Service before heading out is strongly recommended.