Coopers Rock State Forest
Massive sandstone overlook of the Cheat River gorge, with 50 miles of trails nearby.
Monongalia County · Mountaineer Country
Things to Do in Morgantown WV
Home of West Virginia University, Morgantown mixes college energy with steep wooded hills and the Monongahela River. From Coopers Rock overlooks to riverfront trails and a one-of-a-kind transit system, here is what to see and do.
Quick Info
- County
- Monongalia County
- Best For
- College sports, outdoor recreation, dining
- Best Time to Visit
- September through November, May through June
- Time Needed
- 1–2 days
- Getting There
- I-79 and I-68; about 1 hour 15 minutes south of Pittsburgh and 3 hours north of Charleston.
Where the Mountains Meet College Life
Morgantown rises in steep tiers above the Monongahela River, with West Virginia University’s campus woven into the hillsides. That geography gives the city a distinctive feel: blue-and-gold game-day energy in one block, quiet forest trails a short drive away.
Downtown and the Wharf District hug the river, where the rail trail, amphitheater and waterfront park make an easy afternoon. Just outside town, Coopers Rock State Forest delivers some of the best overlooks in northern West Virginia.
With a strong restaurant scene, museums and family attractions, Morgantown works equally well for a Mountaineer football weekend or a low-key mountain getaway.
Best Things to Do
Top Morgantown Experiences
WVU Campus & Core Arboretum
Stroll the downtown campus and the free arboretum’s riverside forest and trails.
The Wharf District
Morgantown’s riverfront: waterfront park, amphitheater, dining and the deck overlooking the Mon.
Decker’s Creek Trail
A 19-mile rail-trail following Decker’s Creek for walking, running and biking.
Ride the PRT
WVU’s Personal Rapid Transit is a driverless campus people-mover, and a fun curiosity for visitors.
Cheat Lake
Boating, fishing and lakeside dining minutes from town on the Cheat River.
Historic High Street
Browse shops, cafes and the Monongalia Arts Center in the restored downtown core.
Mountaineer Game Day
Catch WVU football or basketball and join the tailgate culture around Milan Puskar Stadium.
Top Attractions
- Coopers Rock State Forest — the region’s signature overlook and trail network.
- West Virginia University campus — Evansdale and downtown, plus the Core Arboretum.
- The Wharf District — riverfront dining and the WVU amphitheater.
- Decker’s Creek Trail — a scenic rail-trail through the valley.
- Morgantown History Museum — local stories in the historic downtown.
- Dorsey’s Knob — a hilltop park with one of the best city panoramas.
Outdoor Activities
Hiking
Coopers Rock and the arboretum offer everything from easy walks to rocky gorge trails.
Rock Climbing
Coopers Rock’s sandstone cliffs are a longstanding climbing destination in the East.
Biking
The Decker’s Creek rail-trail and Cheat Lake routes suit road and gravel riders.
Boating & Fishing
Cheat Lake is popular for pontooning, bass fishing and evening cruises.
Whitewater
The Cheat and Big Sandy drainages offer seasonal paddling for experienced boaters.
Winter Sports
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing take over Coopers Rock after a snowfall.
Historic Attractions
Morgantown’s High Street historic district preserves 19th-century commercial buildings, while the Morgantown History Museum traces the city from river crossing to university town.
The WVU Downtown Campus is home to landmark buildings such as Woodburn Hall, and the surrounding neighborhoods hold Victorian homes from the city’s coal-and-rail era.
Across the river, the Marion County Historical Museum in nearby Fairmont and the old Mylan Park heritage sites round out a history-minded visit.
Restaurants
Mario’s Fishbowl
A legendary Morgantown dive known for cold fishbowls of beer and hearty bar food.
Black Bear Burritos
Creative wraps, vegan options and local art in a relaxed room.
The Vault
New American plates and cocktails in a restored downtown bank building.
Terra Cafe
Farm-to-table dining with a focus on regional producers.
Mountain State Brewing Co.
West Virginia craft beer and pub fare near the riverfront.
Wharf Street Eats
Waterfront patios and casual options for a sunset meal.
Places to Stay
- Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place — riverfront, walkable to the Wharf District.
- Hotel Morgan — a restored historic downtown hotel with character.
- Residence Inn & Hilton Garden Inn — reliable choices near Evansdale campus.
- Lakeview Golf Resort — a resort-style stay on Cheat Lake.
- Coopers Rock cabins — rustic forest lodging for a quiet night out of town.
Nearby Attractions & Day Trips
- Coopers Rock State Forest — about 20 minutes.
- Cheat Lake — about 15 minutes.
- Fairmont — about 30 minutes, with its historic downtown.
- Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania — about 1 hour.
- Fallingwater, Pennsylvania — about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Best Time to Visit
Fall is spectacular in the hills around Coopers Rock, and football weekends bring unmatched energy. Spring and early summer offer great trail conditions and lake days.
Winter is quieter but can be cold and snowy; it is a fine time for museums, dining and cross-country skiing.
Suggested One-Day Itinerary
- Morning: hike to the Coopers Rock overlook and explore the short trail loop.
- Lunch: return to town for a bite downtown or at the Wharf District.
- Afternoon: walk the WVU campus and Core Arboretum, then ride the PRT.
- Late afternoon: stroll the Decker’s Creek Trail or drive to Dorsey’s Knob for the view.
- Evening: dinner in the Wharf District followed by live music.
Suggested Weekend Itinerary
Day 1: Coopers Rock in the morning, downtown and campus in the afternoon, then a Wharf District dinner.
Day 2: morning at Cheat Lake, an afternoon detour to Ohiopyle or Fallingwater, and a final stop at Dorsey’s Knob for sunset.
Morgantown on the Map
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Morgantown WV known for?
West Virginia University, Coopers Rock State Forest, the PRT and its lively college-town dining scene.
What is there to do outdoors near Morgantown?
Hike or climb at Coopers Rock, ride the Decker’s Creek Trail, boat on Cheat Lake or explore the Core Arboretum.
Is Morgantown worth a weekend trip?
Absolutely — combine a WVU game or campus visit with Coopers Rock and Cheat Lake for a full weekend.
How far is Morgantown from Pittsburgh?
About 75 miles, roughly 1 hour 15 minutes north on I-79.
When is the best time to visit Morgantown?
September through November for football season and fall color, or late spring for mild hiking weather.
About Discover WV Today
Discover WV Today is an independent travel publication covering West Virginia’s destinations, outdoor adventures, history and food. Our Morgantown guide is written to help you plan a smarter Mountaineer Country trip.
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