Bridge Day has become a festival celebrating the adventure and beauty of West Virginia. Tens of thousands attend the October event.
BASE jumpers and rapelling teams are the most anticipated sights. Local residents and visitors from across the nation gather annually to walk across the 876 foot tall structure.
West Virginia Fall Foliage Peaks in October
Bridge Day is typically scheduled for the third Saturday in October, a time when West Virginia fall foliage is at its peak.
The sight of brightly colored parachutes silhouetted against the red, orange and golden foliage of the West Virginia Mountains, keeps visitors returning for Bridge Day year after year.
New River Bridge Festival Vendors
The festival-like atmosphere of Bridge Day is complemented by the variety of vendor booths around the bridge. Visitors can choose from local food favorites, buy photos and tee shirts and purchase other souvenirs.
Local crafters have their handiwork on display for visitors to admire and purchase.
BASE Jumpers Highlight Bridge Day
BASE (bridges, antenna, span, and earth) jumpers delight the crowds that line the bridge, its surrounding roads, and the New River Gorge below.
Hundreds of jumpers leap from a platform on the bridge during the festivities. The jumpers are experienced and must meet established criteria before they can register to make the jump.
Rappel Teams and High Liners Are Part of Bridge Day Activities
Several rappel teams are allowed to ascend and descend a rope from a catwalk beneath the bridge. The team members must be skilled and the teams who participate are chosen by lottery.
The high line ride allows members of the general public to slide down a rope attached to the bridge's catwalk. It is necessary to sign up in advance, attend a safety briefing, and have proper-fitting equipment.
New River Is One of the World's Oldest Rivers
The actual age of the New River is debated with no clear answer. The National Park Service notes that geologist’s estimates vary from 3 million to 320 million years. Many, however, believe it to be a top contender for the oldest river in North America.
Since 1979, with the exception of 2001, spectators have gathered from around the globe to celebrate the New River and the bridge that spans it. Bridge Day was cancelled for 2001after the events of September 11 that year.
The Building of the World's Second Longest Single Arch Bridge
A Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) report points out that the New River Gorge was an ideal location for a single arch bridge. The solid rock on each side of the gorge made deep piers and tall towers unnecessary.
The first cables were put in place in 1974, strung between temporary towers on each side. The 4224 foot long steel bridge was pieced together over the gorge by trolleys running on the cables.
The bridge was completed in 1978 at a cost of $37 million. A 40 minute drive around the river was reduced to a one minute drive across the bridge.
New River Whitewater Rafting and Gauley River Whitewater Rafting
West Virginia white water rafting is an exciting sport enjoyed by many who come for Bridge Day. Visitors to the area arrive early in the week to catch the end of the Gauley River white water rafting season.
Hike, Ski, Kayak, Whitewater Raft in West Virginia
Pipestem West Virginia State Park
Southeastern United States Travel
Rosalie Thompson - Rosalie Thompson enjoys writing about NASCAR, real estate, gardening and travel in the Southeastern United States. After graduating from ...
