Would You Walk Under New River Gorge Bridge In West Virginia?

West Virginia is without a doubt, a hiker’s paradise. From boardwalk trails to hikes that lead to expansive overlooks, each one is unique. But there is one walk that is the ultimate Mountain State adventure. Experience one-of-a-kind panoramic scenery and an epic adrenaline rush on the New River Gorge Bridge Walk. Hike across the catwalk below the 13th highest bridge in the world for the walk of a lifetime. The real question is, would you walk under the New River Gorge Bridge?

The New River Gorge Bridge is a national landmark in engineering. Spanning 3,030 feet, it is the third-longest single-arch bridge in the world! Not only is the bridge long, but it's also high - the 3rd highest in the nation. The height of this massive behemoth is 876 feet! The only two bridges to beat that are in Nevada and Colorado. The one in Colorado is called the Royal Gorge Bridge and that sits 955 feet tall.

On average more than 16,000 vehicles cross this steel wonder every day but many don't realize that you can actually walk below the road's surface and cross the bridge by foot. As fun, as it is to drive this scenic and iconic bridge walking underneath it, is a wholly different experience.

25 feet below the bridge is a catwalk that crosses the entire 3,030 feet of the bridge. Bridge Walk offers stomach-dropping, heart-pounding, breathtaking guided tours across this catwalk. This catwalk isn't designed for the faint of heart.

While it might make you weak in the knees to think about taking this hike - it's perfectly safe. The catwalk is two feet wide with railings and you'll be harnessed to a safety cable. which can be a mild comfort for some.

Walk one way across the bridge and then be shuttled back by bus. The tours last 2-3 hours moving along at a leisurely pace so you can enjoy your time high above the gorge. You will want to take it at a slow pace to just enjoy the whole experience.

The scenery is absolutely spectacular and you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the views and take pictures. The guides will also photograph you during your brave crossing so you have proof to go along with bragging rights. You will want prove after completing such an epic feat.

If you only take one walk this year, make it this one. You can't get views of the New River Gorge like this from anywhere else in the Mountain State. Our national park is truly gorgeous and nothing else quite helps make the experience like walking across the New River Gorge Bridge.

Are you to embark on the adventure of a lifetime on this magnificent New River Gorge Bridge Walk?

Address: 57 Fayette Mine Road, Lansing, West Virginia 25862

Well, what do you think of taking a walk under the New River Gorge Bridge? Have you ever taken this bridge walk? Were you shaking in your boots or did you find it an easy-breezy experience? Let us know in the comments section below!

If you want to prepare yourself before this heart-pounding epic adventure check out this video from YouTuber RVA Hiker Girl:

While you are in the area make sure to check out the little town of Fayetteville for plenty of other, and less scary, things to do.

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Things To Do In New River Gorge National Park

Chris Dodge | March 31, 2023

What are some of the best things to do in New River Gorge National Park?

Here are some of our recommendations for some of the best things to do in New River Gorge National Park:

Take in the views from the Canyon Rim Visitors Center Overlook
See Sandstone Falls
Learn about the old coal mines in places like the abandoned town of Thurmond

All of these and more can be found in our article on why New River Gorge is a must-see

Other helpful links for your New River Gorge National Park adventure:

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Take The Stomach-Dropping New River Gorge Bridge Walk In West Virginia

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