Once a year, West Virginia’s New River Gorge Bridge closes to cars and opens to daredevils — BASE jumpers — who make the 876-foot leap into the gorge below. It is the fifth-longest single-arch bridge in the world and the longest steel span in the western hemisphere. There were 350 jumpers from 39 states and four countries who took part in 2023, with hundreds of other BASE jumpers and adrenaline junkies making tandem jumps and rappelling from the structure’s catwalk. Around 140,000 spectators come to watch, food and craft vendors line the road and there’s a chili cookoff to celebrate Bridge Day in downtown Fayetteville.
One more fun fact before you go: The National Park Service designated the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve as the nation’s newest and 63rd park in December of 2020.
FAQs
When is the Bridge Day event held?
It is held every year on the third Saturday in October on the bridge in Fayette County, West Virginia. In 2024 it will be held on October 19th.
When was the first event?
1980.
What is BASE jumping?
BASE jumping is the extreme sport of jumping from fixed objects and using a parachute to land. The acronym BASE stands for “buildings,” “antennas,” “spans,” (or bridges) and “earth” which are the four categories of BASE jumping.
Can I walk under the bridge on the walk?
Bridge Walk is the company that takes visitors and you can register for a tour here.
Who produces the event?
The New River Gorge Bridge Day Commission is the event organizer. It is West Virginia’s largest one-day festival.
What is the New River Gorge’s Convention and Visitor Bureau’s address?
310 West Oyler Avenue, Oak Hill, WV 25901
Is the Southern West Virginia 5K run happening this year, too?
Yes, the Active SWV Bridge Day 5K Run is also Saturday morning. It starts on the structure and ends in downtown Fayetteville, WV. It’s limited to 500 racers and you’ll need to register beforehand. See here for more details.
What roads will be closed for the event?
The bridge (Route 19) will be closed to vehicles from 7am to 5pm and Fayette Station Road (Route 82) will also be closed to vehicles. For more closure info see here.
How far is the event from Beckley, WV?
Beckley is about 24 miles south.
What is the official Bridge Day website?
https://officialbridgeday.com/