Outdoor Recreation in the Morgantown Area
Become a Mountaineer
As a Mountaineer, you’ll find yourself on-the-go with so much to do and see in the greater Morgantown area. Here, you’re in your own world of recreation, with a wide array of activities waiting for you to explore all year long. You can hit the trails for hiking or mountain biking, spend the day on the water rafting, kayaking, or fishing or visit a nearby park for some rock climbing. If you’re looking to recharge after an adventure, soak in the breathtaking views from one of the region’s iconic spots.
Close Proximity to the Great Outdoors
Morgantown is in the heart of it all — whitewater rafting, hiking and biking trail, winter sports and more.
Within town and the surrounding areas, you’ll find 100 paddling runs, 1,400 climbing routes, nearly 200 mountain bike trails and access to 7 different ski areas.
Take a Hike
On warm days in and around Morgantown, you can find both locals and visitors hitting the trails. The area is no stranger to beautiful scenery. With iconic regional hiking spots such as Coopers Rock State Forest, the West Virginia Botanical Garden, WVU Core Arboretum and so many others, there are hundreds of miles of trails waiting for you to explore. As an added bonus, Morgantown’s Rail Trail, located along the Monongahela River, is nationally recognized in the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy (RTC) Rail-Trail Hall of Fame for its scenic value, use, amenities, historical significance and community value. So, if you’re looking to take a more leisurely stroll, hit the Rail Trail for 48 miles of walking, running, in-line skating and biking. Wherever you find yourself hiking in the greater Morgantown area, don’t forget your water bottle and pepperoni roll to recharge for your next adventure.
Kick it in Gear
Just like the world is your oyster, Mountaineer Country is your playground. The area is jam-packed with paved and wooded trails for non-motorized vehicles. Grab your trusty mountain bike and kick it in gear.
Whether you want to stay within city limits at the paved, 48-mile Mon River Rail Trail, part of the Rail Trail Hall of Fame, or head 15 minutes down the road for a 4.5-mile lakeside trail at Cheat Lake Park, you’ll find plenty of ways to challenge yourself on wheels. If you choose to load up and make the short drive to nearby biking spots, parking is close to most trail entrances.
Make a Splash
Soak up the fun in the greater Morgantown area by adding water to your next adventure. With public access points at many of the area’s main waterways, Mountaineers do their fair share of whitewater rafting, kayaking and canoeing. There are activities for every skill level, whether you want to casually float on calming flat waters or feel the rush on Class V rapids. Whatever aquatic experience you’re searching for, you can always find your outdoor gear in Mountaineer Country.
Get Hooked
With no shortage of waterways, Mountaineer Country is the perfect spot to cast a line. With public fishing lakes, creeks and streams around the area, local waters are home to more than 150 species. Participate in the annual West Virginia Gold Rush event and attempt to catch one of the state’s own golden rainbow trout, or casually fish for bass or bluegill. With seven public access points to the Monongahela River, you are sure to find your perfect spot. Other options are just a short drive away. Either way, the waters are welcoming to both first-time fishermen and seasoned anglers.
Take it All In
Nature tends to show off here, with colorful seasons and beautiful scenery. Make a stop at the Coopers Rock Scenic Overlook for the perfect “Instagrammable” moment or catch the iconic Morgantown sunsets from your front porch or balcony. Stand atop a mountain and take in the views. From the highest mountains to the lowest valleys, keep your camera handy, because Mountaineer Country’s scenes are ones that deserve to be shared.
Reach New Heights
There are endless opportunities to challenge both your mental and physical strength in Mountaineer Country. Rock climbers of all levels can spend the day on the side of a boulder, at Coopers Rock State Forest or Dorsey’s Knob Park. If you’re looking to brush up on your skills and connect with fellow climbers, give world-class climbing, yoga and fitness gym, Gritstone Climbing + Fitness, a visit. If you’re a first-time climber looking to try your hand at a new sport, private climbing instructors and guided rock-climbing and rappelling activities are available.
Explore the Wild
If you’re bringing kids along on your adventure, or simply looking for something more “exotic,” Mountaineer Country has the perfect place for you — at the zoo! Just outside of Morgantown in Kingwood, is Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo. Located in a comfortable, woodsy and shaded area, you can find more than 100 animals from all over the world, taking the phrase, “lions and tigers and bears” to a new meaning. Have a laugh with the chimpanzees and baboons, admire the majestic orange and white tigers or embrace your new home by visiting the deer and black bears.