The best cycling routes around Cheat Lake

The Mon River Trail South offers a delightful touring cycling experience, winding through a picturesque wooded river valley alongside the Monongahela River. You'll find yourself on a well-packed crushed limestone surface, smooth enough for a comfortable ride, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildflowers, rock outcroppings, and scenic river views. This trail is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a relaxed ride in a natural setting, especially if you appreciate a touch of history along the way.

Planning your trip is straightforward, as the trail is consistently rated as easy with minimal elevation gain, making it ideal for families and touring cyclists of moderate ability. The southern end at Pricketts Fort State Park provides convenient amenities like parking, restrooms, and even a restaurant, making it a great access point. You can easily complete this 19.6-mile (31.6 km) route, with its 962 feet (293 metres) of elevation gain, in about 2 hours and 1 minute.

This trail is a key part of the larger Mon River Rail-Trail System, offering a gentle grade because it follows a former CSX rail line. Its connection to Pricketts Fort State Park, a significant historical site with an 18th-century frontier outpost, adds a unique cultural dimension to your ride. The Mon River Trail South is also notable for being wheelchair accessible, ensuring a welcoming experience for a wide range of visitors.

The Deckers Creek Trail Loop offers a dynamic touring cycling adventure, transitioning from paved urban paths to a well-maintained crushed limestone surface as it winds through West Virginia's varied landscape. You'll follow Deckers Creek, encountering dramatic rapids, beautiful waterfalls around miles 7, 12, and 13, and impressive rock outcroppings, all framed by forests of hardwoods and rhododendrons. This difficult 31.9-mile (51.4 km) route, with its 2013 feet (614 metres) of elevation gain, provides a consistent challenge over approximately 3 hours and 22 minutes, making it ideal for cyclists seeking a strenuous ride with rewarding natural scenery.

Planning your ride on the Deckers Creek Trail Loop is straightforward, with multiple access points and parking areas available along the route. Restrooms are conveniently located at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park and Marilla Park in Morgantown. Given the significant elevation gain and difficulty, it's wise to check weather patterns for Morgantown, West Virginia, and consider an early start to make the most of cooler temperatures, especially during summer months.

This trail is a proud part of the 48-mile Mon River Rail-Trail System and is recognized by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's Rail-Trail Hall of Fame, following a former railroad corridor. Beyond its natural beauty, the route offers glimpses into the region's past, including historical sites like the Bretz Coke Ovens. Its connection to the Caperton Trail and Mon River Trail also opens up possibilities for extended touring cycling routes, allowing you to explore more of West Virginia's scenic trails.

The Cheat Lake Trail offers a delightful touring cycling experience, winding along the shores of Cheat Lake on a smooth, crushed limestone path. You'll enjoy continuous, expansive views of the lake and surrounding dense woodlands, with opportunities to spot local wildlife, especially near the nature viewing area at Greystone. This easy 7.1-mile (11.4 km) route, with a gentle 451 feet (137 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a relaxed ride that takes about 45 minutes.

This family-friendly trail is largely flat, making it accessible for all skill levels. While the trail itself is easy, be mindful that some access points, particularly on the Lake Lynn side, may involve steep hills or stairs where you might need to carry your bike. The trail also provides amenities like picnic tables, restrooms, and boat docks, making it suitable for a longer visit.

As a former rail corridor, the Cheat Lake Trail boasts a consistent, forgiving surface and is part of a larger network of rail-trails in the region. Its accessibility and numerous features, including fishing piers and a playground, make it a popular choice for those seeking an easy, scenic ride with plenty of options for recreation along the way.

Embark on a challenging touring cycling adventure from Morgantown to Coopers Rock State Forest, a difficult 36.5-mile (58.7 km) route that promises diverse landscapes and a rewarding climb. You'll pedal along the Monongahela River, then follow the Deckers Creek Trail past dramatic rapids and through lush rhododendron thickets. The journey culminates in a significant ascent to the Coopers Rock Overlook, where breathtaking panoramic views await.

This demanding ride, with its 3495 feet (1065 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 4 hours and 6 minutes. Be aware that portions of the route, especially within Coopers Rock State Forest, can be unpaved and rugged, potentially requiring you to dismount. Cyclists should plan their route carefully to avoid high-speed traffic on I-68, which is unsuitable for touring bikes.

Beyond the stunning overlook, the area is rich in history, with sites like the Henry Clay Iron Furnace. The Deckers Creek Trail itself is considered a gem of the interconnected Mon River Rail-Trail System, offering glimpses into the region's railroading and coal mining past. This route is a true test of endurance, perfect for experienced cyclists seeking a memorable West Virginia experience.