Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area Overlook - Image 1
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Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area Overlook

4.6
ยท78 reviewsยทMorgantown, United States

Discover breathtaking overlooks and lush trails in this hidden gem, perfect for nature lovers and hikers seeking a peaceful escape.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
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Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area Overlook - Image 1

Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area Overlook

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover breathtaking overlooks and lush trails in this hidden gem, perfect for nature lovers and hikers seeking a peaceful escape.

4.6
(78 reviews)

"Almost heaven, Cheat Canyon views by trail without the crowd."

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TIP

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Download Offline Maps

Trails are poorly marked; use AllTrails or similar apps for navigation. :iphone:

๐Ÿฅพ Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes

Be prepared for rugged and potentially muddy terrain. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 ยท 78 reviews

Type

Park

๐Ÿ‘ถ Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cheat Canyon Overlook

Cheat Canyon Overlook

Main trail

Breathtaking views of Cooper's Rock and Cheat Lake, a true hidden gem worth the hike.

Table Rock Trail

Table Rock Trail

Designated trailhead

A popular loop offering lush scenery and access to various trails, though it can be challenging to follow.

Old Brick Dam

Old Brick Dam

Along a trail

Discover a cool, old brick dam and witness an abundance of frogs and other wildlife.

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Planning Your Visit

Trail Navigation is Key

Trails can be poorly marked, so downloading an offline map or using an app like AllTrails is highly recommended. Start early to maximize your exploration time and avoid potential crowds, especially if you're aiming for specific overlooks.

Embrace the Rugged Terrain

Be prepared for rugged and potentially muddy conditions, especially after rain. Comfortable hiking shoes are a must. While it's a hidden gem, some areas require a bit of a hike to reach the best views.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend rush
Crowd
Low
When
After rain
Why
Lush scenery, abundant wildlife
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Deer hunting Public land around WVU

Im not the avid hunter but trying to get into it more. I was wondering if anyone had tried out the public hunting land around WVU. Looks like ill hit up coopers rock state forest for some scouting next week.

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Download Offline Maps

Trails are poorly marked; use AllTrails or similar apps for navigation. :iphone:

๐Ÿฅพ Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes

Be prepared for rugged and potentially muddy terrain. :athletic_shoe:

โฐ Start Your Hike Early

Maximize exploration time and potentially avoid crowds. :clock1:

๐Ÿ“ธ Capture the Views

The overlooks offer stunning scenery, especially the Cheat Canyon view. :camerawithflash:

Tips

from all over the internet

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Download Offline Maps

Trails are poorly marked; use AllTrails or similar apps for navigation. :iphone:

๐Ÿฅพ Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes

Be prepared for rugged and potentially muddy terrain. :athletic_shoe:

โฐ Start Your Hike Early

Maximize exploration time and potentially avoid crowds. :clock1:

๐Ÿ“ธ Capture the Views

The overlooks offer stunning scenery, especially the Cheat Canyon view. :camerawithflash:

๐Ÿพ Pet-Friendly Park

Bring your furry friends along for the adventure! ๐Ÿ•

What Travellers Say

4.6
(78 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area for its stunning, 'hidden gem' overlooks and lush natural beauty, offering a peaceful escape. However, the experience is often tempered by poorly marked trails that can make navigation challenging, requiring visitors to come prepared with offline maps.

"Good trail system. I screenshotted a map, which helped but the trails are poorly marked so we did not end up finding the Cheat Overlook. With more time, we could have explored but we had a short amount of time to do our hike. Google brought us to a random spot along the road so we went back to the closest parking lot, which ended up being the Table Rock Trail (late in our hike we saw other hikers who told us which trail we were on). This place would be excellent if they marked their trails and their trailheads. I will come back some time now that I have a better idea of the trails."

Bobby Miller

"Great trail, although it is difficult to follow at times. If you end up doing the whole loop, at one point (either at the end or beginning, depending on which direction you decide to go), you'll end up walking along the road to get from one parking spot to the other. But absolutely beautiful and lush, and the view is 100% worth it."

Aimรฉe

"Lots of hiking trails and little fields. This place is beautiful. There's an overlook along the main train that had a view of Cooper's Rock and Cheat Lake. This place is a hidden gem, I loved it here. I can't wait to hike the rest of the trails. I got to see frogs, salamanders, and lots of wildflowers"

J H

What People Like

Stunning overlooks
Hidden gem status
Abundant wildlife

What People Dislike

Poorly marked trails
Navigation difficulties

Frequently Asked Questions

๐Ÿš‡ ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Getting There

Access is typically via roads near Cooper's Rock State Forest. Google Maps might direct you to a random spot, so it's best to use a reliable GPS or map app and look for designated parking areas like the Table Rock Trailhead. Reddit

Public transportation options are very limited in this rural area. Driving your own vehicle is the most practical way to reach the overlook and surrounding trails. Reddit

The Table Rock Trail parking lot is a common starting point. Be aware that some trails may require walking along the road to connect different parking areas. Reddit

Snake Hill is located across the river from Cooper's Rock State Forest. While nearby, direct access from Cooper's Rock might not be straightforward and requires careful navigation. Reddit

While trailheads can be poorly marked, the Table Rock Trail is a known starting point. It's advisable to screenshot a map beforehand or use a navigation app. Reddit

๐ŸŽซ ๐ŸŽซ Tickets & Entry

Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area is generally free to enter, as it's a public land area. No tickets are typically required for general access. Reddit

As a wildlife management area, it's usually open from dawn to dusk. It's always a good idea to check local regulations or park advisories if available, though specific hours are not always posted. Reddit

There is no entrance fee for Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area. It's a public space for recreation and enjoying nature. Reddit

Yes, Snake Hill is a Wildlife Management Area, which typically means hunting and fishing are permitted according to state regulations. Always ensure you have the proper licenses and are aware of season dates. Reddit

No special permits are generally required for hiking in Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area. Standard access is usually permitted. Reddit

๐ŸŽซ ๐Ÿงญ Onsite Experience

Unfortunately, reviews consistently mention that the trails are poorly marked, making navigation difficult. Downloading an offline map or using a hiking app is highly recommended. Reddit

You can expect beautiful, lush scenery with several overlooks, including a notable one offering views of Cooper's Rock and Cheat Lake. The Cheat Canyon views are considered 100% worth the hike. Reddit

Yes, it's a wildlife management area and visitors have reported seeing frogs, salamanders, wildflowers, and abundant wildlife, especially near the old brick dam. Reddit

Yes, Snake Hill is a pet-friendly park, so you can bring your dog along for your hike. Reddit

Some visitors with AT&T have reported having cell service in the area, but it's not guaranteed. Relying on offline maps is still the safest bet. Reddit

๐Ÿ“ธ ๐Ÿ“ธ Photography

The Cheat Canyon Overlook provides stunning panoramic views of Cooper's Rock and Cheat Lake, making it a prime photography location. Other overlooks and the natural scenery also offer great photo opportunities. Reddit

Yes, the area is known for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for frogs, salamanders, and various wildflowers, especially near water sources like the old brick dam. Reddit

Early mornings often provide softer light and fewer people, ideal for landscape and wildlife photography. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also yield beautiful shots. Reddit

The poorly marked trails can make accessing certain viewpoints challenging. Be prepared for potentially rugged terrain and variable weather conditions. Reddit

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with local authorities or the West Virginia DNR for any restrictions on drone operation within wildlife management areas before flying. Reddit

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Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area Overlook (2026) โ€“ Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide