Cheat Lake | Morgantown

Cheat Lake, a shimmering expanse of water east of Morgantown, West Virginia, is one of the region’s most scenic and versatile outdoor destinations. Stretching nearly 13 miles along the Cheat River, it lies cradled by wooded hills that rise steeply from the shoreline, creating a landscape that feels both secluded and alive with activity. The lake combines natural Appalachian beauty with recreation-boating, swimming, fishing, and lakeside dining all woven together in a calm, inviting atmosphere.

Origins and Geography

Cheat Lake was created in 1926, when the Cheat Lake Dam (then known as Lake Lynn Dam) was built by the West Penn Power Company to generate hydroelectric power. The damming of the Cheat River flooded the narrow valley upstream, forming a long, serpentine reservoir that now covers roughly 1,730 acres. Though artificial in origin, the lake’s steep, forested banks and winding shape give it the illusion of a natural mountain lake.

The southern end of the lake lies close to Morgantown, making it easily accessible from the city via Interstate 68. The northern tip crosses into Pennsylvania, where the Cheat River continues its course toward the Monongahela. The surrounding hills belong to the Appalachian Plateau, known for its sandstone bluffs, oak-hickory forests, and the faint scent of pine that drifts over the water on warm afternoons.

Landscape and Scenery

From above, Cheat Lake looks like a river frozen mid-meander-its narrow channels twist between steep slopes, with hidden coves and small inlets that open suddenly into wide reflective stretches. The water shifts color through the day, from jade-green in morning light to deep cobalt at sunset. The lake’s mirror-like surface often reflects the canopy of surrounding oaks, maples, and hemlocks so perfectly that it feels like a painted landscape.

In autumn, the view becomes spectacular: the ridges blaze in reds, oranges, and golds, mirrored across the calm water, while the cool air carries the faint smell of fallen leaves. From the lake’s midsection, it’s not uncommon to see bald eagles circling overhead or great blue herons gliding low across the surface.

Recreation and Activities

Cheat Lake is a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts. In summer, its marinas and boat launches buzz with activity. Boating is the lake’s lifeblood-everything from kayaks and paddleboards to pontoon boats and jet skis dot the water. Local marinas, including Edgewater Marina and Sunset Beach Marina, rent equipment and provide docks, fueling stations, and waterfront restaurants.

Fishing is another major draw. The lake is stocked with largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie, and catfish. Anglers often find success near submerged logs or rocky points, especially in the early morning mist when the water lies perfectly still. In spring and fall, the cooler temperatures make for ideal fishing conditions, and the quiet atmosphere contrasts beautifully with the livelier summer months.

For those who prefer to stay on land, the Cheat Lake Trail offers one of the most scenic walks in northern West Virginia. This 4.5-mile rail-trail follows the shoreline from the dam northward, shaded by trees and occasionally opening to panoramic lake views. Bikers, joggers, and families frequent the trail, and benches along the way provide rest stops where visitors can watch boats drift by or spot turtles sunning themselves on logs.

Swimming is permitted in designated areas, most notably at Cheat Lake Park, which features a small sandy beach, picnic shelters, and playgrounds. On summer weekends, the laughter of children, the soft splash of water, and the hum of passing boats fill the air.

Wildlife and Natural Environment

Despite its recreational use, Cheat Lake retains an impressive level of natural biodiversity. The surrounding hills provide habitat for deer, raccoons, foxes, and songbirds, while the lake’s waters sustain freshwater mussels and native fish species. Early mornings are especially tranquil-mist rises off the water, birds call across the coves, and the forest hums softly with insects.

In the evenings, the scene transforms. As the sun sets, the lake glows with reflected amber light, and boaters often slow their engines just to drift and watch the last color fade from the ridgelines. The sound of frogs and crickets fills the air, creating the kind of quiet that feels far removed from the city just a few miles away.

Lakeside Living and Culture

Cheat Lake has developed a distinct local culture centered around the water. Waterfront neighborhoods and small communities-like Cheat Lake Village and Greystone-dot the ridges, their decks and patios offering views across the water. Residents and visitors gather at lakeside spots like The Lakehouse Restaurant or Sunset Beach Bar & Grille, where the combination of good food, music, and the sight of boats drifting under the evening sky gives the area a relaxed, resort-like feel.

During holidays and summer weekends, the lake hosts fireworks shows, regattas, and floating gatherings, where anchored boats cluster together to socialize. Yet even at its busiest, there’s always a quiet cove just around the bend-a place where the only sounds are rippling water and the distant call of a loon.

Atmosphere and Sensory Impressions

Cheat Lake’s charm lies in its shifting moods. At dawn, the air feels cool and still, the lake silvered with light. By midday, sunlight dances on the waves, and the scent of sunscreen, grilled food, and fresh pine drifts through the marinas. In the evening, the hills turn deep blue, the air cools, and lanterns flicker on boat decks as laughter carries softly across the water.

It’s a place that balances motion and calm, leisure and wilderness. Whether gliding along the Cheat Lake Trail, casting a line from the dock, or anchoring under the stars, visitors find that time seems to slow here. The lake, with its winding shape and mirrored skies, captures the essence of northern West Virginia-wild, peaceful, and endlessly inviting.