Community Spotlight: Bridge Day 2019

Have you ever been 900 feet off the ground with a river rushing below you?

The New River Gorge Bridge in Fayette County, West Virginia is a unique opportunity for anyone to see the incredible view of the valley for themselves. Odds are, if you’ve seen any West Virginia calendars, postcards, or photos, you’ve probably seen the bridge. Stretching wide over the gorge, the steel structure is not only a staple image of the great state of West Virginia, but is also a necessity for those traveling. The bridge supports over 1,500 cars per day, and once a year, over 80,000 people can take the bridge on foot.

A one-day festival, appropriately named Bridge Day, takes place on the third Saturday of October each year. Attendees have the opportunity to watch as base jumpers and rappellers jump into the valley below. Over one hundred vendors will line the streets of Fayetteville selling food and souvenirs to commemorate this special day. Early in the morning, before the jumpers begin their fun, there will be a 5K that allows runners to cross the bridge and into the town.

Happening on Saturday, October 19th, Bridge Day allows everyone to see the incredible sight of the gorge for themselves. Located less than two and a half hours from Morgantown, Fayetteville will be teeming with people. Don’t miss this one day opportunity to peer out over miles of fall foliage and watch the mighty New River from above. Be sure to wear your hiking shoes, as there are many hiking trails throughout the valley, including one that leads straight to the bottom of the gorge, where you can watch as the jumpers cut through the air and back onto the bridge.