New River Gorge Bridge

When the New River Gorge Bridge was completed on October 22, 1977, a travel challenge was solved. The bridge reduced a 40-minute drive down narrow mountain roads and across one of North America's oldest rivers to less than a minute. When it comes to road construction, mountains do pose a challenge. In the case of the New River Gorge Bridge, challenge was transformed into a work of structural art - the longest steel span in the western hemisphere and the second highest in the United States.

The New River Gorge Bridge is located on U. S. Route 19, just north of Fayetteville, WV. It is easily reached from Interstates 64, 77, & 79 and from U. S. Route 60 (Midland Trail). It is approximately 30 minutes north of Beckley, 70 minutes east of Charleston, and 70 minutes south of Interstate 79.

For years crossing the New River gorge meant long detours, or carefully winding your way down narrow mountain roads. It was not until the completion of the New River Gorge Bridge on October 22, 1977, that this travel problem was solved. However, the solution was not an easy one. Many technical problems had to be overcome. The bridge reduced a 40-minute drive down narrow mountain roads and across one of America's oldest rivers to less than one minute.On the third Saturday in October, the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce hosts "Bridge Day." On this one day a year, the New River Gorge Bridge is open to pedestrians, where a variety of activities draw up to a quarter of a million people. Great views, organized walks, parachuting and rappelling demonstrations, music, and a variety of vendors are all part of the Bridge Day events.

Whitewater rafting is one of the most popular recreational activities at New River Gorge National River. The rapids range from Class III to Class V. There are a number of commercial outfitters that offer trips to the public.