Friday, April 9, 2021 3:00PM - Sunday, April 11, 2021 2:00PM
Mylius Trailhead (TR128), Alpena, WV,
West Virginia,
WV United States
OVERVIEW: This trip is a moderate two-night backpack covering fifteen miles in the Otter Creek Wilderness beginning at the Mylius Trailhead (TR-128). Otter Creek Wilderness is a 20,000 acre remote wilderness area located in the Monongahela National Forest of West Virginia. The topography is dominated by the Otter Creek watershed formed by Shavers Mountain and McGowan Mountain and features second growth forest, thick rhododendron, and many species of moss and lichen. We'll see evidence of logging operations and homesteads dating back to the late 1800's. TRIP DETAILS: The crew will meet at the Mylius Trailhead and complete a 15.2 mile loop using the Mylius (128), Shavers Mountain (129), Green Mountain (130) and Otter Creek (131) Trails, returning by way of the Mylius Trail. We'll camp the first night on Shavers Mountain near the junction with Green Mountain Trail (130) and the second night along Otter Creek so as to leave a four or five mile hike for the final day. Expect daytime temperatures in the low to mid-50's and overnight lows near 30 degrees. Snow or mixed precipitation are always possible this early in the season in the West Virginia mountains. DIFFICULTY RATING: MODERATE - Fitness level and/or past experience to sustain the activity at a moderate pace is required. Expect to be active up to 4 to 6 hours/day with reasonable breaks in the action. Leader prefers a modest hiking pace (1 to 1.5 miles per hour) with regular stops so everyone can enjoy the journey. This trip is appropriate for backpacking novices who are looking to build on their skills and confidence. GEAR: To comply with AMC COVID-19 precautions each participant must have face masks and hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol. Additionally, you need to be self-sufficient for the entire trip; we will not be sharing food or equipment. To protect your food from wildlife, you must have a bear canister or Ursack as there are bears in the area and very few trees for good bear bag hangs at the campsites we typically use. Expect up to four stream crossings of Otter Creek and with spring runoff you'll want to have water shoes. Trails are reportedly overgrown and likely to be very muddy.
Free
Otter Creek Wilderness Map
Otter Creek Wilderness Brochure
DIRECTIONS: Mylius Trailhead is located five miles north of US Route 33 near Alpena, WV off County Road 12 (Sully Road). Before crossing the Glady Fork make a sharp left onto Delta 162 toward the Lower Glady Dispersed Campground. The Mylius Trailhead will be on the left hand side in less than one quarter mile. COVID-19 PRACTICES: Face masks are currently required to enter most establishments in West Virginia. For your safety and to protect the locals, please use them if you stop along the way. For this activity, you should wear your face mask from the time you first exit your vehicle at the meeting location and until we have established our social distancing routines as a group, and at any other time as directed by the trip leader. Due to the challenges of social distancing while hiking you should expect to wear your mask most of the time.
