10 Easy Road Trips From Cheat Lake, WV: Fun Things To Do Just Beyond Monongalia County
If you love calling
Cheat Lake home (or you’re just staying nearby for a few days), you’re in a sweet spot for quick adventures. Within about an hour or so, you can reach quiet small towns, rivers, rails-to-trails, and old industrial sites that feel like movie sets.
The best part? These are all
out-of-county road trips from Cheat Lake. So you’ll be exploring beyond
Monongalia County in places like
Fayette and
Greene Counties in Pennsylvania, plus
Marion,
Preston,
Taylor, and
Wetzel Counties in West Virginia.
Let’s dive into 10 short road trips with plenty of things to do near Cheat Lake.
1. Hike the Rails & Waterfalls at Valley Falls State Park (Marion County, WV)
About 45–50 minutes south of Cheat Lake,
Valley Falls State Park in
Marion County feels like a postcard that came to life.
You’ll find:
The falls aren’t huge like
Niagara, but they’re wide, rocky, and powerful. On a warm day, you can sit on the flat rocks, listen to the water, and just let time slow down.
I once spent an entire afternoon there doing almost nothing—just watching kayakers test their courage in the rapids and snapping photos of the swirling water. It’s that kind of place.
Road trip tips:
- Wear shoes with good grip; the rocks can be slick.
- Pack a picnic; there are plenty of tables and open grassy spots.
- Great for families, couples, or solo explorers who want a calm day outdoors.
2. Discover Small-Town Charm in Fairmont (Marion County, WV)
If you drive about 35–40 minutes from Cheat Lake, you’ll land in
Fairmont, Marion County’s friendly little city with a surprising amount to do.
Here’s what many people enjoy:
- Walking across the historic bridges for views of the Monongahela and Tygart Valley Rivers
- Grabbing a famous pepperoni roll from a local bakery (Fairmont claims to be the birthplace!)
- Checking out riverfront parks and small local shops
Fairmont is the kind of place where you can park once and spend a few hours exploring by foot. If you like local history, ask around about the area’s coal-mining past and the
Italian-American roots behind the pepperoni roll. Locals are usually happy to talk.
Road trip tips:
- Plan this as a half-day trip: brunch, a walk, then a snack for the ride back.
- Look up local festivals—summer and fall often bring street fairs and food events.
3. Chase Curvy Roads and Scenic Vistas in Preston County, WV
Head southeast from Cheat Lake and you’re in
Preston County, where the roads twist and the scenery opens up into rolling farms and ridges.
This is a perfect road trip if you:
You’ll pass:
- Wide-open fields dotted with barns
- Hilltop churches with views that stretch for miles
- Quiet small towns where time seems slower
On one drive, I pulled over on a tiny gravel shoulder just to take in the view of low fog between the hills at sunrise. It felt like a painting.
Road trip tips:
- Fill up your gas tank before you head too deep into country roads.
- Bring a camera—sunrise and sunset are beautiful here.
- Watch for deer, especially in the early morning and evening.
4. Step Back in Time in Philippi & Taylor County, WV
South of Cheat Lake and Monongalia County is
Taylor County, and just beyond it, the small historic town of
Philippi (close enough to pair in one loop).
This area is especially fun if you:
- Enjoy Civil War history
- Like old bridges and architecture
- Prefer quiet, low-key towns over busy cities
Highlights around Taylor County and nearby:
- Drives along the Tygart River, with peaceful water views
- Historic sites and markers tied to early Civil War battles
- Classic small-town main streets with diners and shops
It’s the kind of day where you grab coffee at a small café, stroll around, read a few historical signs, and suddenly realize you’ve learned more in two hours than you did in a week of history class.
Road trip tips:
- Great for cooler days when hiking sounds less appealing.
- Combine it with Valley Falls State Park for a full-day loop.
5. Float or Fish Along the Monongahela in Greene County, PA
Drive north from Cheat Lake and cross into
Greene County, Pennsylvania, and you’ll meet a different side of the
Monongahela River.
This part of the river is slower and calmer than the whitewater stretches farther south. It’s perfect for:
If you’ve ever wished for a lazy river day that doesn’t involve a crowded water park, this is your chance. Some stretches feel almost untouched, especially in the early morning when the mist sits low on the water.
Road trip tips:
- Check local access points and parking areas before you go.
- Always wear a life jacket if you’re on the water.
- Pack bug spray in the summer—you’re near riverbanks, after all.
6. Explore Hilltop Farms & Country Roads in Greene County, PA
Beyond the river,
Greene County is full of rolling hills, old farmhouses, and quiet roads that seem made for Sunday drives.
If you’re craving:
- Pastoral views with barns, fields, and grazing animals
- Small, friendly towns where people still wave from their porch
- Fall drives with colorful leaves and farm stands
this is your spot.
Picture slow, winding roads, open skies, and the kind of silence you can’t get in a city. If you time it right in the fall, you’ll pass pumpkin patches and farm markets loaded with apples and fresh pies.
Road trip tips:
- Keep a cooler in your trunk if you plan to buy fresh produce.
- Download maps before you go; cell service can be spotty in some pockets.
7. Explore Industrial History in Fayette County, PA
Just a bit farther east in Pennsylvania is
Fayette County, an area shaped by coal, coke ovens, and old industry. You don’t need to be a history buff to enjoy it—just curious.
Why go?
- See remnants of old industrial sites along the rivers and rail lines.
- Drive through small river towns that once powered the region’s growth.
- Walk near old rail bridges and imagine what life was like 100 years ago.
It’s easy to forget that this quiet corner of Appalachia helped build modern America. When you stand by an old rail line or look at aging brick buildings, it hits you: a lot of steel, coal, and sweat came from these hills.
Road trip tips:
- This is a great cloudy-day outing; moody weather fits the industrial vibe.
- Bring a basic camera or your phone—you’ll find plenty of “rust belt chic” photo spots.
8. Enjoy Classic Small-Town Pennsylvania in Fayette County
Beyond the industrial sites, Fayette County is full of laid-back towns where you can slow down and enjoy the simple stuff:
- Corner diners serving big breakfasts and bottomless coffee
- Local shops on walkable main streets
- Church steeples, brick storefronts, and classic town squares
This is a great “just go and wander” trip. Park your car, follow your nose to the smell of coffee or burgers on the grill, and talk to locals. Ask about their favorite things to do in Fayette County—you’ll often get better tips than any guidebook.
Road trip tips:
- Support small businesses—grab lunch, dessert, or a locally made gift.
- Perfect for a rainy-day drive when you’d rather explore indoors than hike.
9. Go Back to the Basics in Wetzel County, WV
West of Cheat Lake, beyond the bigger towns, lies
Wetzel County—a rural area with winding roads, wooded hills, and old communities tucked into the valleys.
This is a no-frills, back-to-nature style road trip. Expect:
- Quiet drives with very little traffic
- Heavily wooded hillsides and river valleys
- Small communities where time feels slower
If you’ve been staring at screens all week, this kind of day can reset your mind. Roll down the windows, breathe in the pine and fresh air, and just drive with no tight schedule.
Road trip tips:
- Keep snacks and water in the car—services can be spread out.
- Make note of your fuel level; gas stations are less frequent.
10. Build Your Own Cheat Lake Loop Through Two or Three Counties
One of the best things about Cheat Lake’s location is how easy it is to string several of these spots together into
one big driving loop.
Here’s an example:
- Start from Cheat Lake
- Head south to Fairmont (Marion County) for a morning coffee and a walk
- Continue to Valley Falls State Park for midday hiking and waterfall views
- Drive on toward Taylor County and nearby historic towns in the afternoon
- Circle back home by early evening
Or try a northern loop:
- Cheat Lake → Greene County, PA for Monongahela River time
- Then continue east into Fayette County, PA for small-town exploring
- Return to Cheat Lake with sunset over the hills
You control the vibe: outdoorsy, historic, scenic, foodie, or a mix of everything.
Road trip tips:
- Check weather and daylight hours, especially in winter.
- Download offline maps; you’ll cross state and county lines more than once.
- Keep your camera and a light jacket in the car—you’ll use both.
Planning Your Road Trips From Cheat Lake
Cheat Lake might feel like a quiet corner of West Virginia, but it’s actually a great base for exploring:
- Marion County, WV – waterfalls, rivers, and small-city charm
- Preston County, WV – scenic farm roads and hilltop views
- Taylor County, WV – history and peaceful drives
- Wetzel County, WV – deep rural backroads and forested hills
- Greene County, PA – rivers, farms, and rolling landscapes
- Fayette County, PA – industrial history and classic small towns
If you’re searching for
things to do near Cheat Lake that go beyond the usual spots, these out-of-county road trips give you a taste of everything: water, woods, history, small towns, and big views.
Share Your Cheat Lake Road Trip Ideas
Have you taken a favorite drive from Cheat Lake into Marion, Preston, Taylor, Wetzel, Greene, or Fayette County?
- Which route did you love the most?
- Did you find a great diner, viewpoint, or hidden waterfall?
Drop your tips and stories in the comments so other travelers can discover them too.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family planning a West Virginia getaway. The more we share our favorite road trip ideas, the more people get to see just how special this region really is.
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