Hike past the trailhead sign and down the access road to the swinging bridge. Crossing the bridge and turning right will put you on Otter Creek trail. Otter Creek Wilderness lies in a bowl formed by Shavers Mountain and McGowan Mountain. Most of the streams flow into Otter Creek and then to the Dry Fork River. These streams can flash flood during periods of high rain, and can leave visitors stranded.
Vegetation consists of second-growth timber, rhododendron, and a variety of mosses and lichens.
Elevations range from 1800 feet at the mouth of Otter Creek to 3900 feet on McGowan Mountain. There are few open vistas in Otter Creek Wilderness, and rarely are they along trails. Finding them on your own lends a sense of discovery. Because the area is managed for natural conditions, vistas will be allowed to grow closed by vegetation and visitors are asked not to try to keep them open. The Otter Creek Boom and Lumber Company logged this area from 1897 to 1914.