Celebrate the opening of a rail-trail 25 years in the making! The long-anticipated Cheat River Rail-Trail promotes outdoor recreation, health and wellness, environmental conservation, and economic development in Preston County.
Welcome to the Cheat River Rail-Trail
Friends of the Cheat is proud to introduce the Cheat River Rail-Trail, a growing, scenic corridor for walking, biking, and exploring the beauty of the Cheat River watershed.
Grand Opening – Northern Section Now Open!
Just in time for National Trail Appreciation Day, the northernmost 3-mile section of the Cheat River Rail-Trail will officially open to the public this Saturday, April 26th.
Visitors will find a wide, packed gravel surface ideal for walking, biking, and enjoying riverside views.
Start Your Journey at the Cheat River Trailhead
The Cheat River Trailhead is the gateway to the full trail experience.
The trailhead features accessible parking, wayfinding signage, rest areas, and water bottle filling stations, along with a pop-up vendor building and the Keith Pitzer Memorial Pavilion.
Support the Trail
Maintaining the Cheat River Rail-Trail will be a community-driven project. To donate or learn how to get involved, click here.
Directions and Hours
The Cheat River Trailhead is located at 10922 River Road, Kingwood, WV 26537. The trailhead & rail-trail are open daily from dawn to dusk.
History of the Project:
Friends of the Cheat is leading the development of the Cheat River Rail-Trail, an 8.5-mile scenic trail along the Cheat River Narrows – one of the region’s most popular spots for boating, fishing, and swimming.
The trail is part of a larger, multi-year effort launched through the RECREATE and RECREATING projects, supported by over $4 million in AML Pilot Program funding. The goal is to reclaim and revitalize the Cheat River corridor by improving outdoor access, supporting local economies, and enhancing community recreation.
This project represents decades of dedication and collaboration – and a major step forward in making the Cheat River more accessible, sustainable, and enjoyable for all.