United States

Cheat Lake

Cheat Lake

Cheat Lake is a beautiful reservoir located in Monongalia County, West Virginia, United States. Situated just outside of Morgantown, Cheat…

Best for you if…

  • A 4–5 day trip
  • Walkable sightseeing
  • Hiking travelers
  • Fishing travelers
  • Visiting in Summer
Recommended stay
5 days
Best time
Summer
Walkability
Compact
Guide depth
Deep guide
More about this guide

Cheat Lake is a strong pick for hiking & fishing — plan about 5 days, with sights close enough to walk between. Peak season: Summer.

Deep guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 87/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)

Compact density — Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together. (≈9.4 km span)

39 Places to explore
5 Recommended days
Summer Best season
8 Nearby places

Find nearby destinations

When to go

High season: Summer

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

Best months for lower-cost travel: March · April · September · October

Weather

Autumn

10-20°C

Spring

10-20°C

Summer

20-30°C

Winter

-5-5°C

How to get there

How to Reach Cheat Lake in the United States

Cheat Lake, located in the United States, is a beautiful destination nestled in the state of West Virginia. If you're looking to explore its scenic beauty and enjoy various water activities, here are a few ways to reach Cheat Lake:

By Air:

If you're traveling from a distant location, the easiest way to reach Cheat Lake is by flying into Morgantown Municipal Airport. This airport offers regular domestic flights, making it convenient for travelers. Once you land, you can rent a car or take a taxi to reach the lake, which is approximately a 10-minute drive away.

By Car:

If you prefer a road trip, Cheat Lake is easily accessible by car. From major cities like Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, or Washington, D.C., you can take Interstate 68 and exit at Cheat Lake. The lake is just a short drive away from the highway, and there are well-marked signs to guide you. Make sure to use a GPS or navigation app for accurate directions.

By Public Transportation:

If you're relying on public transportation, you can take a bus or train to Morgantown, West Virginia. From there, you can hire a taxi or use a ridesharing service to get to Cheat Lake. It's recommended to check the local transportation schedules in advance to plan your trip accordingly.

By Boat:

If you're already in the vicinity and want to experience a unique way of reaching Cheat Lake, you can consider traveling by boat. Cheat Lake is connected to the Monongahela River, allowing boaters to access the lake through its waterways. This option is ideal for those who enjoy boating or want to explore the surrounding areas by water.

Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, reaching Cheat Lake is relatively easy and well-connected. Once you arrive, prepare to be enchanted by the lake's serene atmosphere, picturesque views, and the plethora of recreational activities it offers.

Getting to know Cheat Lake

Cheat Lake is a beautiful reservoir located in Monongalia County, West Virginia, United States. Situated just outside of Morgantown, Cheat Lake is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The lake spans over 1,700 acres and is surrounded by stunning rolling hills, lush forests, and charming residential areas.

The lake itself offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. Boating and fishing are especially popular, with the lake being home to a variety of fish species such as bass, trout, and catfish. Many visitors also take advantage of the calm waters for kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. The scenic shoreline provides ample opportunities for picnicking, hiking, and wildlife spotting.

In addition to its natural beauty, Cheat Lake is also home to a vibrant community. The nearby residential areas offer a mix of year-round homes and vacation rentals, making it a popular place for both permanent residents and seasonal visitors. The lake is surrounded by a network of trails and parks, providing residents with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and exercise.

Overall, Cheat Lake is a picturesque destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Whether you're looking to enjoy a day of boating and fishing or simply want to relax by the water's edge, Cheat Lake has something for everyone to enjoy.

Pre-trip checklist

Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.

Local tips

  • Don't forget sunscreen
  • Pack insect repellent

Places worth exploring

39 places mapped for this destination

0–1
1–3
3–8
8–20
20+

Walking loops

Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.

Suggested 5-day outline

Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.

How many days do you need in Cheat Lake?

Most travelers spend about 5 days in Cheat Lake, United States.

When is the best time to visit Cheat Lake?

High season is typically Summer.

Which months are more budget-friendly in Cheat Lake?

Travelers often find better value in March, April, September, October.

What kind of trip is Cheat Lake good for?

Cheat Lake suits Hiking, Fishing, Boating.

Is Cheat Lake walkable?

Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together.

Any local tips for Cheat Lake?

Don't forget sunscreen

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Multi-city ideas

Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes

  • Cheat Lake → Point Marion, United States → Masontown · ≈19 km
  • Cheat Lake → Point Marion, United States → Morgantown, United States · ≈19 km
  • Cheat Lake → Point Marion, United States → Fairchance · ≈22 km

Same vibe

Destinations sharing travel styles, stay length, or region.

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