Visiting the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia

Flip over West Virginia’s quarter and you will see a small representation of the grand New River Gorge Bridge. Spanning over 1700 feet above the New River stands the bridge which is a monument to man’s unending struggle to tame this remote and wonderful landescape. Scientists estimate that the New River has been cutting through this area for over 65 million years. While it is hard to imagine, scientists also believe that the river is actually older than the Appalachian Mountains that it runs through. The New River is considered the second oldest river in the world (The Nile is believed the oldest).

The New River was a remote outpost of wilderness until the railroad came through the area in 1870’s. The railroad was built to bring the coal from the area out to the nation’s industrial cities. Like the Bridge, the railroad track into these mountains was a technological wonder of its time. Coal is still the major player in the region’s economy. Tourism is however growing rapidly providing a variety of activities to visitor’s to the area.

Much of the New River Gorge area (so named for the steep and deep ravine that the river has cut through area) is protected by the National Park Service. The National Park Service’s Canyon Rim Visitor Center is an ideal starting point for tourists coming into the area. The Canyon Rim Visitor Center is located about a mile north of Fayetteville on Route 19. The visitor center provides maps of the area as well as brochures on area attractions and other useful information. If coming through the area you must stop at the visitor center to really appreciate the beauty and impressive size of the bridge. Driving Route 19 over the bridge has the appearance of being suspended in the air (which, I guess you are) but you are unable to fully appreciate the massiveness of the project. The overlook at the visitor center provides a great view of the structure.

Held each year in October is Bridge Day. Bridge Day provides an opportunity for BASE Jumpers (or as I like to call them, the insane) to parachute from the bridge. The brightly colored parachutes descending into the autumn foliage is a breathtaking scene. For those looking for slightly more mundane adventures, the New River is a popular whitewater rafting and fishing destination. The New River is considered a top tier rafting river in the east.

The New River Gorge Canyon also provides endless miles of trails and backcountry for hikers, mountain bikers, and those just wanting to get away from it all. The Canyon Rim Visitor Center can provide maps and suggestions to meet your skill level. The New River Gorge Bridge and the surrounding landscape is just another reason that West Virginia is known as Wild and Wonderful.

For more information on the New River area visit newrivercvb.com. Visit my Content Producer Page for more information on West Virginia.