All About Bridge Day
Bridge Day, held annually on the third Saturday of October is the largest single day festival in the state of West Virginia. Celebrated since 1980, this annual event showcases the New River Gorge and promotes tourism to the area. Over the years, the event has grown significantly now attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year. Featuring a range of activities including a 5K run, vendors, BASE jumping, rappelling and even a controlled zipline known as the Highline, the event has something for everyone, except bungee jumping. We don’t do that. Below are the answers to some important questions to consider before you come.
When does the party start? Kick off the weekend the Friday night before Bridge Day enjoying Taste Of Bridge Day. Held at Adventures on The Gorge, it is the perfect way to sample various foods from the region without having to pay for a full meal. Learn more about Taste of Bridge Day and get your tickets here.. Bridge Day happens from 9AM-3PM on the third Saturday of October and is immediately followed by the Bridge Day Chili Cookoff beginning at 3 PM in downtown Fayetteville.
Do I need tickets to come to Bridge Day? Nope. Bridge Day is a free event managed by the New River Gorge Bridge Day Commission and the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce. It’s supported by numerous volunteers.
Can I drive across the bridge during the event? No, only those integral to the event are allowed to drive across the bridge during the event. If you need to cross from one side of the river to the other, you need to plan to do so before 7:00 AM or after 5:00 PM, otherwise you will need to take the detour
Where do I park? Your best option is to spend $5 cash per person and utilize the Park & Ride buses at the parking lots found here. These buses are the best way to get to the event as you know your car is legally parked and the bus will take you directly to the entrance of the event saving you lots of time and walking as well as return you to your vehicle at the end of your day.
What does an Into The Gorge pass include? An Into The Gorge pass allows you to take a shuttle from within the event on the bridge to the beach area below to watch the BASE jumpers as they land. These tickets are an added experience and not required to enjoy the event as you’ll be able to see the BASE jumpers from the top of the bridge as well. These tickets sell out early, and the only other way to get to the bottom is by hiking down the 3 mile (one way) road with an elevation drop of close to 1000 feet. You can learn more about Into The Gorge here.
Can I BASE jump? Do you meet all of the requirements listed here? If so, then yes, by registering here. If not, and you’re under 170 lbs, consider a tandem BASE jump. During a tandem jump you are attached to an experienced BASE jumper who controls the experience and ensures a safe landing.
Can I rappel? Rappelling teams are selected by signing up here. Make sure to read the website to learn if you meet the qualifications before signing up. Outside of rappelling, there is also the opportunity to participate in the Bridge Day High Line which is a speed controlled zipline giving you the opportunity to take in the sights while dropping 300 feet and traveling 600-700 feet.
So prepare for a beautiful day in the New River Gorge watching BASE jumpers and Rappellers as they leave the New River Gorge Bridge. Enjoy the 200+ vendors as you walk Rt. 19 taking in the scenery that Southern West Virginia has to offer on the third Saturday of October every year.
We’ll see ya out there!