Near Otter Creek Full Loop
Running through the Ragnar Trail Fort Knox-KY Green Loop Trail.
Near Otter Creek Full Loop
Ohio River overlooking Laconia, Indiana.
Near Otter Creek Full Loop
Safety rope
Near Otter Creek Full Loop
Happy hiker after the rock climb descending the trail toward Otter Creek.
Near Otter Creek Full Loop
This is a good example of what the Valley Overlook Trail looks like in November. Leaves have completely covered the trail but there are lots of markers.

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Otter Creek Full Loop

5.0 (1 Rating)
8.6 miles of serenity in the woods and along the creek.
8.4
mi
Distance
621
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsFishingRiver/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
8.38mi
Distance
621ft
Elevation Gain
621ft
Elevation Loss
35%
Max Grade
696ft
High Point
398ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
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.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Crystal Brewer