3-Day Backpack - Otter Creek Wilderness (24.1 Miles) + Box Office Brewery

Otter Creek Wilderness is a 20,698-acre property in West Virginia that lies in a bowl between Shavers and McGowan Mountains. This U.S. Forest Service land includes 45 miles of hiking trails and is home to second-growth timber, rhododendron, and various types of moss and lichen. The fall foliage that we'll be passing through should be beautiful. This is a three-day trip with significant mileage and elevation gain, and as such is NOT recommended for first-time or inexperienced backpackers.

We will meet at the Vienna South Metro Station at 8:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 3 hours. Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.

## Trail Facts

• Difficulty Level: Strenuous
• Length: 24.1 Miles
• Duration: 3 Days
• Elevation Gain: 4,098 Feet
• Bear Canisters: Not Required
• Permits: None
• Dogs: Allowed
• Parking: Vienna South Metro Station
• Trailhead Coordinates: 38.942232288335696, -79.66811374718421
• AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/nova-trailblazers-october-backpacking-trip-option-1-9a96876?u=i&sh=kucj8c

Trail Details:

The maximum group size for wilderness areas is 10 people, so please only sign up if you are 100% committed to attending.

Day 1: After arriving at the Condon Run Trailhead we will put on our packs and hike about 7 miles on the Otter Creek, Yellow Creek, McGowan Mountain, and Moore Run Trails. Along the way we will pass by McGown Mountain. Once we turn onto Moore Run Trail we will start looking for a campsite. Once we've found a suitable site we'll set up camp and relax before the next day.

Day 2: During the second day we'll get an early start and will hike another 12.5 miles on the Turkey Run, Big Springs Gap, Otter Creek, Green Mountain, and Shavers Mountain Trails. Along this segment of the trip we will pass by Green and Shavers Mountains. We will camp near the intersection of the Shavers Mountain and Mylius Trails.

Day 3: We'll wrap up our trip by hiking the remaining 4.5 miles on the Shavers Mountain and Hedricks Gap Trails back to the Condon Run Trailhead.

I plan to stop at Box Office Brewery in Strasburg on the way home -- the address is 177 E King St, Strasburg, VA 22657.

Gear List
Note: Be prepared for varying temperatures; layering is key.

Essential Items:

• Tent
• Sleeping pad​
• Sleeping bag suitable for expected temperatures​
• Backpack (appropriate for overnight backpacking)​
• Backpacking stove with fuel​
• Pot, cup, dish, and utensils​
• Dehydrated meals​ and snacks (Saturday: snacks/dinner, Sunday: breakfast/snacks/dinner, Monday: breakfast)
• Water bottles or hydration system (3-liter capacity)​
• Bag or canister for securely storing food and other scented items
• Water filter or purification tablets​
• Headlamp with extra batteries​
• Rain gear
• Dry bags or pack cover​
• Warm clothing layers (non-cotton)
• Trowel and toiletries for Leave No Trace compliance

Optional Items:

• Personal first aid kit​
• Map and compass or GPS device
• Power bank or external battery
• Trekking poles​
• Camp shoes
• Electrolyte supplements​
• Alcohol​
• Books, games, or other entertainment
• Gaiters​
• Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent​​

LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​

For more information on the common adventurer model, please see Ron Watters' definition.​

If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the US Forest Service.​

See you on the trail!

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