New River Gorge Bridge

Yesterday, during the white water raft trip, we were able to see the New River Gorge bridge from a different perspective, below it. Today we went to the vistor's center for the New River National River area to learn some information about it and the area. We also got an excellent view of the bridge. The New River Gorge Bridge is a steel-arch bridge. It has a length of 3030 feet (924 m), it was for many years the longest in the world of that type. Its arch extends 1700 feet (518 m).Many locals say, with little exaggeration, that completion of the bridge cut the travel time from one side of the gorge to another from 45 minutes to 45 seconds. Check out the 18-wheelers on top.

The bridge is the centerpiece of Fayette County's "Bridge Day," during which the bridge is closed to vehicular traffic. This festival includes BASE jumping and is held in October. Yikes!