Turn left and follow the Lanesville Road ten miles to the Dolly Sods Scenic Area. Before reaching the Scenic Area, the road passes several trailheads and the Dolly Sods Picnic Area. This 20,000-acre wilderness is now managed with 42 miles of primitive trails, many which follow old railroad grades or logging roads. Wildlife in the wilderness area includes black bear, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, grouse, snowshoe hare, cottontail rabbit and a variety of squirrels. There are many species of birds and several reptiles.
Otter Creek is also the home to a small population of brook trout and salamanders.
This hardwood rich area is ideal for hiking, backpacking and primitive camping. This semi-primitive area consists of approximately 13,532 acres on top of the plateau. Since Canaan Mountain is relatively flat, there are many seasonally wet places. Vegetation consists of second-growth hardwoods, rhododendron and mosses. Elevations range from 4,145 feet at Pointy Knob to 3,100 feet at Blackwater Falls State Park.