A Visit to the New River Gorge Bridge – Exploring the Heart of West Virginia’s Mountain Majesty

A Visit to the New River Gorge Bridge - Exploring the Heart of West Virginia's Mountain Majesty

by a.d. elliott | Take the Back Roads – Art & Other Odd Adventures

Dear Henry,

We recently took a road trip to see the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia. Let me tell you all about it.

At 53 miles long and 1,000 feet deep, the New River Valley Gorge is the longest and deepest gorge in the Appalachian Mountains. Its name, "New," is somewhat of a misnomer, as this is one of the oldest rivers on the North American continent, and no one is entirely sure where the name originated.  Some sources claim that it is a translation of the Native American name for the river. In contrast, other sources suggest that as Euro-American settlers moved west, they referred to this river as "new" each time they encountered it. 

Historically, this was part of coal mining territory. However, after the bridge was built and a National Preserve was created, the area also began to see an increase in whitewater rafting and other outdoor recreation. 

"If you love a bridge, you must also love the abyss beneath it."

- Mehmet Murat Ildan

Construction began on the bridge in 1974. It was designed by Michael Baker Jr. and consists of a single arch that spans 3,030 feet. The construction of the bridge required 3,800 tons of steel and 23,000 cubic feet of concrete. The finished bridge weighs in at 88 million pounds. Construction was completed, and the bridge opened on October 22, 1977. The bridge has become the symbol of West Virginia and is featured on the state quarter. It is the longest single-span bridge in the Western Hemisphere and the third-highest bridge in the US.  

The bridge is closed to pedestrian traffic, except on the annual Bridge Day, which takes place on the third Saturday of October each year. On that day, base jumping is also allowed.

The bridge was a boon for the towns of Fayetteville and Lansing. While the two towns are only 3.5 miles apart, as the crow flies, before the bridge's construction, it would take nearly 40 minutes to commute between them, as one had to descend into the canyon, cross the river, and then climb up the other side. 

"The bridge is a world in itself."

- Thomas Lloyd Qualls

The National Park Service has a visitor's center on the Lansing side, complete with an overlook, that explains the history and construction of the bridge. We hiked around that area before taking the guided driving tour down the side of the mountain and through the area's mining history, and then splashed around in the New River on the other side.   

However, it is essential to note that mining activity remains prevalent in this area, and active railways run through the gorge. You must pay attention and not stand idle on any of the rails in the area.

This was a great historical field trip, featuring numerous breathtaking views. It is an easy drive from the Roanoke area, and best of all, it's free!

Check out the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/yBbBzuFIsBg

xoxo a.d. elliott

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a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia. 

In addition to her travel writings at www.takethebackroads.com, you can also read her book reviews at www.riteoffancy.com and US military biographies at www.everydaypatriot.com

Her online photography gallery can be found at shop.takethebackroads.com

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