Recently while in West Virginia, we visited the New River Gorge Bridge and found out that it’s now part of the US Park Service! We’ve been over this bridge many times, and have even stopped to check out the visitor’s center, but on this trip we took some time to see much more.

The views from the bridge are amazing! Before it was built, it used to take 45 minutes drive from one side of the gorge to the other. Now it takes about a minute! The small bridge in the distance is the one folks used to use to cross the river. We planned to drive the old route today and see the bridge from down there.

On the way down we got to see the structure from many different angles. There is a geometric beauty about this bridge, which at one time was the longest steel arch bridge in the country (world?). It is made from Corten steel which never needs painting. Once a fine layer of surface rust forms, the corrosion goes no further, saving money in maintenance. There are even catwalk tours for people who want to walk the length of the bridge along the underside of the deck.

The park itself is gorgeous, with many ways to enjoy the scenery, including hiking, rafting, kayaking, or just sitting at the water’s edge in peace. They even close the bridge for one day in October to allow BASE jumping and bungee jumping! But given the height, I think I’ll just watch.

And here’s the proof that we made it all the way to the bottom. The height of the bridge looks even more amazing from below. If you’re ever traveling along Route 19 in West Virginia (between Beckley and Clarksburg), be sure to stop for a breathtaking moment at the New River Gorge Bridge. You’ll be glad you did.

Novels by James Crawford –

Mariner Valley – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0141N9UXO

Seed of Aldebaran – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SHXTRMP

AlCent Sagas Book One: Formation – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQ5C3TQT

AlCent Sagas Book Two: Revelation – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2FRH6Q8

A Noble Paradise – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QG6LZ10