Where to Watch Bridge Day

Trying to decide where to watch the Bridge Day action? Here\'s a look at where you\'re allowed to go to view the BASE jumpers.

The first thing you should know is that many of the main trails through the New River Gorge with Bridge overlooks are closed off for security. Military personnel are posted throughout the Gorge to keep anyone from interrupting the festivities, and to keep you safe.

But there are other options.

Here are 6 off-the-bridge locales to set up to watch the Bridge Day fun:

1. The Canyon Rim Visitor\'s Center

The Canyon Rim Visitors Center has a back viewing deck, as well as a boardwalk that goes downstairs to two other viewing decks. They\'re easy to access, but might get crowded.

2. Walking to the Bottom

The trails are closed, but the roads are open. If you want to get the view from below, you can walk Fayette Station Road to the bottom of the Gorge. It\'s 4.5 miles down, and remember: if you take the trek down, you\'ll have to walk back up, too.

3. Shuttling to the bottom

If that\'s too much walking for you, you can shuttle to the bottom. Hometown Subaru Into the Gorge Shuttles run from both ends of the bridge to the bottom. But, you have to make reservations beforehand. To reserve a seat, call the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce at 800-927-0263. Or, take a Down Under Tour with lunch included.

4. Adventures On The Gorge

Adventures on the Gorge resort is located on the rim of the canyon, and they have a pool and two restaurants with decks that overlook the bridge. Grab some pub fare at Chetty\'s, or sit down for a gourmet Appalachian breakfast buffet from Smokey\'s on the Gorge, and sit outside on the patio while the jumpers make their leap. Be sure to ask the resort staff about other views on campus.

5. Rafting

Don\'t just watch the action, be a part of it. Take a whitewater rafting trip down the Lower New River, and in addition to a wild ride down the river, you\'ll get to paddle right under the bridge and watch the jumpers as you pass. (And, hey, the Gauley River will also be open for the weekend. And this year\'s scheduled water releases will be higher than ever before!)

6. Jetboating

Catch the boat view, but without the paddling and getting pounded by waves. Head to Hawk\'s Nest State Park, and Captain Rick can give you a tour on the New River Jetboats. And, you\'ll also get a great scenic view of the Gorge area from above, because the trip to the boat begins with a ride down the aerial tramway.

Where are you watching Bridge Day?