The New River Gorge Bridge, the longest single-span arch bridge in America, is an architectural marvel and beloved West Virginia icon located near Fayetteville. You can drive right over the top of this amazing bridge on U.S. Route 19... or you can walk single-file along the two-foot-wide catwalk that runs the full length of the bridge just underneath the road's surface. It's an absolutely amazing experience that takes you high above the New River Gorge in a once-in-a-lifetime adventure you definitely do not want to miss!
The New River Gorge Bridge, famous as the fourth-longest single-arch bridge in the world, stretches an impressive 3,030 feet across the massive New River Gorge in West Virginia.
And if you've got the guts, you can harness up, hook your harness to a secure cable, and walk along the length of it on the Bridge Walk near the Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing, West Virginia.
Here's what you'll see when you look ahead along the Bridge Walk — hundreds of yards of infrastructure stretching narrowly out before you.
And here's what you'll see when you look down — hundreds of yards of empty space between you and the New River far, far below.
Exactly how high above that river will you be? Try 851 feet. That's not too much different than Eiffel Tower height, and way taller than the Statue of Liberty or the Washington National Monument.
Oh, but the view! The view from way up here is marvelous.
It's without question an experience everyone should try at least once...
...unless you're afraid of heights, that is. In that case, you might want to think twice before strapping on that Bridge Walk harness, because 851 feet really is a long way down!
Have you worked up your courage and tried the New River Gorge Bridge Walk? What did you think, would you do it again?
To learn more about the Bridge Walk or purchase tickets, visit their website. Tickets are $72/person, or you can purchase a season pass for unlimited bridge walks for $125. Allow about 3 hours for your guided tour (the tour guides are all amazing!) from start to finish and wear comfortable walking shoes! Bridge Walk participants must be at least 8 years old and 48 inches tall.
If you've already checked the New River Gorge Bridge catwalk off your list, then you may want to consider a stroll along West Virginia's very own, stomach-dropping Via Ferrata.
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