Cheat Mountain stretches about 48 miles from the Tucker County line down to Pocahontas County. It’s a continuation of other big mountains, such as like Backbone and McGowan. Its highest point is about 4,840 feet (nearly a mile above sea level). The mountain is made of hard rock that was sharply folded and uplifted. The west side is very steep and abrupt, while the east side is a high, sloping plateau.

For early settlers, Cheat Mountain was a huge obstacle. The Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike (now U.S. 250) was eventually built to cross it. During the Civil War, Union troops set up Fort Milroy near the crossing to protect the road. A small battle occurred here in 1861.

The high elevation and lots of rain created an almost solid red spruce forest. After the war, lumbermen cut the timber, which was processed into pulp and paper at Cass (Pocahontas County).

Today, the south end of the mountain is home to Snowshoe Mountain Resort, famous for skiing and other outdoor activities.

Cheat Mountain and its plateau form a unique ecosystem because of their high elevations. They are home to many rare and special northern species not found in many other parts of the East, including the Cheat Mountain salamander and the West Virginia northern flying squirrel.