New River Gorge Bridge
4.9(2.7K)google
4.6(81)yelp
Transit HeritageScenic LookoutHistoric BuildingAdventurousPhoto SpotMust-See
Overview
An engineering marvel of the modern world, the New River Gorge Bridge is a colossal steel arch structure spanning 3,030 feet across the deep mountain canyon. Standing an incredible 876 feet above the rushing New River, it was long the highest vehicular bridge in the world and remains a defining symbol of West Virginia. Adventurous travelers can take guided Bridge Walk tours on a catwalk beneath the roaring traffic, offering a heart-pounding perspective of the engineering and canyon scenery below.
Practical Info
Mon–Fri8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat–SunClosed
Suggested Duration1-2 hours
Best TimeThe single best day to visit this architectural wonder is the third Saturday in October for the world-famous 'Bridge Day.' This is the only day the 876-foot-high steel arch bridge closes to cars, allowing you to stand on the deck at 11:00 AM to watch daredevils BASE jump into the gorge below.
Getting ThereThe bridge spans directly across US Highway 19. To view and photograph it, navigate to the Canyon Rim Visitor Center lot, park for free, and walk the park's scenic timber boardwalk trails downwards for 178 steps. This leads to a cantilevered iron viewing deck looking directly flush at the steel arch span.
Travel Tips
- The official Bridge Walk tour along the catwalk underneath the bridge requires advance reservations. This activity takes place hundreds of feet above the river; it is strictly off-limits for individuals with severe vertigo or acrophobia.
- Bridge Day occurs annually on the third Saturday of October, closing the bridge to all regular traffic for base jumping. Massive road closures apply for miles; visitors must utilize official park-and-ride shuttle buses on this day.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- The bridge deck is a high-speed section of U.S. Route 19; vehicles are strictly prohibited from slowing down or stopping on the bridge for photos. Violators face heavy fines. Use the designated Canyon Rim Visitor Center overlooks.
Reviews
Positive
- This colossal steel arch bridge spanning the deep gorge is an engineering artwork, projecting immense grandeur from the scenic decks.
- The guided Bridge Walk along the catwalk directly beneath the road deck offers a thrilling, high-altitude view that is unforgettable.
- The overlook path is safe and accessible; the spacious lot links to picnic terraces just a three-minute stroll from perfect bridge photos.
- The annual Bridge Day festival in October features explosive energy, letting you witness hundreds of base-jumpers leap into the gorge.
Heads up
- As an active major highway artery, stopping your vehicle on the bridge deck for photos is strictly illegal and heavily policed.
- The old mountain switchback road leading down to the gorge floor is very tight and steep, making it hazardous for large RVs.
- Heavy morning fog or rain routinely swallows the bridge entirely, blinding the overlook views and yielding zero visibility.
- The guided catwalk Bridge Walk tour is quite expensive and books out fast, meaning walk-in tickets are virtually non-existent.