Nearly 50 miles of hiking trails make Coopers Rock State Forest a distinctive destination for anyone who wants to explore Monongalia on foot. The forest stretches across Monongalia and Preston counties. Its trails range from longer hikes to the 1.3-mile M-D Marker Trail, which leads up Browns Hill to the Mason-Dixon Marker Stone. In winter, the state forest also offers three ski slopes. Guided rock climbing and rappelling activities are offered for all experience levels; whether they take place depends on the provider. Since trail conditions can change, it’s worth checking the latest updates before setting out.

Trails Through Forest, Garden and Park

The WVU Core Arboretum combines a publicly accessible green space with a botanical garden and old-growth forest preserve. Three miles of walking paths wind through the grounds. A shorter option is the signed Running and Walking Loop: It is 1.75 miles long and avoids the steepest paths, but remains hilly. When choosing a route, check its length and hilly terrain, and don’t mistake it for a flat stroll.

Other green spaces have their own distinctive features. White Park has five miles of wooded trails used by hikers, cyclists and nature enthusiasts. At Dorsey’s Knob Park, trails wind through mountain meadows and forest; Sky Rock offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The park also has a public glass mosaic and a disc golf course. At the West Virginia Botanic Garden, a boardwalk passes through a shrub swamp, accompanied by information panels. If you’re looking for a shorter, distinctive trail, Mason-Dixon Historical Park has the 0.35-mile Bluebell Trail, with fields of bluebells and Fairy Doors. Trail conditions and installations may change.

Rail Trails: Compare Length and Surface

The Mon River, Caperton and Deckers Creek Rail Trails offer a combined 48 miles of non-motorized routes for hiking, cycling, jogging and cross-country skiing. Individual sections vary in length and surface. The southern section of the Mon River Rail Trail covers 14.7 miles in Monongalia County. Its limestone-gravel surface is suitable for wheelchairs, strollers and tricycles. The six-mile Caperton Trail, by contrast, is paved and runs through the WVU Core Arboretum and Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park. Temporary closures may occur on the trail network, so check the latest trail information before setting out.

Cheat Lake and Trails by the Water

Cheat Lake, a man-made reservoir covering 1,730 acres, lies in northern Monongalia County. The 4.5-mile Cheat Lake Trail is a paved waterfront path for pedestrians and cyclists. Two specific details make it easy to plan an outing by the water: the trail follows the shoreline, and its length is known. The lake has public and fee-based boat launches. Free public ramps are located at Sunset Beach Marina and in Cheat Lake Park. Operations and fees may change; check the latest information before using them.

History, Art and Local Food

In Morgantown, the West Virginia and Regional History Center preserves primary and secondary collections on the history of West Virginia. The Art Museum of West Virginia University offers an educational and research setting where visitors from diverse groups can experience art; check current visiting hours before your visit. You can also encounter history and art at Dorsey’s Knob Park, with its public glass mosaic.

The Morgantown Farmers Market offers another glimpse of local life. The vendors’ association offers fresh local food and agricultural products year-round. Market days and locations may change, so it’s a good idea to check the latest information before your visit.

The aquatic center and track-and-field complex at Mylan Park includes a 50-meter Olympic-size competition pool, an accessible pool with level entry, a diving tower, an outdoor splash pad and an eight-lane track. This adds another specific visitor option to the trails and natural areas without implying any particular itinerary for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Morgantown, Westover, Cheat Lake, Lewis County, Fayette County, Nicholas County, Monroe County, Putnam County.

For the broader travel overview: West Virginia.