Otter Creek Hike

Join Hikers of the Bluegrass for a scenic ~9-mile loop through Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area near Brandenburg, Kentucky. This trail winds through wooded hillsides and along Otter Creek, offering beautiful forest scenery, rocky creek beds, and views of the surrounding landscape.

This is a moderate to challenging hike with rolling terrain, one very steep climb up to a bluff that overlooks the Ohio river, and some rocky or uneven sections. We'll maintain a steady pace to finish in 4-5 hours.

This area allows bow hunting, so please wear a blaze orange clothing item (hat/vest) for visibility. It is a 2-hour drive from Lexington to Brandenburg, KY.

HIKE OVERVIEW
Location: Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area, Brandenburg, KY
Distance: ~9 miles
Time: 4-5 hours hiking
Elevation: ~800 feet ascent
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Trail Conditions: Wooded dirt trails, rocky creekside sections, exposed roots, rolling hills, and one very steep climb. Some sections may be narrow, muddy, or slippery.

Parking: A vehicle parking permit is required ($5/car at entrance)
No Guests: Hikers must have group membership to RSVP for this event.
Pets: Leashed pets are welcome to join. Please do not allow your pet to approach another person/pet without checking first.

ESSENTIAL HIKING GEAR

• Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good traction
• 2–3 liters of water and snacks/lunch
• Backpack for carrying gear
• Weather-appropriate layers (40-70F)
• Blaze orange hat/vest for visibility for hikers and pets
• Bug spray, sunscreen, and a hat
• Basic first-aid kit
• Trekking poles (optional)

EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Moderate to Challenging
Previous hiking experience is recommended. You should be comfortable hiking approximately 9 miles over 4-5 hours. While the elevation gain is moderate, there is one steep, rocky section that requires a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

HIKE START
Message Louise W (organizer) for carpool details from Cabela's in Lexington.

HIKE END
Estimated finish: Approximately 5–6 hours after starting, followed by an optional late lunch/early dinner.

TRAIL SAFETY & HUNTING SEASON
Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area permits hunting, and fall hunting seasons are currently underway. Deer archery and crossbow hunting, along with hunting for turkey and small game, may occur within the recreation area.
For everyone's safety, hikers must wear a blaze-orange vest, jacket, or hat, to increase visibility to hunters.

DISCLAIMER
By committing to this event, you acknowledge you have read the following Disclaimer: Meetup organizers/leaders are not guides, nor are they experts. You are solely responsible for your own safety. By signing up for and attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking is an outdoor activity that can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. By participating in this Meetup event, you acknowledge that you're of good physical standing and willing to risk the inherent dangers of the activity. All attendees participate at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests. By signing up for this event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer, and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event.