New River Gorge Bridge Day - An Annual Extreme Sports Festival in West Virginia

By Sheridan Alexander

Southeast US Travel Expert, about.com

About the New River Gorge Bridge Day Festival:

Bridge Day, held annually on the third Saturday in October at the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayette County, West Virginia, is the largest BASE jumping event in the world and West Virginia’s largest single-day event. For six hours during the festival, the New River Gorge Bridge is the launching point for BASE jumps, rappelling teams and high line rides.

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This popular extreme sports event draws hundreds of BASE jumpers from around the world and close to 100,000 spectators. And, Bridge Day is the only day of the year that pedestrians are permitted to walk onto the bridge. Other options for spectators include viewing the events of the day from the bottom of the New River Gorge by signing up in advance for a special Bridge Day Down Under Tour.

Other Bridge Day Festivities:

Weekend festivities surrounding the main event add to the fun, including:

• Taste of Bridge Day - a chance to sample West Virginia cuisine and food products
• Harvest Celebration and Quilt Show
• Hundreds of Bridge Day Vendors - featuring crafts, souvenirs, food and refreshments
• A Car Show
• A Pancake Breakfast
• Entertainment and more

Prohibited Items:

Prohibited items include dogs, backpacks, coolers, large handbags, bicycles, skates, skateboards, wagons, weapons, fireworks, illegal Drugs, and alcoholic beverages.

[post_ads]About the New River Gorge Bridge:

Dedicated and officially opened on October 22, 1977, the New River Gorge Bridge spans 1,700 feet with an overall length of 3,030 feet and is the longest single arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere and the second longest in the world. At 876 feet high, it is the second highest bridge in the United States. It is owned by the West Virginia Department of Highways. The first New River Gorge Bridge Day was held on November 8, 1980.

Additional Information:

For additional information about Bridge Day and related articles, visit:

• Bridge Day Area Hotels - Rates, Reviews and Reservations
• Official Bridge Day Festival Website
• Parking and Shuttles Information
• West Virginia Fall Travel