Is Cheat Lake Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Cheat Lake is both a picturesque community in West Virginia and a body of water on the Cheat River.

It’s located just east of Morgantown, technically falling within the metro limits but also having a more laid-back vibe and natural landscape.

The lake itself, spanning over 1,700 acres, was created in 1926 when the Cheat River was dammed to generate hydroelectric power.

The resulting Cheat Lake is now a popular destination for boating, fishing, swimming, and enjoying nature.

The region was not always this idyllic.

The name of the lake comes from the Cheat River, which is believed to have been named after men who were “cheated” out of their lives by dangerous spots in the currents and near the rocks.

Mining and industrial work upriver led to the pollution of Cheat Lake at the turn of the 20th Century, a problem that lasted into the 1900s.

Much work has been done to improve water quality over the past 30 years.

The community around Cheat Lake has grown into a suburban area with a mix of residential neighborhoods, local businesses, and outdoor amenities.

There’s also history here going back to the birth of our nation.

In 1784, future President George Washington stopped on the banks of the river, writing that it was “very hilly tho’ rich in places.”

There is a spot marked near Ice’s Ferry Bridge, where Washington crossed on his adventure.

Warnings & Dangers in Cheat Lake

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There’s a low risk in Cheat Lake, but enough things to do that come with risks that you should prepare ahead of time by reading this guide.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Public transportation in Cheat Lake is limited, with no direct bus routes serving the area extensively. The Mountain Line Transit Authority operates some routes nearby, primarily connecting Morgantown. Visitors rely mainly on rental vehicles, ride-sharing services, or taxis.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Across Mononaglia County, over the past five years, just four pickpockets and purse snatchings have been reported. That’s a low risk.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Cheat Lake faces medium but typical natural disaster risks. Spring and summer can bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, and the occasional tornado. Flooding on the river and lake can happen, especially during extended periods of rainfall or snowmelt. Landslides are another possible risk.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

This is another low-risk, not just in Cheat Lake but also throughout the county. While a low risk shouldn’t cause you to let your guard down, you’ll be happy to know that basic safety precautions are enough to keep the risk low.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Terrorism risks in the Cheat River area are generally low, with no specific threats historically linked to this region. The rural and recreational nature of the area makes it an unlikely target. However, standard precautions and situational awareness remain advisable, as with any public space, particularly in crowded or event settings.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The police department and local sheriff’s office will post the latest scams on social media. The risk is low, but knowing the common scams and signs of a fraudster is helpful in keeping it that way.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

This is another low risk, with no additional risks for women. Standard advice encourages you to avoid hiking or paddling alone and try to travel in groups of three when possible.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. While the water here exceeds annual requirements, there might be boil orders connected to loss of pressure or maintenance projects. You can sign up for those alerts through the Morgantown Utility Board website.

Safest Places to Visit in Cheat Lake

The website cheatlake.com is focused on the activities and attractions in and around the lake and community.

You can learn more about the region through the Visit Mountaineer Country website, which includes Morgantown, Kingwood, and Grafton.

One of the most popular activities at Cheat Lake is boating.

The lake spans over 1,700 acres, providing plenty of space for motorboats, sailboats, pontoon boats, and personal watercraft like jet skis.

The calm waters are ideal for cruising, water-skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing.

Cheat Lake is a favorite spot for anglers, with abundant fish species such as bass, walleye, catfish, and crappie.

The lake’s diverse underwater structure, including submerged trees, rocky shorelines, and deeper channels, creates excellent fishing conditions.

You can fish from the shore, a boat, or designated fishing piers.

It’s worth noting that Cheat Lake has busier areas, known as the headwaters, and more secluded, shaded spots, known as the backwaters.

Each one provides a different experience for anglers, paddlers, and swimmers.

Cheat Lake Park, also known as the Cheat Lake Trail, is a great spot for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying a day outdoors.

The park features a sandy beach and a roped-off swimming area, perfect for families and those looking to cool off on a hot day.

The park also has a 4.5-mile trail that runs along the lake.

Coopers Rock State Forest has incredible panoramic views of the Cheat River Gorge set among sandstone cliffs and lush woodlands.

The forest features miles of hiking and biking trails, rock climbing, and picnicking spots.

Chestnut Ridge Park is another nearby option, with snowmaking capabilities in the winter to create sledding and tubing trails.

It’s also close to the WVU Outdoor Education Center, where ziplining and other aerial adventures happen.

A more laid-back natural attraction is found at the West Virginia Botanic Garden.

Set among 85 serene acres, you can explore gardens, woods, and wetlands.

Places to Avoid in Cheat Lake

You won’t have to worry about dangerous parts of town or bad neighborhoods here.

The area is safe to explore from a crime perspective.

Cheat Lake has designated areas for boat launches, paddling starting points, and swimming.

Some of those locations change seasonally.

Since the lake is shaped like a wide river, check these restrictions before booking a place to stay so you’re as close as possible to the amenities you want.

Be careful in winter as the lake can appear frozen over but still have very thin ice.

Finally, scout out the roads you’ll be taking to get to the more remote locations.

For example, I saw one note on the Chestnut Ridge website that stated, “Please do not take Darnell Hollow Road unless you are familiar and confident with this WV backroad.”

I’m guessing that road is pretty torn up and challenging to drive, even in good weather.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Cheat Lake

So... How Safe Is Cheat Lake Really?

Cheat Lake is part of the Morgantown metro area, but its law enforcement comes from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office.

Since that county is so large, it’s not possible to narrow down exact crime data for just Cheat Lake, but we can get a general overview.

As noted in our article about Morgantown, crime rates were at the state average in 2022.

That rate is also 27% lower than the national average.

Over the past five years, about 27% of violent crimes have been against strangers.

That’s in addition to the 44% of violent crimes that happen in private homes, not touristy areas.

The theft rate comes in 53% higher than the national average, with shoplifting accounting for 31% of all thefts.

Another 35% comes from car break-ins, but that risk is easy to avoid simply by removing personal items before securing your car door and windows.

For the county, the violent crime rate is very low, coming in at 85% lower than the state average and 87% lower than the national average.

Just 9% of violent crimes over the past five years involved a stranger.

The majority are between partners.

Even theft rates in the county are very low, with 2022 showing a rate 83% lower than the national average.

About one car break-in happens per week.

It’s yet another reminder to lock your car every time you park, even at a trailhead.

While personal safety steps will go a long way here, it’s truly the attention to driving, wilderness training, and water safety education that help reduce risks here the most.

How Does Cheat Lake Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You can also download the CBP One mobile app for help on the go. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee. Credit cards, not debit cards, offer the best fraud protection.

Weather

Cheat Lake experiences four robust seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from the low 20s°F in winter to the mid-80s°F in summer. The area sees about 40 inches of rain annually and around 30 inches of snowfall, with snow mostly from December to March.

Airports

The closest commercial airport to Cheat Lake is Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW), about 10 miles away, offering limited regional flights. Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), located approximately 80 miles north, provides extensive domestic and international connections. North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB) is another option, 50 miles southwest.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects the cost of baggage loss/theft, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind.

Cheat Lake Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

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