I hiked from Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area to the Cheat River and paddled into Cheat Lake. Here’s what I learned.
On the last week of May, I decided to execute the plan for a through trip of the Cheat Canyon that I’d been dreaming up since wintertime. I started in the area of snowflake (a local climbing spot in SHWMA). Making good time I began my descent of the canyon winding through various logging roads and trails marked with orange flagging. There are about a million ways to reach the river from the top of Snake Hill, but I chose the route more frequently traveled. This route was also the quickest and therefore, the steepest.
1.6 miles later, as my shoulders began to feel the weight of my 24 lb. load in my Aldis backpack, I reached the river after about 1 hour. For the first time in nearly 5 years of recreating in Snake Hill WMA, I actually ran into a snake near the water’s edge. Luckily it was a friendly water snake and we parted ways without too much commotion. Then, I inflated my paddleboard and hit the water.
I enjoyed the afternoon paddling down the river into the lake. Aside from the occasional frat boy party boat, the waters in this section are quite calm, requiring the need for almost continuous paddling. I found a waterfall coming off of Buzzard Run which was unexpected and unique. One thing about me is that I will find a waterfall wherever I go.
3.4 miles of paddling later, I had passed the Mont. Cheatu cove and made it to the public fishing access area to be picked up. Overall, a great trip.
Hiking from Snake Hill to Cheat River, Paddling to Cheat Lake (youtube.com)
SEE WV 
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