FAYETTEVILLE, W.V. (LOOTPRESS) – Bridge Day 2021 will not be held in person this year, but don’t worry! There are still plenty of ways to enjoy the New River Gorge Bridge.
Tim Naylor, executive assistant at the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, shared five unique ways to enjoy the bridge this season.
1. Bridge Walk Tour: Bridge Walk in Fayetteville offers guided tours under the New River Gorge Bridge from the catwalk that sits 25 feet beneath the bridge and 850 feet above the water. The tours are roughly two to three hours in length.
2. Hiking: Naylor says the best way to see the bridge while hiking is at the Canyon Rim Visitors Center, which features two overlooks- one above the bridge and one slightly below the bridge.
3. Driving: A lot of people don’t know that you can still drive to the bottom of the New River Gorge Bridge. Drivers will cross under the bridge twice for stunning views of the underbelly of the bridge and the gorge too. They will also cross the smaller Fayette Station Bridge, which sees less traffic now than it did 50 years ago. Directions can be found here.
4. Biplane Rides: Wild Blue Adventure Company in Fayetteville gives one of the most unique views of the bridge and the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. This view is from the sky! Packages are offered for 20, 40 and 60-minute flights. Call 304-574-1150 to schedule a thrill-seeking ride.
5. Boat Ride: New River Jet Boats in Fayette County welcomes all ages to enjoy a leisurely boat ride under the bridge. Boats can hold up to 16 passengers during each 25-minute ride. Tickets can be purchased in the tram office at Hawks Nest State Park Lodge. Trips go out every hour.
In addition to these activities, Naylor says guests and residents can also enjoy Fayetteville’s many shops and restaurants.
Regardless of Bridge Day 2021’s in-person activities being canceled, Naylor still expects a lively weekend for Fayette County.
“I don’t expect it to be very quiet this weekend,” Naylor said. “It will be busy regardless. People are still calling and saying they are coming anyway even though it was canceled. I’m just excited to get out and support these small businesses and locals who are just trying to make a living here.”
Bridge Day 2021 will be held virtually tomorrow, October 16, on Facebook from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.