One of the best fall spectator events in the East is Bridge Day in Fayetteville County, WV, when base jumpers leap off the New River Gorge Bridge legally, and rappellers zip down their lines toward the water below. The annual Bridge Day, held during the October fall foliage season, is one of the most colorful extreme sport events in the world.
The event is a people-watching circus, with more than 200,000 expected to attend. Some watch while standing on the bridge, others from rafts in the water below. During the two-hour gorge tours you'll see the jumpers from a different perspective.
This annual festival commemorates the completion of the bridge, which chopped a 40-minute drive on mountain roads to cross the New River into a 45-second trip. The bridge has the longest steel arch span in the western hemisphere.
When to Go?
Bridge Day is an annual event that is held on the third Saturday in October. This year, it is Saturday, October 15, 2011 and the activities actually start on Friday. It takes place at the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville County, West Virginia. The dates are listed on the Web site.
What's It Going to Cost Me?
Nothing for spectators on the bridge. Outfitters offer raft trips so you can watch the happenings from the water. Cost varies. Gorge tours are available. Fees to BASE jump or rappel are significant. Register well in advance. Base jumpers must have made 50 sky divers or BASE jumps.
Want to Learn More?
Visit the official Bridge Day site to learn more about the event and obtain information about the registration requirements for base jumpers and rappellers.
Visit New River, West Virginia to learn more about places to stay and outfitters offering raft trips.
