The Monongahela National Forest’s Otter Creek Wilderness has many trails, mostly for hiking through the scenic landscape of rhododendron, timber and mosses. Biking is prohibited on the trails, but horses are allowed in some areas.

The trail head for the 4-mile Moore Run Trail is marked simply with a posted sign along Forest Road 324. You may need to look closely for the trail itself, as the overgrowth of rhododendron around the trail head can obscure it. However, once you find the trail near the creek bed, it is easy to follow the entire way.

The trail begins by following Moore Run (a creek) for about 2 miles. You will pass through two high mountain meadows and cross several small streams. After 2 miles, as the trail starts to steadily descend down McGowan Mountain toward Otter Creek, you will be treated to the sights and sounds of this remote region. Listen for the rushing rapids of Otter Creek far below. The view over the valley and of the mountains in the distance is breathtaking.

The trail terminates at the valley floor, where it meets two other rail-trails, the Otter Creek Trail and Possession Camp Trail. To reach both of these trails, you must cross the rather wide Otter Creek, so hike up your pant legs and plunge in—carefully!—if you plan to continue your trail adventure on the opposite shore.

Trail Manager Contact

Monongahela National Forest

200 Sycamore Street
Elkins, West Virginia
304-636-1800
http://www.fs.usda.gov/mnf

Notes

This is a single-track and often steep, once a logging railroad.

Otter Creek Wilderness- MNF http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recreation/recarea/?recid=12369