Thrill-seekers defy gravity at West Virginia’s best-known bridge.
photographed by Jill Moles Mullins and Gary C. Wendell
Bridge Day is a thrilling spectacle held annually in the Mountain State with roots dating back to 1977 and the completion of the New River Gorge Bridge. The colossal structure was a marvel of engineering at 3,030 feet long and 70 feet wide, soaring 876 feet above the New River. It captivated the nation and quickly became an iconic symbol of the state.
It wasn’t long before someone grabbed a parachute and jumped off. In 1979, a daring skydiver named Burton Ervin made history by performing the first BASE jump from the bridge, stoking the coals of a fire that would eventually become the annual rain-or-shine event. The first official Bridge Day was held a year later, and it quickly took on a life of its own. The hundreds of participants who barrel off the bridge are the centerpiece of an annual global phenomenon that attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators each year—taking place on October 19 in 2024.
Visitors can experience the thrill of the New River Gorge Bridge from above, below, or across. Hike to stunning overlooks, drive the scenic Fayette Station Road for unique angles, or dare to traverse the cat walk beneath the bridge on a guided tour. Visit officialbridgeday.com to learn more about ways to get in on the action.
BASE jumping from the New River Gorge Bridge takes guts and skill. Jumpers equip themselves with specialized parachutes designed for low-altitude jumps. With ice in their veins, they step off the bridge, plummeting 876 feet towards the gorge below. Precision is crucial, and jumpers must deploy their chutes at the perfect moment to land safely in the designated zone. The view on the way down is nothing short of stunning.
Bridge Day has become much more than just extreme sports. Visitors find a spirited atmosphere with live music, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, and plenty of family-friendly fun. While you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to explore the surrounding area for panoramic overlooks, whitewater rafting adventures, and the state’s beloved New River Gorge National Park.
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM WV LIVING’S FALL 2024 ISSUE
Leave a Reply