*As published in North Canton Living December 2025
The canopy was carefully examined and folded. Go Pros were checked and rechecked. The group moved carefully into line reminiscing about their more than thirty years of base jumping. I quietly followed snapping pics as the energy rose and fell with each group jumping from the second highest bridge in the United States.
As the group quietly moved forward I wished them good luck and found a space along the edge of the bridge. Peering over the edge, I spotted several colorful canopies below with safety craft moored in the New River. The view was spectacular with a bright blue sky and cool October breeze. It was 9am and I was at the Bridge Day Festival.
Bridge Day began as a celebration of the then largest arch bridge in the world in 1977. Prior to the bridge, it took 40 minutes to cross the New River Gorge. The first Bridge Day Festival in 1980 there were five parachutists that jumped from the bridge. In 2025, more than 120,000 people attended and 400 BASE jumpers participated.
“I’ve been BASE jumping on Bridge Day for 30 years. Rush like no other.” Stated Jason Chacon from North Carolina. “People come from all over the world to jump here.”
I watched the parachutes float down to the river as jumpers aimed for the riverside beach. Safety patrol craft monitored each jumper up and down the river. Nursing student Paige Behm and her friends from the University of Pittsburgh traveled with a group of 60 students for the weekend. She was signed up to participate in one of the last white water rafting trips of the year. Other friends were hiking, rappelling or climbing. This was their second year participating. “It’s a great break mid semester and this weekend’s weather is beautiful. But last year was quite cold and rainy.” Explained Paige.
As I wound my way back to the buses to take me to my camper van, I noted the extra security. Before entering the Bridge, I passed through a strong phalanx of security with some people being pulled aside. Only clear backpacks and no camera bags are allowed on the Bridge. I felt safer among the thousands of people milling around the bridge.
What I Learned
The New River Gorge Bridge is the second highest bridge in the US at 876 feet.
BASE jumpers begin with skydiving and are recommended to earn a B license in skydiving which is about 200 skydives.
Fayetteville, WV began as a leading coal mining town in the late 19th century. Today, Fayetteville and the New River Gorge National Park is known for its outdoor activities like white water rafting, rock climbing and hiking.
The whitewater attraction of the New River Gorge is the mix of easy rapids for beginners to Class IV for more experienced rafters. More than 65,000 participate in whitewater rafting on the New River annually.
When You Go
Bridge Day is the third Saturday every October rain or shine. For more information on attending visit officialbridgeday.com.
While Bridge Day itself is free, parking is limited. I parked at Walmart and paid a nominal fee of $5.00 for a school bus to ferry me to the bridge. The line to board the buses wrapped around the large parking lot. At 9am the wait was more than an hour. I recommend you arrive early to secure a parking spot and place in line. There were several places for pickup so check the Official Bridge Day website for a map.
Consider taking the Bridge Walk. Tour the catwalk under the bridge where you are securely fastened and walk the entire length of the bridge on a 24” wide catwalk. The tour is about 2.5 hours long and requires reservations. Approximate cost is $80 per person. Bridgewalk.com
There are vendors along the walk to the bridge so you can purchase breakfast or lunch. You can only take a clear backpack/diaper bag for safety reasons.