Since Morgantown is located in the mountainous Appalachian region, outdoor activities are plentiful year round. Cheat Lake and Cooper's Rock State Park are located within ten miles of the city. Numerous ski areas are also within a short drive of the University. West Virginia also boasts some of the most extensive primitive backcountry areas in the East. Whitewater rivers are numerous and located close to Morgantown.
Mountain biking opportunities in West Virginia are world-renowned.
For sports enthusiasts WVU provides facilities for participation in all court sports, a natatorium, and indoor and outdoor track and field facilities. An extensive intramural sports program is also available. The University fields nationally competitive teams in numerous men's and women's athletics. Large crowds of football fans stream to Mountaineer Field in the fall and basketball fans see top quality Atlantic 10 action in the Coliseum during winter months. Morgantown provides an excellent academic, social, and recreational environment in which to pursue a graduate education.