If there is one thing West Virginians don’t take for granted, it’s the ease of traveling over the New River Gorge via the iconic bridge that opened in 1977. For quite some time after it opened, the New River Gorge Bridge was the longest single span bridge in the world (it measures 3,300 feet in length). It’s now the fourth longest – but still the most astounding (in our humble opinion).

Those who remember traveling through the gorge prior to the new bridge will recall it was not only a bit of a nightmare, it was also a challenge that could take anywhere from 45-minutes to an hour going in either direction. The best option, at the time, was to wind down a scenic little road all the way to the bottom of the gorge and back up the other side.

Flickr/bobistraveling

At the bottom of the gorge and only a few hundred feet from the new crossing, stands the Fayette Station Bridge which sees considerably less traffic these days, thanks to the new method of crossing at the top of the canyon.

TripAdvisor/Joe C

Few people realize you can still travel by vehicle all the way to the bottom of the New River Gorge, or that the views are simply spectacular!

YouTube/Mike Casto

You’ll cross underneath the bridge exactly twice for stunning views of both the underbelly of this engineering masterpiece as well as the gorge itself.

YouTube/Mike Casto

After dropping 800 feet down into the gorge, you’ll arrive at Fayette Station Bridge. A few parking places make it easy to park your car to have a closer look.

YouTube/Mike Casto

Fayette Station Bridge was first built in 1889. It was closed in 1977 after the opening of the New River Gorge Bridge — and then reconstructed in 1997.

TripAdvisor/AkronTravelBug

Located at more than 800 feet below the canyon rim, the bridge has a pedestrian lane perfect for gawking at the New River Gorge Bridge high above.

TripAdvisor/Christine S Want to see some of the drive? Check out this traffic-free video from YouTube user Mike Casto:

Do you remember crossing in the “old days?” Or have you discovered this hidden scenic road in recent decades and meandered all the way to the bottom of the gorge to have a look? We’d love to know, either way! For more about Fayette Station Road, see this link on the official website of the National Park Service.

Flickr/bobistraveling

TripAdvisor/Joe C

YouTube/Mike Casto

TripAdvisor/AkronTravelBug

TripAdvisor/Christine S

Want to see some of the drive? Check out this traffic-free video from YouTube user Mike Casto:

Keep reading here to discover more scenic roads in The Mountain State!

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