The Other New River Gorge Bridges

The New River Gorge Bridge might be our favorite bridge of the Gorge, but it\'s not, by far, the only one. There are several tucked into these rolling mountains that you should stop and see on your trip.

Here are just a few other bridges you might want to add to your checklist:

Bridge At Thurmond Among the ruins of this Gorge ghost town, follow the tracks to an old rail bridge. Watch out for traffic, as the bridge still sees the occasional vehicle, but venture out onto the bridge and peer between the grate to get a unique glimpse of the rushing river below.

Glade Creek Trail Footbridge Crossing over Glade Creek about 3 miles from the New River, this bridge gives you a great view of the kayakers who paddle the creek\'s numerous small waterfalls, and leads you toward some of the best fishing in the area. The moderate, 5.6-mile trail snakes along an abandoned railroad.

Bridge to Glade Creek Grist Mill, Babcock State Park You can argue over what the prettiest sight in the Gorge is, but the Grist Mill holds the crowd favorite crown for most-photographed area in the entire state. From the parking lot, you can cross a small bridge over he creek to the old, still-churning mill. For a unique angle of the bridge, try the view from the underbelly: hop (carefully!) across the natural bridge of rocks across the stream.

Hawk\'s Nest Rail Trail Bridges, Hawk\'s Nest State Park Head out from the Hawk\'s Nest Nature Center, and bike or walk this easy 1.8-mile gravel path. You\'ll cross over two trestles between waterfall sightings. You can use the path to continue down to the riverbed, or circle back on the aerial tram.

Hughes Bridge, Summersville, WV Taking traffic across the Summersville Lake, the Hughes Bridge gets its name from a historic bridge that once crossed the Gauley River. The views are so spectacular around the bridge that area explorers have stashed many geocaches in the area to encourage you to stop and take a moment to look around and seek them out.

Sandstone Falls Boardwalk A scenic riverside drive will lead you to a boardwalk and bridge system that spans out into the wilderness, and stretches in front of the cascading Sandstone Falls for a close-up view. The falls are short in height, but they cover more than 1500 feet length-wise. Signs along the boardwalk explain local flora, some of which is rare to see, sprouting up only a few places in the state.

Which off-the-beaten-path Gorge area bridge is your favorite?