Bridge Day Need to Know
The essential ins and outs of Bridge Day.
An icon of West Virginia, the New River Gorge Bridge is not only a feat in human engineering but also a bastion of daredevilry. The bridge spans 3,030 feet and sits 876 feet above a canyon of forests and river rapids. It is the longest single-arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere and the second-highest bridge in the United States to bear vehicles. The daring height of the steel structure attracts adrenaline seekers from across the globe because once a year, they are allowed to base jump from the New River Gorge Bridge to the ravine below.
The third Saturday in October is Bridge Day—West Virginia’s largest one-day festival, where extreme adventurers base jump or rappel from the New River Gorge Bridge. This tradition started in 1979 when Burton Ervin jumped from the New River Gorge Bridge at 10:20 PM. He was the first to do so, with about 200 spectators watching from Fayette Station Road. His accomplishment inspired others, and a year later, the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce hosted the first official Bridge Day. The first official festival had two parachutists jump from a plane to land on the bridge, and five base jumpers leaping off the bridge. Now, hundreds of people base jump and rappel off the New River Gorge Bridge while a large audience gathers to watch.
If you’re coming to Bridge Day on October 18, it’s essential to know the schedule of events, parking and shuttle stop locations, what to bring, what not to bring, and what to expect when you get to the festival. Remember to share your Bridge Day photos with us on social media @visitwv or https://shrpa.com/upload/southernwv/BridgeDay25.
Schedule
- 7:00 AM – Route 19 Closes to Vehicular Traffic
- 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM – Active Southern West Virginia’s Bridge Day 5k Run Racers Arrive
- 8:15 AM – Buses for 5k Racers to Starting Line
- 8:30 AM – Shuttles Begin at Designated Lots
- 8:45 AM – Bridge Day 5K begins
- 9:00 AM – Bridge Day Gates Open and Bridge Day Begins
- 9:00 AM – Into the Gorge Bus Rides
- 11:00 AM – Bridge Day Car Show at Starlite Drive-In
- 1:30 PM – Into the Gorge Bus Rides End
- 3:00 PM – Bridge Day Chili Cookoff in Downtown Fayetteville
- 3:00 PM – Bridge Day Ends
- 5:00 PM – Route 19 and the New River Gorge Bridge Re-opens to Vehicular Traffic
Where to park and shuttle stops
Shuttles are $5
South side of the bridge parking and shuttles-
Oak Hill High School, 350 W. Oyler Ave, Oak Hill, WV Handicap accessible shuttle stop
Walmart, Fayette Town Center, 204 Town Center Rd, Fayetteville, WV
Fayetteville PK8 School, 515 W. Maple Ave, Fayetteville, WV
Fayette County Courthouse, 100 N. Court St, Fayetteville, WV
Fayetteville Town Park, Park Drive, Fayetteville, WV Drop Off ONLY
North side of the bridge parking and shuttles-
US Rt 60 at Midland Trail High School, 26719 Midland Trail, Hico, WV Handicap Accessible Shuttle Stop
Lighthouse Worship Center, 1175 Smales Branch Road, Hico, WV
Packing List
Bridge Day Check List:
- Sweater
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera/ Phone
- Shoes with good support
- Cash
What NOT to bring:
- Backpacks or bags that are not transparent or clear
- Pets
- Coolers
- Folding chairs
- Strollers
- Wagons
- Bicycles, skates, skateboards
- Drones
- Alcohol, drugs, fireworks, weapons
It’s best to look at the weather forecast the day before. Even on clear, sunny days, the morning can be chilly, but the afternoon can be toasty. There is limited shade on the bridge, so it’s a good idea to have sun protection. Bridge Day happens rain or shine, so if there are some sprinkles in the forecast, opt for a rain jacket or poncho. There might also be a lot of people, so make sure to take your time from one point to another.
Vendors
Activities
Into the Gorge
Get a different view of the action by seeing it from below. The only way to get to the bottom of the New River Gorge on Fayette Station Road, besides walking, is by taking a shuttle. Ride to the Tunney Hunsaker Bridge to watch the base jumpers and rappellers from below. There are only a limited number of tickets available each year.
Rappelling & High Line
There’s a hidden side to the adventures, and that’s under the bridge. Those with experience can sign up to rappel as an individual or as a team. If climbing and dangling from a rope under an 876-foot-tall bridge is too extreme, try ziplining on the High Line from the New River Gorge Bridge to Fayette Station below.
Bridge Walk
Walk the catwalk under the New River Gorge Bridge and witness base jumpers fly by you with a special Bridge Walk tour. As you walk on the 24″ catwalk, you have the opportunity to watch rappellers hang out under the steel structure.
Whitewater Rafting
Take part in the thrills of the day with a whitewater rafting trip. As you paddle down the New River, watch base jumpers float down to their target area.
Base Jumping
Most people are just spectators at Bridge Day, but others are at the forefront of the action. Base Jumpers leap off the New River Gorge Bridge every 30 seconds, and some even launch off the bridge on the Rastapult—a human catapult. Those who wish to jump off the bridge must have done 50 skydives. For those making their first base jump at Bridge Day, there is a first-time jumper course. If you don’t have enough skydives to base jump alone, you can join a tandem jump. There are 16 tandem spots available.
Taste of Bridge Day
The night before all the thrills and excitement is the time to fuel up on local foods and flavors. Taste of Bridge Day is a festival held on the Friday before Bridge Day, where local restaurants, food trucks, and caterers offer samples of their delicious dishes. Samples range in price from $4 to $12. Vendors enter their samples into the Taste of Bridge Day Awards. The Categories are: Best Appetizer, Best Entree, Best Dessert, Best Snack, People’s Choice, Youth’s Choice, and Corporate Sponsor’s Choice. The event is on October 17, 2025, from 5 PM to 9 PM at Adventures on the Gorge.
