Monongalia: Discover Nature, Trails, and Cheat Lake

Monongalia offers travelers a diverse mix of forest paths, waterfront landscapes, sporting activities, and culture. Those looking for a vacation rental or holiday home can plan their trip around whether they want to focus on extended hikes, cycling routes, water activities, or exploring museums and parks. The extensive trails in Coopers Rock State Forest, the rail trails, and Cheat Lake are particularly characteristic of the area.

Hiking Through Forest, History, and Scenic Vistas

Coopers Rock State Forest has nearly 50 miles of hiking trails and extends across Monongalia County and Preston County. In addition to the hiking trails, guided rock-climbing and rappelling activities are offered for all experience levels. At Clay Furnace Trail, there is also a massive stone structure that was used for iron production in the 19th century. In winter, three ski slopes are added.

Shorter routes can also be included in your daily itinerary. The 1.3-mile M-D Marker Trail leads up Browns Hill to the Mason-Dixon Marker Stone. In Mason-Dixon Historical Park, the 0.35-mile Bluebell Trail passes through fields of bluebells and by Fairy Doors. In Dorsey's Knob Park, trails lead through mountain meadows and forests; Sky Rock offers a panoramic view.

Rail Trails and Routes for Different Daily Itineraries

Together, the Mon River, Caperton, and Deckers Creek Rail-Trails comprise 48 miles of non-motorized routes for hiking, cycling, jogging, and cross-country skiing. The southern section of the Mon River Rail-Trail is 14.7 miles long, lies in Monongalia County, and has a limestone gravel surface suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and tricycles. The six-mile, paved Caperton Trail runs through the WVU Core Arboretum and Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park.

The WVU Core Arboretum is a publicly accessible green space with a botanical garden and old-growth forest preserve. It has three miles of walking paths in total. The signed Running and Walking Loop is 1.75 miles long and avoids the steepest paths, although it remains hilly. White Park offers five miles of wooded trails for hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts. From Marilla Park, the Good Bridge provides access to the Decker's Creek Trail.

Cheat Lake and Calm Waters

Cheat Lake is a 1,730-acre artificial reservoir in northern Monongalia County. Swimming is possible at Cheat Lake Park, Sunset Beach, and from boats. Public and fee-based launch sites are available for private boats; free public ramps are located at Sunset Beach Marina and in Cheat Lake Park. The 4.5-mile, paved Cheat Lake Trail follows the shoreline and is intended for pedestrians and cyclists.

Anglers can also find a variety of fish species in Cheat Lake, including different types of bass, walleye, catfish, pike, and trout. On the Monongahela River in Mountaineer Country, kayaking and canoeing are possible on calm, shallow water.

Culture, Green Spaces, and Regional Impressions

For days focused on culture, the West Virginia and Regional History Center in Morgantown preserves primary and secondary collections on the history of West Virginia. The Art Museum of West Virginia University provides an educational and research environment where different visitor groups can experience art. In Dorsey's Knob Park, a public glass art mosaic complements the natural experiences.

Local food and agricultural products are also part of the travel experience: The Morgantown Farmers Market vendors' association offers them year-round. For further orientation, you can visit the pages on Morgantown, Westover, and Cheat Lake. Additional destination pages include Mercer County, Monroe County, Ohio, Putnam County, and Barbour County.

For the broader travel overview: West Virginia.