Otter Creek Loop is a 1 mile loop trail located near Monroe, Virginia that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from April until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
hiking
lake
Kathy Lee recorded Otter Creek Loop
This was a short, fun hike! I first hiked down by the dam and crossed the creek. There are stepping stones and pads that make it fun crossing the creek to get to the trail on the other side. A local couple told me that the water level was lower than normal. Usually it comes up to just below the top of the pads, but today it was about 8 inches lower. The trail follows around Otter Lake with side trails that bring you down to the lake to take pictures and enjoy the views. Once you come up from the dam, the trail is actually fairly flat and easy. Parking is easy and is a turn out from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Well worth the stop!
Easy, pleasant hike. Bugs were after eyes.
Short, easy trail. Enjoyed the rock “scramble” at the beginning. Good views of the pond throughout. Nice waterfalls!
Lots of bugs and butterflies. Trail is easy except for probably 100-150 feet near the dam which are moderate. Beautiful high and low views of the lake.
Great day for a hike around the lake. Great views and color on trees were still beautiful.
Cross an arm of the lake on rocks, climb up a couple steep areas but other than that - pretty easy. We are seniors and had no problem with this trail.
Great loop around the lake. Beautiful views. It made for a great run connected with otter creek trail.
I'd rate it closer to easy.
Great easy trail to hike with children. We were looking for a simple trail with hopes of some wildlife for our 4 year old. We loved crossing the creek and the little streams along the trail. Took us about 45 min with a child. Tons of butterflies spotted. If you are traveling the parkway this makes a great stop.
Otter Creek Trail is 3.5 miles long. It follows the Parkway and creek from the Otter Creek Campground to the James River Visitor Center. I completed the scenic 0.9 mile Otter Lake Loop section. I also completed two trails at the visitor center. The 0.4 mile Trail of Trees has signs that identify many of the trees and shrubs of the river valley. It also has a wonderful view of the James River water gap. The 0.4 mile Canal Lock Trail crosses the James River on a walkway beneath the bridge. It is then a short distance to the restored Battery Creek Lock, one of nearly 100 locks that made this canal a major transportation corridor before the Civil War.
53 year old, pack a day smoker. Very hard but doable if you go slow and rest. View at the top totally worth it.
I have long loved this series of trails for its variety of visual beauty and ease of access.
