West Virginia Explorer

New River Gorge Bridge

Sunset in the New River Gorge, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Wendy Parks Scott

Sunset in the New River Gorge by Wendy Parks Scott, featuring the New River Gorge Bridge

Arching across the gorge of the New River at 3,030 feet from rim to rim, the New River Gorge Bridge, built in 1978 was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013 (though most landmarks are not admitted to the list until they are at least 50 years old). The landmark span, located just north of Fayetteville, West Virginia, in Fayette County, towers 876 feet (267 meters) above the New River.


New River Gorge Bridge from Lansing, WV, Fayette County, New River Gorge Region

Wayside at New River Gorge Bridge

The bridge opened the New River Gorge Region of southern West Virginia to interstate commerce. Before the span opened, motorists were routed through narrow winding roads or through other areas of the state.

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The sun sets beyond the New River Gorge Bridge in southern West Virginia. (Photo courtesy Wendy Parks Scott)

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