Why this iconic West Virginia bridge is worth the detour

Crossing high above the New River in West Virginia, it's easy to forget how remarkable the journey really is.

When the New River Gorge Bridge opened in 1977, it cut the trip between Fayetteville and Lansing from a journey of almost an hour to one that takes as little as a minute. (Locals say it went from 45 minutes to 45 seconds, but that depends on traffic conditions, of course.)

As the bridge, which carries U.S. Route 19, comes up on its 50th anniversary, it continues to be the symbol of a region and a lifeline for communities on both sides of the New River.

Location

U.S. Route 19 across the New River, between Fayetteville and Lansing, West Virginia.

Why it matters

The bridge made it easier to get between towns on either side of the New River and its surrounding gorge. It saves drivers having to traverse hundreds of vertical feet on switchback roads, allowing them to cross the river nearly 900 feet above the valley floor instead.

What to see today

According to the National Park Service, the New River Gorge Bridge is one of the most photographed places in West Virginia. It can be viewed from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and surrounding hiking trails, or from rafting excursions on the river.

While the bridge carries only vehicle traffic, there are tours that allow visitors to traverse the maintenance catwalks on the structure's underside. Tickets for those excursions start at $79.

On the third Saturday in October every year, the bridge is closed to vehicle traffic for the annual Bridge Day BASE jumping and rappelling event. Pedestrian spectators are permitted on the bridge during the event.

Ask a local

The town of Fayetteville on the bridge's southern end makes a great pit stop for road trippers. Local eateries and shops can draw large crowds.

Plan your visit 

• Best time: The bridge is open year-round, and Bridge Walk tours run year-round. Bridge Day is arguably the most popular time to see the New River Bridge.
• Hours/admission: The bridge is free to drive across and open to traffic 24/7, except on Bridge Day. Bridge Walk tours should be booked in advance, and the Canyon Rim Visitor Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
• Getting there: The New River Gorge Bridge carries U.S. Highway 19 across the New River. In its entirety, U.S. 19 runs from Erie, Pennsylvania, to Memphis, Florida.
• Learn more: https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/nrgbridge.htm

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York, and you can reach him at [email protected].