Plan an Epic Long Weekend this Bridge Day

Get the best of Bridge Day weekend with these insider tips!

West Virginia’s largest one-day festival & the world’s biggest BASE jumping festival is just around the corner, Oct. 15. There’s so much going on, you’ll need more than a night to experience it all.

Take a long weekend, and soak up the best of Southern WV this Bridge Day weekend:

Room at the inn

Trust us— you’re gonna want to make hotel reservations for Bridge Day now.

Roughly 80,000 folks from all over the world gather on New River Gorge Bridge for the festival. Local hotels book quickly, so getting an early reservation is crucial.

Here’s the inside scoop on what’s still available:

• Just a few cabins left in Fayette County/Fayetteville and Nicholas County/Summersville.
• Several Beckley hotel rooms (about 30 min from the bridge)

If you’re having trouble finding a place, call Visit Southern West Virginia at 800-847-4898 for the most updated availability.

Fall foliage

If you’ve never seen the New River Gorge in autumn, get ready for some bold color. The lemon, orange and crimson leaves are just as bright as the parachutes. While the views from the New River Gorge Bridge are hard to beat, there are plenty of trails you can explore, too.

When you’re in town, check out these hiking spots:

• Long Point Trail. This (mostly) flat trail treats you one of the best views of the New River Gorge Bridge. After 1.6 miles of forest scenery, you’ll emerge onto a dramatic cliff ledge. Far ahead is the iconic steel-span arch. Its simple lines, framed against dazzling foliage, is incredible from this vantage point.
• Canyon Rim Boardwalk. Take in dramatic views of the Gorge and bridge. The boardwalk itself is short— just .10 miles— but some folks might find the climb back demanding. Still, the scenery is hard to beat.
• Endless Wall Trail. USA Today rated this ridgeline trail the #1 National Park hike in America. Look forward to panoramic canyon views, unbroken cliffs and 2.4 miles of unspoiled beauty.

For a more adventurous look at the foliage, take a zipline tour through (or above) the fiery fall canopies.

Twas the night before Bridge Day

Sample all the best local restaurants for one heck of a dinner. Taste of Bridge Day brings together our top chefs, live music and plenty of good cheer to kick off the weekend at Smokey’s on the Gorge— which sits right on the rim of the canyon.

Tasting tickets are $1, and samples can cost 1-7 tickets, depending on what you order.

Chili cook-off

Speaking of food, indulge in Appalachia’s fall favorites after the festival with the cornbread and chili cook-offs. Sample the best stews in the state!

For just $5, you’ll get 5 sample vouchers. Taste them all, and vote for the coveted People’s Choice Award.

Award-winning music

Bridge Day weekend even has a music festival:  Bridge Jam! Award-winning bands and musicians will be playing all weekend long. Jam out to Grammy winners, music legends and nationally-recognized rock, bluegrass and country bands.

Plus, enjoy craft beer, fine art and fine wine. You can even pitch your tent and make that your homebase for the weekend.

Adventure

Have an adventure in southern West Virginia’s mountains. Explore the outdoors:

• Catch the epic waters of the Gauley River on the last two scheduled run days – October 15th & 16th.
•  Try rafting the New River— including trips right under the bridge during Bridge Day for a close-up riverside view of the BASE jumpers and rappellers.
• Rent a bike and hit the trails! The looping Arrowhead system is a gem for mountain bikers of all levels.
• If the Bridge Day rappellers inspire you, take a rock climbing trip. You’ll learn to scale up, and lower yourself from, our famous sandstone cliffsides like a pro.

How are you spending your Bridge Day weekend?