Stretching across nearly 10 miles of rugged terrain, the Otter Creek Trail in West Virginia offers a backpacking experience where wilderness and water shape every step. This trail pushes you through dense forests and alongside the persistent flow of Otter Creek, whose currents dare you to pause—not just to admire but to immerse yourself into its lively presence. Starting at Paw Paw Campground, the path quickly leads you into a dynamic dance with the landscape, climbing and dropping through rocky ridges and creek crossings.

The trail covers approximately 9.8 miles one way, with an elevation gain hovering around 1,500 feet—a steady pulse rather than a sprint—but enough to keep your muscles engaged. The terrain varies from soft earth to rocky steps, making sturdy, well-treaded footwear a must. Throughout your trek, towering oaks and maples crowd the narrow trail, their branches whispering with the wind as if urging caution and respect toward the wilderness that remains fiercely itself.

Water is ever-present, not just in the creek but in scattered springs and occasional pools that offer opportunities to refill your hydration supply after proper treatment. Plan your trip to allow for several water stops; the creek’s song is a reminder, not a guarantee, of safe drinking water. Timing your hike in the early fall ensures cooler temperatures and fewer insects, with the added bonus of the forest’s colors flirting on the edges of the trail.

Camping along the Otter Creek Trail requires mindful preparation. You'll find primitive sites that demand Leave No Trace principles be front and center—pack out what you carry in. Don't underestimate the trail’s challenge: weather changes fast, and the creek's mood can shift, reminding you that wilderness is an equal partner in this journey. For those ready to embrace it, the reward is an intimate encounter with West Virginia's wild heart, where every bend in the trail invites you to listen closely and move deliberately.