Fayette Station Road New River Gorge West Virginia
Experience the grandeur of the New River Gorge Bridge and explore a stunning Appalachian landscape with scenic drives and hikes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Spectacular fall foliage
Fayette Station Road New River Gorge West Virginia
Best Time
Spectacular fall foliage
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the grandeur of the New River Gorge Bridge and explore a stunning Appalachian landscape with scenic drives and hikes.
"Adventure and Beauty in the Heart of West Virginia - a place you'll never forget."
🚗 Drive Fayette Station Road
This 8-mile, one-way scenic road takes you under the bridge. Allow ample time!
🎟️ Book Bridge Walk Tours
Walk the catwalk under the bridge! Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
New River Gorge Bridge
New River Gorge National Park
The third-highest bridge in the USA, offering breathtaking views and a symbol of West Virginia's engineering marvel.
Fayette Station Road
New River Gorge National Park
A winding, one-way scenic drive that descends into the gorge, providing unique perspectives of the bridge and river.
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Canyon Rim Visitor Center
New River Gorge National Park
Offers stunning panoramic views of the gorge and bridge, with boardwalks and overlooks for easy access.
Endless Wall Trail
New River Gorge National Park
An easy to moderate hike leading to an excellent viewpoint of the gorge and bridge.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Drive Fayette Station Road
+1Book Bridge Walk Tours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Fayette Station Road
This 8-mile, one-way scenic road takes you under the bridge. Allow ample time!
🎟️ Book Bridge Walk Tours
Walk the catwalk under the bridge! Tickets must be purchased in advance.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
For hiking trails and exploring the gorge floor.
📸 Capture bridge views
From overlooks and the drive down Fayette Station Road.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Fayette Station Road
This 8-mile, one-way scenic road takes you under the bridge. Allow ample time!
🎟️ Book Bridge Walk Tours
Walk the catwalk under the bridge! Tickets must be purchased in advance.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
For hiking trails and exploring the gorge floor.
📸 Capture bridge views
From overlooks and the drive down Fayette Station Road.
🗺️ Use the NPS audio guide
Enhance your Fayette Station Road experience with historical insights.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking beauty of the New River Gorge and its iconic bridge, highlighting the scenic drive on Fayette Station Road and the impressive overlooks. Many find the park to be a hidden gem offering a great mix of natural wonder and outdoor adventure. Some note that while the main attractions are easily accessible, exploring further requires more time and planning.
"New River Gorge is simply gorgeous. We camped nearby and accessed the visitor’s center, which had spectacular views. We also descended the nearby steps that ran about halfway down the gorge, which is highly recommended. Afterwards, we took the self-guided driving tour down the gorge to see more of the sites. The drive down the gorge was the highlight of our trip but the road is extremely windy so it may not be for the faint of heart."
Lau Ra
"Just got back from visiting the New River Gorge Bridge, and wow—what a stunning experience! 🍂 The fall colors made the whole area feel magical, with breathtaking views of the bridge stretching across the gorge and the river winding below. The visitor center was packed with fascinating info about the bridge’s construction, the region’s coal mining history, and local heritage—really well done.
The kids had a blast exploring the trails, and I have to say, the restrooms were impressively clean (always a win when traveling with little ones!). One of the coolest moments was watching a group do the Bridge Walk under the bridge—such a wild perspective! Definitely adding that to our bucket list for next time."
Poornima Paritala
"The Endless Wall hike had breathtaking views. Thurmond was an interesting "ghost town," at least in the winter season. Would be more interesting during open season. Stone Cliff Trail follows the river at a nice distance. It's wide and moderate, pleasant hiking"
Patricia Boyd
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fayette Station Road is a one-way loop accessible from near the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Follow signs for the scenic drive. It's a popular route, so expect some traffic, especially during peak seasons.
Fayette Station Road is narrow and winding, with many hairpin turns. It's generally not recommended for RVs, trailers, or large vehicles. Smaller cars and standard SUVs are best suited for this drive.
You can view the bridge from overlooks like the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, drive under it on Fayette Station Road, or take a guided catwalk tour for an up-close experience.
Yes, there are several trails accessible from or near Fayette Station Road, including short walks to waterfalls and viewpoints. The Endless Wall Trail is also a popular option nearby.
Fayette Station Road may be closed in winter due to ice and snow. Always check road conditions with the National Park Service before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is free to enter. There are no entrance fees required to access the park's main areas and overlooks.
Fayette Station Road is a public scenic drive and does not require tickets for access. However, guided tours like the Bridge Walk do require advance booking.
Operating hours for the Canyon Rim Visitor Center can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official National Park Service website for the most up-to-date information on hours and any potential closures.
Bridge Walk tours, which allow you to walk on the catwalk beneath the New River Gorge Bridge, must be booked in advance through their official website. These tours are very popular.
The most famous event is Bridge Day, held on the third Saturday in October, featuring base jumping and rappelling from the bridge.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Canyon Rim Visitor Center offers excellent views, as does the Grandview Overlook for a panoramic perspective. Driving Fayette Station Road provides a unique view from below.
The park offers a variety of hiking trails, from short, easy walks to more challenging backcountry routes. The Endless Wall Trail is a popular moderate option. +1
Yes, the New River is a popular destination for whitewater rafting, with different sections offering varying levels of excitement.
At the bottom of the gorge, you'll find the New River, beautiful forest areas, large boulders, and a close-up view of the underside of the New River Gorge Bridge.
Absolutely! The bridge, gorge, waterfalls, and fall foliage make it a photographer's paradise.
🚇 🚗 Getting Around
The drive itself is about 8 miles, but with stops for photos and enjoying the views, it can easily take 1-2 hours.
Yes, Fayette Station Road is a one-way loop that takes you down into the gorge and back up.
The road is narrow, winding, and often one-lane with hairpin turns. Drive cautiously and be prepared for steep grades.
There are limited parking areas at the bottom of the gorge, especially near the river. Arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Cell service can be spotty to non-existent within the gorge. Download any necessary maps or information beforehand.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Consider shorter, easier hikes like the trails around the visitor center or parts of the Endless Wall Trail. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as amenities can be spread out. The park's natural beauty and opportunities for spotting wildlife can captivate children's imaginations.
🚗 Road Trippers & Scenic Drivers
+2 It's a perfect stop to break up a longer journey through West Virginia. Combine this with stops at various overlooks, like the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and Grandview Overlook, for diverse perspectives of the stunning Appalachian landscape. The park is easily accessible from major highways, making it a convenient addition to any West Virginia itinerary.
📸 Photographers & View Seekers
+1 The dramatic gorge, winding river, and lush forests provide endless scenic opportunities. Don't miss the chance to capture waterfalls like Cathedral Falls
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Fayette Station Road
+2Along the way, you'll encounter stunning views of the New River, lush forests, and smaller waterfalls. It's a fantastic opportunity for photography, with numerous pull-offs to capture the dramatic landscape. Many visitors find this drive to be a highlight of their New River Gorge experience, offering a sense of scale and grandeur that can't be appreciated from the overlooks above.
+2Pro-tip: Consider downloading the NPS audio guide before you descend. It provides historical context and points of interest, enriching your drive. Be prepared for a slower pace and be courteous to other drivers.
The Majestic New River Gorge Bridge
Visitors can experience the bridge from various vantage points. The Canyon Rim Visitor Center provides excellent overlooks, offering sweeping vistas of the bridge and the gorge. For a truly unique perspective, the Bridge Walk tour allows participants to traverse the catwalk beneath the bridge, providing an intimate encounter with its structure and the vastness of the gorge.
During Bridge Day, held annually on the third Saturday of October, the bridge is closed to traffic and opens to pedestrians. This event draws thousands of spectators who witness daring base jumpers and rappellers leap from the bridge, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
Hiking and Outdoor Adventures
Beyond hiking, the park is renowned for its whitewater rafting on the New River, which offers thrilling rapids for experienced adventurers and more gentle sections for beginners.
Many visitors appreciate the park's natural beauty, from its towering cliffs and dense forests to its cascading waterfalls like Cathedral Falls.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit