Monongalia: Trails, Water and Culture

Monongalia combines extensive trails, green retreats and the waters of Cheat Lake with culture in Morgantown. When planning your trip, it’s worth exploring the different landscapes and activities: a hilly loop trail in the arboretum, a paved route along the lakeshore and an extensive network of trails each offer something different.

Forests, Gardens and Trails

Coopers Rock State Forest spans Monongalia and Preston counties and has nearly 50 miles of hiking trails. In the winter months, three ski slopes are added. Guided rock climbing and rappelling activities are offered for all experience levels; availability depends on the provider. A massive stone structure stands on the Clay Furnace Trail. It was used for iron production in the 19th century.

The WVU Core Arboretum combines a publicly accessible green space with a botanical garden and old-growth forest preserve. Its three miles of footpaths offer several ways to enjoy time outdoors. The marked Running and Walking Loop is 1.75 miles long and avoids the steepest trails, but remains hilly. This makes it quite different from a flat route: the terrain is a factor when choosing a loop trail.

Other parks have their own highlights, too. White Park has five miles of wooded trails used by hikers, cyclists and nature enthusiasts. Dorsey's Knob Park offers trails through mountain meadows and forest, as well as panoramic views from Sky Rock. It also has a disc golf course and a public glass art mosaic. At Marilla Park, the Good Bridge leads to the Decker's Creek Trail.

Trails for Different Kinds of Outings

The Mon River, Caperton and Deckers Creek Rail-Trails total 48 miles of non-motorized routes for hiking, cycling, jogging and cross-country skiing. Surface and length are useful points of distinction when choosing a route. The southern section of the Mon River Rail-Trail covers 14.7 miles in Monongalia County and has a crushed limestone surface suitable for wheelchairs, strollers and tricycles. By contrast, the six-mile Caperton Trail is paved and runs through the WVU Core Arboretum and Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park.

Cheat Lake offers another comparison by the water: the 4.5-mile paved Cheat Lake Trail follows the shoreline and is intended for pedestrians and cyclists. Trail conditions and temporary closures can change, so check current conditions before setting out. Shorter trails also lead to specific destinations: 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 connects bluebell fields with the Fairy Doors; trail conditions and installations can also change.

Cheat Lake and Activities on the Water

The man-made Cheat Lake reservoir covers 1,730 acres and lies in the north of Monongalia County. Swimming is possible at Cheat Lake Park, Sunset Beach and from boats. There are no lifeguards at these locations. Public and fee-based boat launch sites add to the options; free public ramps are located at Sunset Beach Marina and in Cheat Lake Park. Hours of operation and fees may change, so check the latest information before launching a boat.

The lake is also a place where you can include shoreline trails and water activities in your trip plans. If you’d rather walk or cycle, you can choose the paved Cheat Lake Trail; if you want to swim, the swimming spots listed above are available. The options differ not only by activity, but also by whether you’d like to spend your time by the shore or on the water.

Morgantown: Food, Art and History

In Morgantown, the Morgantown Farmers Market vendor association offers fresh local foods and agricultural products year-round. Individual market days and locations may change. The West Virginia and Regional History Center preserves primary and secondary collections on the history of West Virginia. At the Art Museum of West Virginia University, visitors from different groups experience art in an educational and research setting.

The West Virginia Botanic Garden also adds to the range of distinctive places: a wetland boardwalk passes through a shrub swamp and features informational signs. Krepps Park has an outdoor swimming pool with a splash area. Alongside trails and landscapes, art, history, local produce and recreational activities are among the options when planning your stay in Monongalia.

Discover more destinations: Morgantown, Westover, Cheat Lake, Putnam County, Marshall County, Raleigh, Summers, Randolph County.

View the main travel overview: West Virginia.