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Easy⛰️ 1,010 ft

Cheat Mountain Ridge Trail

Slatyfork, Virginia · Pocahontas County · lhn · Snowshoe Resort

Cheat Mountain Ridge Trail is a easy hiking trail near Slatyfork in Pocahontas County, Virginia. with 1,010 feet of elevation gain. Managed by Snowshoe Resort. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

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38.40559, -79.97866
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Cheat Mountain Ridge Trail

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High60°F
Avg Low42°F
Peak Rain Chance20%
Humidity66%
UV (avg)8
Air Quality40 · Good
Today
☁️
Overcast
62°/47°
🌬 14mph
5:58 AM8:36 PM
Sun
☁️
Overcast
62°/42°
🌬 8mph
5:58 AM8:37 PM
Mon
☁️
Overcast
58°/43°
💧 1%🌬 9mph
5:57 AM8:37 PM
Tue
🌦
Drizzle
55°/40°
💧 20%🌬 8mph
5:57 AM8:38 PM
Wed
☁️
Overcast
65°/38°
💧 3%🌬 8mph
5:57 AM8:39 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Cheat Mountain Ridge Trail

Cheat Mountain Ridge Trail is a easy hiking trail near Slatyfork in Pocahontas County, Virginia. with 1,010 feet of elevation gain. Managed by Snowshoe Resort. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

What “Easy” Means

Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Long-sleeve shirt
    Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
  • 🧥
    Light shell or windbreaker
    Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 14 mph).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 8)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in Virginia

Trail conditions in Virginia change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

  • Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
  • Tell someone your plan and expected return time
  • Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
  • Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Cheat Mountain Ridge Trail?

Cheat Mountain Ridge Trail is rated Easy. Suitable for most hikers including families.

When is the best time to hike Cheat Mountain Ridge Trail?

Virginia has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.

Who manages Cheat Mountain Ridge Trail?

Cheat Mountain Ridge Trail is managed by Snowshoe Resort as part of the lhn network. Check the operator’s website for current permits, fees, and restrictions.