Otter Creek Full Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Fishing · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Well-marked loop, past a rock climb the creek side and an Ohio River overlook.

You'll need to purchase a $3 entry permit that you get online at fw.ky.gov/Pages/Otter-Creek…. There is a porta-potty in the old nature center parking lot and another in the disc golf course parking lot. Some trails are open for horseback riding and/or mountain biking but all trails are open to foot traffic. The parks is operated by Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and is open to hunting and fishing so always check to see if the trails are closed for hunting or any other reason. And wear orange during hunting seasons.

The trailhead is near the old nature center. The wooded trail takes you past the campground shortly after the start. Twists and turns will lead you past daffodils in the early spring. Then you'll see the YMCA Camp Piomingo buildings. At this point you'll be coming up on the Ohio River overlook.

You can see the bend in the river and Zimmerman Farm in Laconia, IN. If you follow the Otter Creek Trail marked in bright blue it will take you down steep rocks to the lower part of the trail that runs next to Otter Creek. Some will find this too rugged so you have the option to turn right prior to descending the rocks and that section of trail will hook up with Otter Creek Trail later.

If you choose to trek down the rocks you are in for a treat. Hiking along the creek, especially after a recent rain, is so peaceful and tranquil you might not want to leave. Parts of the section of trail run very close to the creek edge and there is a rope in place at one point to help you through a small part of trail. There is a gun range in Otter Creek so don't be alarmed if you hear gunfire.

After a long hike next to the creek you'll start a easy winding hike back up to the top of the hill and through some pines and a portion of woods that looks to have been affected by a tornado. When you get to the disc golf course you are almost back to the former nature center parking lot. If you can stand the one rugged portion of rock climb down to the creek it will be worth it. It has recently been re-marked so it's very easy to follow the blue paint all along the Otter Creek Trail Loop.

Wildflowers, squirrels, all manner of birds, whitetail deer, chipmunks, rabbits, beaver and even eagles if you really lucky.