Cheat Lake is a 1,730-acre man-made reservoir in the northern part of Monongalia County, about 10 miles east of downtown Morgantown and West Virginia University’s Main Campus.
Some areas of the lake are perfect for a getaway with calm and shady waters where boaters can drop an anchor, turn on the radio and crack open a cool drink. These areas are known by the locals as “the backwaters” and are the spots for swimming, canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Other parts of the lake cater to more adventurous spirits. Power-boaters, inner-tubers, jet skiers and water skiers can be found along the main drag of Cheat Lake.
On the lake Swimming is available for families and boaters alike at multiple locations along Cheat Lake. Walk right up to the water from Cheat Lake Park or Sunset Beach, or drop anchor and dive right in when boating. Visitors should note there is no lifeguard for Cheat Lake and personal safety precautions are encouraged.
Kayaking, canoeing The calm, steady waters of Cheat Lake are surrounded by forested hillsides and picturesque banks. Cast-off from Ices Ferry Bridge and float northward with the current until you reach Cheat Lake Park for an easy day out on the water. Kayak and canoe rentals are available at Sunset Beach Marina, along with select retailers in Mountaineer Country.
Fishing Thanks to local fisheries and conservation efforts, Cheat Lake is home to several species of bass, walleye, catfish, pike and trout. Fishermen can steer their boats into the calm backwaters of the lake for early morning fishing or cast from the pier along the Cheat Lake Trail.
Boating Public and paid launch sites are available to visitors looking to get their boat onto the waters of Cheat Lake. The launch sites at Edgewater Marina are paid but offer additional services such as gasoline refueling, supplies and first-come-first-served boat-slip rentals. Free launch sites at Sunset Beach Marina and Cheat Lake Park are open to the public and offer smaller ramps for walk-up or drive-up watercraft.
Tubing Visitors to Cheat Lake can choose between a lazy day tubing down the backwaters or high-speed adventure being pulled around the headwaters. Have your own fun or join a group-led tubing tour down the Cheat River with Cheat River Outfitters.
Jet skiing Jet skiing is permitted in the headwaters of Cheat Lake, with drop-off points and refueling stations available at Sunset Beach and Edgewater marinas. Jet ski rentals are also available at Sunset Beach Marina, along with water skis, wakeboarding and other equipment.
Water safety tips Wear a portable flotation device (PFD) while participating in water activities. Have enough such devices for everyone with you.
Summer weekends on Cheat Lake get busy. Choose when and where you go based on the crowd. Be mindful of boat traffic and make sure you know how to fully operate your watercraft.
Account for how long you will be on the water. Make sure you have enough gas and motor oil to get you through the day.
Leave the lake better than how you found it. Take out any trash you accumulate any as you enjoy the lake.
Know the difference between public and private property. Be mindful that you do not trespass.
Access points There are four public access points to Cheat Lake. n Cheat Lake Park, located off Morgans Run Road, is at a no-wake part of the lake, so it’s great for those who want to stay away from fast motorboats.
This spot along the Cheat Lake Trail is equipped with family-friendly amenities such as a playground, beach, swimming access and restrooms. It’s a hit for fishermen, too, with an on-site fish cleaning station.
Sunset Beach Marina is perhaps the largest of the four entry points. Its gravel parking lot offers 200 spots for those interested in ramp access to the lake. Nearby is Lakehouse on the Cheat, a popular dockside restaurant spot with sunset views, and a stocked marine shop for boating needs.
Ices Ferry Bridge access point is the newest addition to this list. It appeared at the east end of the new Ices Ferry Bridge following its construction in 2013. It’s a great spot for paddle sports enthusiast. The carry-down access ramp opens up to the upper part of Cheat Lake and is perfect for canoes and kayaks while offering a rocky shore for fisher men. N
Edgewater Marina is the last access point on Cheat Lake, located just a few miles south of Ice Ferry Bridge, on the opposite shore. The Marina offers summer dock rentals, winter storage, refueling and supplies to help boaters get out on the water. The Whippoorwill Bar & Grill is an on-site restaurant that serves up burgers and beer during boating season.
Around the water D o n’t want to be on or in the water, talk a walk around it.
The Cheat Lake Trail is a 4.5-mile trail following the north-eastern shoreline of the lake. The trail stretches from just below the West Virginia-Pennsylvania border, all the way to the middle of Cheat Lake, with visitor access at Cheat Lake Park.
The trail is open walkers and cyclists, offering 12-footwide paved paths that are handicap accessible. Docks and pavilions along the trail are perfect for picnics and fishing.
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