About
The Cheat River watershed drains more than 1,400 square miles of northeastern West Virginia — a landscape of spectacular forests, cold trout streams, and some of the best whitewater in the eastern United States. For decades, the watershed was also severely damaged by acid mine drainage from decades of coal mining. Friends of the Cheat was founded to turn that story around, and they have. Through stream restoration, limestone treatment projects, water trail development, and sustained advocacy, FOC has helped transform the Cheat from one of the most polluted rivers in WV into a recovering ecosystem and recreation destination.
FOC manages the Upper Cheat River Water Trail — a nationally designated water trail running nearly 40 miles through the watershed — and operates as the central convening organization for everyone who cares about the Cheat River corridor. Scientists, paddlers, anglers, local governments, and conservation organizations all intersect through FOC's work. Their annual Cheat Fest is one of the most beloved river celebrations in the state.
