Cheat Lake: Reservoir, Water Sports, and History

Cheat Lake and Its Origins

At Cheat Lake, you can make water activities, a park trail, and the history of the reservoir different focal points of your trip. Cheat Lake is an artificial reservoir covering 1,730 acres. It was created in 1925, when the Cheat River was dammed to supply a hydroelectric power plant. Today, the lake brings together recreational opportunities and the history of hydropower use. If you are planning a stay, you can explore these topics separately: activities on the water, a visit to the park, or the area’s historical development.

Water Sports and Fishing

Boating, fishing, and other water sports are possible on Cheat Lake. The lake offers 13 miles of calm water for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing. This length describes the calm water available for these three paddling activities; boating and fishing are additional options on the lake. If you are planning your trip around activities, you can distinguish between paddling and other ways of enjoying the water.

Cheat Lake can be accessed via a boat ramp or seasonal docks at the northern end, just above the Lake Lynn Dam. The backwater areas of Morgans Run and Rubles Run are also access points. Seasonal dock availability may vary, so check before making plans that depend on them. Sunset Beach Marina on Cheat Lake offers jet ski rentals, water skiing, wakeboarding, and other equipment. These offerings may be seasonal. General lake access and the specific water sports offered at the marina are separate points to consider when planning your visit.

Anglers can catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and crappie in Cheat Lake; species and conditions may vary by season. Walleye and yellow perch are also found in Cheat Lake, specifically in connection with ice fishing. For those interested in fishing, the seasonal context is another important consideration alongside the fish species listed.

Cheat Lake Park and Trail

The Cheat Lake Park and Trail offers a path along the shore of Lake Lynn. It is 4.5 miles long and follows an abandoned railroad grade. The shoreline and the former use of the rail corridor give the trail two distinct points of interest: it runs alongside the water while also following a former railway. The park also has a children’s playground. If you would like to combine a walk with a play break, you can include both park features in your day’s plans.

Industrial History and Swimming Area

The area’s history dates back to before the reservoir was created. Cheat Lake partly covers land where an iron industry flourished in and around Ices Ferry in the 19th century. In addition to the Cheat River being dammed for the hydroelectric power plant in 1925, this earlier industrial history is part of the area’s development. The two periods are clearly distinct: the iron industry flourished in the 19th century, and the reservoir was created in 1925.

There is a specific restriction for the 2026 recreation season: the swimming area at Millstone Beach in Cheat Lake Park has been closed since June 17, 2026, for the remainder of the 2026 recreation season. Keep this closure in mind if the swimming area is part of your visit plans.

Discover more destinations: Westover, Morgantown.

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