West Virginia Bridge day

3rd Staurday in October

Probably one of the biggest festivals in the State. Close to 250,000 people will travel to Fayette County and watch people parachute off the 876 feet toward the rough New River below.

Rt. 19 is closed for the day and visitors are able to walk across the bridge as BASE jumpers plunge off the edge of the bridge.

Security is big. There are FBI, Federal Marshals, State Police, Army and County Police present. Backpacks and large handbags are not allowed on the bridge.

Most people watch the action on the bridge, but watching the jumpers from below is much better. You are able to watch the jump, flight and landings. The landings are the best part, as the divers try to steer their chute over the river, between trees and into a small rocky clearing. I'd guess 25% land in the cold river!

Getting to the bottom is a 4.5 mile hike down under the bridge (9 mile round trip). When you get about 1/2 way down, you can hear the jumpers opening their chutes. It really sounds cool. You also get a nice view of people rappelling off the bridge. Riding a bicycle down would make it much better.

The event is located along Rt. 19 - Close to fayetteville, WV. If traveling through Summersville, be careful to obey the posted speed signs as the Summersville police love to write tickets!

Visitors can also spend the day on a raft trip. The area is also home to Babcock State Park, Grandview State Park and Hawks Nest State Park.

Read about the 2006 Bride Day Tragedy