Seeing the sights from a mountain pass or from a scenic overlook is one thing, but the views from a bridge more than 800 feet in the air is something else entirely.
The New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville is a sight to see, and a short path from a hill above the roadway leads to an overlook you probably didn't even know existed.
The path begins on the north side of the bridge at the Canyon Rim Visitor’s Center. From there, you will see your first magnificent view of the bridge.
A short hike through the woods leads you to the bridge itself.
The trail will take you out of the woods and along an open hillside to a steel walkway hidden beneath the bridge. This walkway serves as an overlook like no other in the state.
Once you arrive at the bridge, your tour guide will hook you into a steel safety cable than runs the entire length of the bridge. This safety tether connects to a harness you must wear during the walk.
The walkway runs the entire 3,030 foot span of the bridge, providing views that overlook the entire valley from a perspective not possible anywhere else.
The New River rushes out for hundreds of miles in either direction. There a few people who can see the river from this perspective.
But instead of looking out, have a seat and look down. This is a true overlook: your feet dangling directly above the valley itself. Not to worry, though - you will be in your tethered harness for the entire walk beneath the bridge.
If you have a good camera, you can really zoom in on the rushing river below. The New River is a popular destination for boating - whether in a raft, kayak or canoe - so don't be surprised if you see more than just water down below.
Any way you slice it, this bridge walk is a hidden gem for seeing the beautiful New Valley Gorge in a way that is safe and absolutely breathtaking.
The Canyon Rim Visitors Center is also connected to a forest path that leads to several other overlooks along the bridge's north side. The center is located at 162 Visitor Center Rd. in Lansing.
For more information about the bridge walk, visit their website here.
Have you seen the view from this hidden overlook? Did you even know there was a path hiding beneath the road? Feel free to comment below and join the discussion.
The New River Gorge Bridge is the most iconic structure in the state. Did you ever wonder what it looked like while it was being built? Check out these 5 rare photos of the the bridge during its construction that will simply astound you.
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