Green Mountain Trail

The Monongahela National Forest’s Otter Creek Wilderness has many trails, mostly for hiking through the scenic landscape of rhododendron, timber and mosses. Biking is prohibited on the trails, but horses are allowed in some areas.

The scenic Green Mountain Trail provides foot access to some of the most remote areas of the Otter Creek Wilderness. Stretching 4 miles, this trail offers stunning views of the remote West Virginia backcountry and has less traffic than other trails in the region due to its difficult accessibility. The Green Mountain Trail is great for either an overnight backpacking trip or a long and challenging day hike.

Although the trail itself is 4 miles long, there is some considerable hiking to get to the start of the trail. The trail can best be accessed by hiking in from the Big Springs Gap Trailhead or either of the trailheads for the Otter Creek Trail.

The Green Mountain Trail climbs steeply at first out of the Otter Creek valley and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area. It levels out after about 2 miles and follows a high mountain plateau before reaching a junction with the Possession Camp Trail after 2.7 miles. The trail concludes with a 1.3-mile ascent through thickly wooded brush at the top of Green Mountain. The end of the trail is marked by a cairn indicating the start of the Shavers Mountain Trail.

Parking and Trail Access

To reach the Big Springs Gap Trailhead from Parsons, take 1st Street north to Billings Avenue and turn right. Billings Avenue turns into County Road 219. Turn right on Forest Road 701 and follow the signs to the trailhead, which will be on the left.