• SPONSORSHIP

    Be a part of Bridge Day 2012! Learn more about sponsorship.

  • VENDOR INFORMATION

    Visit our vendor page to learn how to make your products available to thousands of Bridge Day visitors.

  • PARKING

    Shuttle information, parking locations and download a parking map

  • NEED TO KNOW

    Have a great Bridge Day. Please read be sure to read the event rules.Important Info

Bookmark and Share

Posts Tagged ‘fun stuff’

All About Hawks Nest

Tuesday, May 15th, 2012

The New River runs through some beautiful areas here in West Virginia. This is evidenced by the six State Parks located in close proximity to the New River Gorge. The closest to the New River Gorge Bridge is Hawks Nest State Park. Its name is very representative of its location.

Seated right on the rim of the Gorge about 3 miles west of the Bridge, this Park offers not only wonderful views but plenty of recreation. Let’s take a look at why Hawks Nest is a great place to visit.

An Overlook at Hawks Nest State Park

The Lake

Hawks Nest Lake was built in 1936 as a result of damming off the New River to produce power for a Union Carbide-built metallurgical plant. Its 250 acres now provide recreational activities like swimming, boating, and fishing. The tunnel built to move water to the hydroelectric plant is still in use.

Located directly below the Lodge in the park, the lake can be accessed by driving down what was once a narrow gauge rail line into Ansted or by taking the aerial tram out of the Lodge. For the more adventurous types, park at the top of the Hawks Nest Rail Trail and hike to the bottom. Once there you can catch a jet boat that offers tours of the lake, culminating in a view of the New River Gorge Bridge.

Hawks Nest Lodge and Nature Center

The 31-room Lodge was built in 1967 and offers some of the most spectacular views from guest rooms of any State Park in WV system. Accomodations are reasonably priced and the Lodge is very close to many area activities. The Lodge also has a full service restaurant that allows guests to dine with a “birds eye” view of the Gorge, courtesy of a wall of windows.

The Hawks Nest Nature Center is located at the bottom of the aerial tram by the lake. It is filled with nature exhibits and interactive displays.. There are also many hiking trails on site. The newest of these is the Hawks Nest Rail Trail, based out of the Nature Center.

Other Activities

The 276-acre Park has lots of places to explore within its boundaries, but is also close to the heart of the New River Gorge. That means there’s plenty of fun to be had within minutes of the park. Here’s a list of recreation opportunities either in Hawks Nest State Park or close by.

  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Golf
  • Whitewater rafting
  • Kayaking and Canoeing
  • Rock climbing
  • Zip lining
  • ATV riding
  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Horseback riding

Need another reason to make Hawks Nest part of your New River Gorge visit? Views from the overlooks are spectacular, the people are friendly, and you’ll really be able to get back to nature and relax.

Have you visited Hawks Nest?

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Visitor Information, West Virginia Adventure | No Comments »

Top 5 Spring ‘Must-Dos’ Around the New River Gorge Bridge

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

Spring weather has arrived with a rush this year. Ramps, morel mushrooms, and budding trees and flowers are all a few weeks earlier than normal. This means folks are already getting out and enjoying all the activities the New River Gorge has to offer.

Rafting is one obvious must-do adventure for visitors. But there are also other must-do activities that you might not know about (but should try to fit in your visit to the Bridge area).

Here’s our list of the top 5 musts for spring in New River Gorge Bridge country.

1. Drive the Gorge

Take a trip down old State Rt. 82 from the north side to the south. You can start at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and take advantage of the overlooks and the interpretive center there. Once traveling through the Gorge, there are great spots to get pictures of the Bridge. Be sure to stop at the bottom and watch rafts run Fayette Station rapid. There’s also a pull-off on the south side with a bridge over Wolf Creek and a hiking trail to the old Kaymoor Mines, if you want to stretch your legs.

2. Swirl Ice Cream Parlor

Located in downtown Fayetteville, this ice cream shop has lots of toys and goodies for kids you probably haven’t seen in years. Retro trinkets and toys are on display and available for purchase here. And oh yeah, they have great hand-dipped ice cream too.

3. Take flight in a WWII Biplane

Wild Blue Adventure Company Biplane

Wild Blue Adventure Company offers biplane rides over the Gorge in an authentic WWII Biplane. With an open cockpit, you’ll have great views of the Gorge from Thurmond to Fayetteville. Make sure you hang on. It’s a wild ride.

4. Long Point Trail

Just a couple of miles outside of Fayetteville, this 3.2 mile round trip hike will give you a wonderful view of the New River and the Bridge. If you’re looking for more hiking there, are also trails that branch off the main trail that can take you to Fayetteville, Fayette Station Road or the Kaymoor mines. This trail is a local favorite, so you know it’s worth the hike.

5. New River Jet Boats

Docked on the New River just below Hawks Nest State Park Lodge, this is another fun and interesting way to enjoy the river and see the Bridge. You can access the Jet Boat dock area by either riding the tram from Hawks Nest Lodge to the river or driving down Mill Creek out of Ansted. Either way, the trip on Miss M. Rocks is a great way to enjoy a little time on the New River and a wonderful view of the Bridge. This is an especially great option for those who aren’t able to raft the New River.

So this spring (or on your next visit to the Gorge), try one of these unique activities.

What are your ‘must-do’ adventures in the New River Gorge?

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Visitor Information, West Virginia Adventure | 1 Comment »

Before the New River Gorge Bridge

Friday, April 13th, 2012

By Ashley Thomas

Most local West Virginians who are over the age of 40 can remember the days before the New River Gorge Bridge was built. Even though I was a young child, I have lots of memories of making the trek through the Gorge, watching the growth of this grand structure as the building process progressed from each side to meet in the middle.

I lived in Fayetteville, but my great grandparents lived in Edmond. At least one Sunday a month we would go to their house for supper. This would involve a 35-minute trip to get to their house, most of which was navigating the crooked road that everyone used to take through the Gorge. That trip now takes about 9 minutes, aided by the 40-second trip across the New River Gorge Bridge.

Building the New River Gorge Bridge

Through The Gorge

The road through the Gorge is State Route 82, and other than going down Rt. 16 to Rt. 60, it was one of the only ways to get across the 900-foot deep canyon.  For anyone who has driven through the Gorge since the Fayette Station Bridge was rebuilt and the road was reopened, the drive feels different now.  The mostly one-way route that now exists makes for very easy driving.

It is hard for some to picture this route as a two-lane road that once had a lot of traffic. Passenger vehicles, coal and log trucks, and all kinds of tractor trailers once had to navigate this narrow mountain passage. One reason the trip took so long is that driving very quickly was treacherous. Around any curve you might have met a large vehicle that was taking up a lot of the road.

Fun or Fear? Both!

As a young child, I always found that driving through the Gorge closely resembled a carnival ride, one loaded with twists and turns and excitement.  I always tried to ride on the side of the car where I would have the best view of the Gorge. I could see straight down the steep sides of cliffs. More than once I thought about how crazy a tumble to the bottom would be.

The author's family in the Gorge

The road was so narrow in many spots that in order to maximize it’s width, it was necessary to eliminate a guardrail. This always added to the excitement. Nothing like knowing that there is nothing between you and the edge.

Riding on the inside didn’t feel much safer. Looking straight up the mountain at rocks and logs precariously balanced above the road, I was always sure one was about to let go and crush the car. You can get that same feeling today, if you really want. Just look up the hill next time you drive through and some of those same rocks are still perched there. 35 years later they still haven’t moved (thank goodness).

There’s no doubt the Bridge has made travel in this area easier , but when you have time, take a drive through the Gorge on Rt. 82.  Think about how that was once one of the only ways to cross the New River. I take my girls on drives through the Gorge every chance I get. They love it as much as I always have.

Do you remember the Gorge before the Bridge was built?  Tell us about it in the comments!

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in People of Bridge Day, Visitor Information, West Virginia Adventure | No Comments »

Zipping Around the Bridge

Friday, April 6th, 2012

Bridge Day offers folks the possibility of riding on the High Line, a 600 foot harnessed trip on a rope from the Bridge to the side of the Gorge. This experience is very similar to a zip line. The only difference is that the High Line uses a belayed rope to help control participants’ speed.

Zip lines are becoming increasingly popular in West Virginia and beyond.  Luckily for us, there are four Gorge-area zip lines, and another line is being constructed on the Bechtel Summit Boy Scout property.

Let’s take a look at area zip lines so you can choose one to visit when you’re here for Bridge Day.

The Burning Rock Express Dual-Racing Zip Line

What is a Zip Line

A zip line is a set of ropes or cables strung between two objects. These ropes or cables contain enough vertical drop from start to finish to allow a pulley to move swiftly on the lines.

Zip line riders, (aka ‘zippers’), wear a harness that is connected to a pulley and lanyard system. The pulley is attached to the tensioned line, and the vertical difference from the starting point to the ending point supplies the momentum to move you along the line. You hang suspended from the line over the length of the zip. Sounds fun, doesn’t it?

The length and speed of zip lines vary depending on how they were designed. There are two distinct differences in lines here in the Gorge.  Let’s take a look.

The Gorge Zip Lines

TreeTops Canopy Tour is located at Adventures On The Gorge. It has 10 zips, varying in distance from 100 feet to 730 feet. It also contains 5 cable bridges, 3 short hikes and a rappel. It takes about 4 hours to complete, so plan your day accordingly.

The Zip Line Canopy Tour is at ACE Adventure Resort. It is also a network of zips that keep participants in the air for over a mile. It also offers side-by-side zip racing, and has one long zip that is well over 800 feet. A 250 foot skybridge and dual 45 foot plunge lines round out this tour.

Gravity is also an Adventures On The Gorge activity, and is zip lining at its fastest (and most adventurous). These zips are designed with speed in mind and go from ridge top to ridge top. The longest zip is 3,100 feet, with speeds that can approach 60 mph. It also has zips of 1,600 feet and 1,300 feet, so you’ll get plenty of zip time. This one is definitely for the adrenaline junkies who like to go fast.

The Burning Rock Express Dual-Racing Zip Line is at Burning Rock Outdoor Adventure Park. It is a double racing zip line that just lets it rip. At over 2,500 feet and speeds that approach 60 mph, this zip line will definitely get your attention. Although it is just one zip, it’s a great, exciting addition to the 100+ miles of ATV trails at Burning Rock.

We’re lucky to have so many great opportunities to enjoy a zip line (or 10) around here. It’s a unique adventure that you should make part of your next Gorge vacation, during Bridge Day weekend or any other time of year.

And if you love zip lines, maybe you should consider signing up to do the High Line next Bridge Day. It may not be as fast, but hanging 600 feet over the Gorge is a whole different kind of exhilaration.

Are you ready to zip?

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Bridge Day Events, Visitor Information, West Virginia Adventure, Zip Line | No Comments »

Explore the Gorge at Canyon Rim Visitor Center

Thursday, March 15th, 2012

With a front row seat to the New River Gorge and the Bridge, Canyon Rim Visitor Center is a must-see when you’re visiting the New River Gorge National River. Located just on the North side of the New River Gorge Bridge, the center sees an estimated 300,000 people every year.

The Center provides information about the recreational, natural, cultural and historical values of the park. There is a staff of interpretive rangers that man the center and provide information about the park and its resources. And bonus: it provides a couple of the nicest views of the Gorge and the Bridge from multiple overlooks.

Let’s take a little deeper look at what this center means to the Park and its visitors.

Canyon Rim Visitor's Center

Inside the Center

The building itself houses a great mini-museum with photographs and exhibits collected from the people, towns and coal industry that inhabited the Gorge for so many years. Other displays focus on the natural history of the area. There is an auditorium that runs two permanent videos, and special features and programs rotate through from time to time.

There is also a gift shop that sells publications specific to the park and surrounding area. They have a great selection of books on the natural and cultural history of the area.  There are plenty of fun items for the kids.  And, you’ll find plenty of books on recreation and maps to help you navigate the New River Gorge.

Outside and Beyond

In addition to the great overlooks at Canyon Rim, the Park Service plays host to a number of events and activities throughout the year. Many of these events are based out of Canyon Rim or take place on the property. Guided, informative nature hikes, birding sessions, wildflower walks and many events geared specifically towards children are offered throughout the year.

Coming up in the next few months at Canyon Rim:

  • Earth Day Celebration, April 21st. The NPS will have a booth set up in Fayetteville as part of the Earth Day celebration in town.
  • Wildflower Weekend, April 27-29. Several programs and hikes at different locations in and around the park will be offered focusing on the spring wildflowers of the Gorge.
  • Water Safety Weekend, May 26-28. With summer just around the corner, the NPS will conduct programs dealing directly with safety while in or around the water.

And many more events will be scheduled soon at Canyon Rim..  Visit the Center’s website to check the calendar periodically for updates, or call 304-574-2115 for more information.

The New River Gorge is an amazing place and has so much to see (and do!). Make sure you’re taking advantage of all the Gorge has to offer. Canyon Rim Visitor Center is a great place to start.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Visitor Information, West Virginia Adventure | No Comments »

Bring Your Appetite to Bridge Day

Friday, August 5th, 2011

When you think of Bridge Day, the images that might come to mind are of colorful parachutes, rappelers dangling precariously below the New River Gorge Bridge, and the iconic arch itself.

Bridge Day celebrates an engineering marvel and the spirit of adventure.  But it is also a celebration of food.  Yes, you heard that right.  Food plays a big role in the event.

Three Ways to Get in Touch with Your Inner Foodie at Bridge Day

Local Fare

Fayetteville, West Virginia can tickle your tastebuds like no other small town.  With a population of only 2.500, this place packs a serious culinary-punch.  It’s just down the road from the Bridge, so you can’t miss it.  Here are a few options:

  • Pies & Pints Pizzeria – Unique pizza that’s been recognized by the Food Network as the Best in West Virginia.  Great local brews on tap as well.
  • Diogi’s – Authentic Mexcian/Central American food in a really cool atmosphere.  Be sure to try the carnitas!
  • The Vandalian – Contemporary American fare with a twist.  Keep an eye out for the availability of Burger & Sushi night.  It’s become a local favorite.
  • Cathedral Cafe – Hearty, breakfast awesomeness served up in what was once a church.  Great array of craft items too.
  • Gumbo’s – Cajun Food. Real Cajun Food!

 

Taste of Bridge Day

Think the list above sounds good?  Imagine most of them (plus more) all in one place at a competition to serve up the best dish.  It’s like a foodie fantasy come true.

Oh yeah…and you get to taste them!  The evening before Bridge Day, you can join us for the annual Taste of Bridge Day presented by WOAY at Smokey’s on the Gorge.  There, restaurants will be showcasing signature dishes in tasting portions.

Simply show up, buy some tickets (from $1-$5 each) and enjoy.

Funnel Cake = Deliciousness

 

On the Bridge

If we could make Bridge Day scratch and sniff stickers they’d sell like funnel cakes.

You’ll find decadence in the carnival fare on the Bridge, like deep fried Oreos, Twinkies and yes, everyone’s favorite – funnel cake!

Event staples like hot dogs, pizza and burgers?  Check.  Unique vegetarian options?  Check.

You’ll also have no problem finding delicious slow-cooked barbecue; simply follow the scent of the sweet smoke.  Or perhaps fajitas or gyros are your thing.  They’ll be there too.

See, Bridge Day is a celebration of food (and oh yeah, people parachuting off a Bridge).  Better bring your appetite.

What’s your favorite Bridge Day food?  Tell us in the comments.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Bridge Day Events, Taste of Bridge Day, Visitor Information | No Comments »

Can You Win The Bridge Day Scavenger Hunt?

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

UPDATE: Subaru Bridge Day Scavenger Hunt Rules are now available.

It depends: are you going to Bridge Day (the largest 1 day event in West Virginia)?

If so, there’s a chance.

treasure map (scavenger hunt flyer by ryanrocketship on flickr creative commons)

Like this, but with the New River Gorge Bridge

Here’s the rundown- Subaru (our awesome flagship sponsor) is hosting a scavenger hunt -that’s right, a scavenger hunt- on the bridge.  It’s open to all BASE jumpers, rappellers, funnel cake eaters, official t-shirt wearers, and pretty much anybody that comes to Bridge Day.

What’s the prize, you ask?  Try $1000 cash.

Cool, huh? 2nd place gets $500. 3rd gets $250 dollars. All you have to do is make it to bridge day, have a cell phone that you can text from, and be willing and able to have a little fun.  Seriously.  That’s it.

It’s going to work like this:

  • The Subaru folks will hide 5 (and only 5) codes at different places around the bridge.
  • You’ll get a clue that describes where you’ll find the first code.
  • When you find code #1 and text it in, you’ll get a clue for code #2.
  • If you’re the first person to text in all five codes, you win.

You can sign up by going to the Official Bridge Day website and entering your name and phone number over in the sidebar.  The first clue goes out to everyone on the list at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 16th, 2010 (that’s Bridge Day, y’all).

So, what do you think?  Do you have what it takes to, um, text some stuff?  If so, Subaru and Bridge Day are ready to join you for some fun.

Come get your scavenger hunt on, everyone.  See you there.

UPDATE:  The scavenger hunt is limited to the first 2oo applicants.  Better hurry :-)

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Bridge Day Events | No Comments »

5 Reasons Why Subaru Rocks

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

Hey, guess what?

Subaru is the flagship sponsor for Bridge Day West Virginia 2010.

Don't try this at home.

Don't try this at home.

Right.  Subaru.  The folks that did this.  And built this.

How cool is that?  Wait, wait… I know the answer…  VERY cool.  Sorry, but Subys flat out rock.  They run forever, go anywhere, look cool, and did I mention they run forever (almost)?

It’s really a perfect fit for Bridge Day, too.  They’re not hugely popular in New York and L.A., but hey, neither are we.  That’s okay; people in the mountains know what works (I’m kind of a fan, if you haven’t guessed).

Here’s a list of 5 reasons why Subaru rocks:

1. Attitude Or really, I should say non-attitude; they’re the opposite of showing off.  Pretty good on the fuel consumption, but more than that, it’s a feeling of independence.  That’s it: Subaru drivers are independent.

2. Looks They’re cool looking, but, again, not showy.  Lots of room for kids, dogs, parachutes, rope, bikes, skis, snowboards, skateboards, inflatable pool toys, apples, and kayaks.

3. Green-i-ness Every Subaru made comes for a factory that produces ZERO landfill waste.  And the Suby plant in Indiana was named… wait for it… a wildlife habitat.  Clearly, they’re on to something that resonates with their target market (read: you).

4. Performance Did you watch those video links?  These things can climb trees.  Nothing better for winter in the Appalachian high country than a dependable four wheel drives that’s all that under the hood.

5. Community Subaru sponsors all kinds of cool organizations, like the National Ski Patrol, the Professional Ski Instructors of America, and the International Mountain Biking Association Trail Care Crew.  And, y’know, us.

Hey, looks like Bridge Day is in pretty good company.  Make sure you stop by the Subaru booth to say hi.  They’re going to have a ton of swag to give out, and some great discounts on new cars (c’mon, you know you want one).

So what about you?  Love your Subaru?  Let us know in the comments.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Bridge Day Events | 2 Comments »

Bridge Day - Its all about you

Everything you need to know about the festival is here

Offical Apps

Photo gallery

  • Bridge-Day-West-VirginiaPA151557-8a11e35d7e5982085e6ee7ad26a7b6a0.jpg
  • Bridge-Day-West-VirginiaPA151323-80910e16e1965585c188f6c3e0348544.jpg
  • Bridge-Day-West-VirginiaPA141456-5eba4962df1ce69bb160fa57599c6e29.jpg
  • Bridge-Day-West-VirginiaPA141334-354d0e51bb64fc40fbac6bfd0a3c89f1.jpg
  • PA168550-5fb0cb8c26a8fe7cea09cab4016ec57f.jpg
  • Bridge-Day-West-VirginiaPA140561.jpg

QUICK LINKS

VENDORS, SPONSORS, MEDIA

OFFICAL BRIDGE DAY FESTIVAL

310 Oyler Ave Oak Hill WV 25901
Toll-Free:
800-927-0263
Email:
bridgeday@officialbridgeday.com