New River Gorge Bridge
An iconic steel arch bridge, one of the world's longest and highest, spanning the dramatic New River Gorge.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience Bridge Day thrills
New River Gorge Bridge
Best Time
Experience Bridge Day thrills
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic steel arch bridge, one of the world's longest and highest, spanning the dramatic New River Gorge.
"The views from both the top and the bottom are incredible, and the drive itself is an experience."
🚗 Drive to the Gorge Floor
Take the winding road down for a dramatic perspective of the bridge's scale. :car:
🥾 Hike Long Point Trail
For iconic bridge photos, this trail offers unparalleled views. :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
New River Gorge Bridge Walk
Underneath the bridge
Walk the catwalk beneath the 876-foot-high bridge for an unparalleled, thrilling perspective.
Bridge Day Spectacle
On the New River Gorge Bridge
Witness hundreds of base jumpers leap from the bridge during this annual October event.
+1
Gorge Floor Views
Bottom of the gorge
Drive or hike to the base of the gorge for a humbling view of the bridge's immense structure.
Long Point Trail
New River Gorge National Park
Hike to this iconic viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic vistas of the bridge and gorge.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Bridge Day
Experience the Gorge from All Angles
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive to the Gorge Floor
Take the winding road down for a dramatic perspective of the bridge's scale. :car:
🥾 Hike Long Point Trail
For iconic bridge photos, this trail offers unparalleled views.
📅 Plan for Bridge Day
If visiting in October, prepare for crowds and road closures for this unique event. +1 :calendar:
🚶♀️ Book a Bridge Walk
Experience the bridge up close on a guided catwalk tour.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive to the Gorge Floor
Take the winding road down for a dramatic perspective of the bridge's scale. :car:
🥾 Hike Long Point Trail
For iconic bridge photos, this trail offers unparalleled views.
📅 Plan for Bridge Day
If visiting in October, prepare for crowds and road closures for this unique event. +1 :calendar:
🚶♀️ Book a Bridge Walk
Experience the bridge up close on a guided catwalk tour.
📸 Capture the Views
Plenty of photo ops from the visitor center, gorge floor, and hiking trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the New River Gorge Bridge for its breathtaking scale and impressive engineering. The views from both the top and the bottom of the gorge are described as incredible, with the drive down offering a unique perspective. Many appreciate the well-maintained visitor center and the scenic beauty of the surrounding area, making it a highly rewarding stop.
"We came for bridge day and it was spectacular! They close the bridge and catapult adventurous spirits straight into the New River below. Over 300 base jumpers from all over the world put on their packs and parachute down. It’s a sight to see! Lots of great vendors, food and events at during that weekend. We attended the taste of bridge day the evening before at the adventures on the gorge and it was awesome!"
LORI DRAKE
"We had a wonderful time there at the New River Gorge, The bridge was just absolutely amazing! We did the bridge walk . And I'd say it was well worth the 75 dollars per person but next time I'd wanna do it in the summer time. Also we hiked the one mile back in to diamond point over look . The views were amazing."
Enos Stutzman
"One of the most iconic views in West Virginia. Seeing the bridge in person is completely different from photos, it stretches across the gorge like it’s floating, and the scale doesn’t fully hit you until you’re standing at the overlook looking out across miles of mountains.
The bridge itself is one of the longest single-arch steel bridges in the world and also one of the highest in the U.S. It sits almost 900 feet above the river. The engineering alone is impressive, but the landscape around it is what really makes it special. The mountains roll in layers, and in the fall the colors are stunning reds, oranges, golds, and deep greens all stacked into the valley.
There are several great viewing spots, but the Canyon Rim Visitor Center overlook and Long Point Overlook give the best angles. Long Point especially feels unreal, you’re right across from the bridge, eye-level with it.
If you visit in October during Bridge Day, people BASE jump and rappel directly off the bridge, it turns into a full festival.
Whether you’re hiking, just passing through, or stopping for photos, the New River Gorge Bridge is a must-see. Beautiful, massive, peaceful, and unforgettable."
San Dee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The New River Gorge Bridge is accessible via US-19 in Fayetteville, West Virginia. The main visitor center is located on the south side of the bridge. For those seeking a different perspective, driving down into the gorge offers stunning views from below.
Yes, there is parking available at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center on the south side of the bridge. During Bridge Day, parking and shuttle services are typically arranged due to road closures.
Pedestrians are generally not allowed to walk across the top of the bridge. However, guided tours called 'Bridge Walk' allow you to walk the catwalk underneath the bridge.
For a comprehensive experience, combine driving across the bridge, visiting the visitor center, and taking the drive down to the gorge floor for a view from below. Hiking trails like Long Point also offer spectacular vantage points.
The drive time varies depending on your starting point. From Northern Virginia, it's a significant drive, suggesting an overnight stay to fully explore the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General access to view the New River Gorge Bridge and its surroundings is free. However, specific activities like the Bridge Walk require booking tickets in advance.
The bridge itself is always accessible for driving. The Canyon Rim Visitor Center has specific operating hours, which can vary seasonally. It's best to check the National Park Service website for current hours.
Pricing for the Bridge Walk varies, but it's a guided tour that offers a unique experience. It's recommended to check the official Bridge Walk website for current rates and booking information.
Bridge Day is a free event, but parking and shuttle services may have associated costs. It's a major event that draws thousands, so plan accordingly. +1
There are typically age and weight restrictions for the Bridge Walk due to safety requirements. Consult the Bridge Walk website for detailed information.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can drive across the bridge, visit the visitor center for exhibits, take a guided Bridge Walk underneath, or hike trails like Long Point for stunning views. +1
Bridge Day is an annual festival held on the third Saturday of October where the New River Gorge Bridge is closed to traffic and becomes a pedestrian mall for base jumpers, rappellers, and spectators.
Excellent viewpoints include the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, the drive down to the gorge floor, and the Long Point Trail.
Absolutely! The bridge is one of West Virginia's most photographed locations, offering dramatic shots from various angles, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Nearby attractions include Sandstone Falls, Castle Rock Trail, and opportunities for whitewater rafting and rock climbing in the New River Gorge National Park.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting for capturing the bridge. Midday can be harsh, but the sheer scale of the bridge is still impressive.
The Canyon Rim Visitor Center provides great elevated views. For a unique perspective, drive to the gorge floor or hike the Long Point Trail.
Drone usage is restricted within National Park Service boundaries. Always check the NPS regulations for the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the bridge's span and the surrounding gorge. A telephoto lens can be good for details or distant shots from trails.
Yes, Bridge Day is a fantastic opportunity for photography, but be prepared for large crowds and be mindful of safety as you capture the action. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the Bridge Walk might be too intense for younger children, the Long Point Trail is a moderate hike suitable for families looking for stunning views. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and be prepared for the winding roads when exploring the area.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The Canyon Rim Visitor Center offers accessible viewpoints, and the drive to the gorge floor provides a dramatic low-angle perspective. Consider visiting during sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting. The bridge is also a popular spot during fall foliage season, adding vibrant colors to your shots. Remember to check drone regulations if you plan to use one.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
If you're coming from further afield, like Northern Virginia, consider making it an overnight trip to truly explore the surrounding national park and its hiking trails. This allows for a more relaxed pace and deeper appreciation of the area's natural beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: New River Gorge Bridge
+4Constructed over a period of several years in the 1970s, the bridge was a crucial link in West Virginia's highway system, opening up access to previously remote areas. The construction process itself was a testament to human ingenuity and courage, forging key links to a modern highway system.
Today, the bridge is a symbol of West Virginia and a major tourist attraction. Its impressive dimensions and the dramatic setting of the gorge make it a must-see for visitors. The bridge's significance extends beyond its engineering; it's a landmark that draws people for its beauty and the adventurous activities it enables.
+4Experiencing the Gorge: Beyond the Bridge
For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Bridge Walk allows you to traverse the catwalk beneath the bridge, offering a thrilling and unparalleled view of the gorge from 851 feet above the river. This guided tour is a unique way to appreciate the bridge's scale and the surrounding environment.
+1Beyond hiking and bridge walks, the area is renowned for whitewater rafting and rock climbing, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from around the globe. The New River itself is a vital part of the gorge's ecosystem and offers opportunities for scenic drives and exploration of waterfalls like Sandstone Falls.
Bridge Day: A Celebration of Adventure
+2The highlight of Bridge Day is undoubtedly the base jumping and rappelling from the bridge's immense height. Professional jumpers leap into the gorge, deploying parachutes to land safely below, creating a spectacle that draws crowds from far and wide. It's a testament to the adventurous spirit of West Virginia.
Beyond the jumps, Bridge Day features live music, food vendors, and craft stalls, making it a festive community event. While the thrill of the jumps is a major draw, the event also provides a unique opportunity to walk across one of the world's most impressive bridges and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
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