Heights. They inspire awe, fear, nerves and adrenaline. An adventure in the sky usually includes some pretty epic views and experiences too. For my 39th birthday, I trekked the New River Gorge Bridge Walk in Fayetteville, West Virginia. It is an afternoon I won’t soon forget.
This photo was taken as I rappelled off a nearby cliff, but it gives the best view of the bridge and catwalk you’ll be walking.
The Bridge Walk is a group tour across the underside catwalk of the New River Gorge Bridge. Everyone is attached to the longest continuous safety system in the United States just under the world’s 13th highest bridge.
The tour lasts about an hour and a half, not including the safety instructions and harnessing at the Bride Walk office and gift shop. A shuttle takes you over to see the bridge from a distance, then you all walk a short distance to the catwalk entrance.
As you cross the bridge, a tour guide shares the history of the bridge, fascinating stories about bridge maintenance and a breath-taking stop at the highest spot. You can even choose to sit down at that moment. It feels like you’re on top of the world!
The New River Gorge Bride Walk is a must-do in West Virginia. Tell them Angelica from Toddlin’ Across America sent you!
New River Gorge Bridge Facts
- Longest single arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere
- 3rd longest single arch bridge in the world
- 2nd highest vehicle carrying bridge in the United States
- 5th highest vehicle carrying bridge in the world
- 3rd highest bridge in the United States
- 13th highest bridge in the world
- On the West Virginia State quarter
- On a United States postal stamp
- A national landmark in engineering
- Listed on National Register of Historic Places as a significant historic resource
- Bridge Day™ celebrated 3rd Saturday every October
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