Bridge Trail in New River Gorge National Park

Bridge Trail

The Bridge Trail in New River Gorge and Preserve offers hikers a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of the New River Gorge Bridge from an intimate vantage point.

Plan Around Bridge Trail

A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.

Add to tripView park guide

Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.

Bridge Trail Details

New River Gorge and Preserve offers hikers a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of the New River Gorge Bridge from an intimate vantage point. Spanning 0.86 miles one-way, this moderately strenuous trail traverses occasionally steep and rocky terrain, providing both scenic beauty and a touch of challenge for outdoor enthusiasts. Beginning near the Fayette Station Road, just south of the bridge, the trailhead is accessible by turning off U.S. Route 19 at the Fayette Station Road sign and proceeding 0.8 miles to the designated parking area. As hikers embark on the path, they are immediately immersed in the lush Appalachian forest, with the trail winding beneath the towering steel arch of the New River Gorge Bridge. This perspective allows for unparalleled views of the bridge's intricate engineering and the expansive gorge below. Along the route, the trail intersects with the Fayetteville Trail, offering opportunities to extend the hike and explore more of the park's diverse landscapes. While the trail is relatively short, the combination of steep sections and rocky paths can be demanding, so individuals should assess their fitness levels accordingly. Despite these challenges, the Bridge Trail rewards visitors with a distinctive hiking experience that combines the serenity of nature with the awe-inspiring presence of one of West Virginia's most iconic structures.

Difficulty

Open

Distance

0.86 Miles

Estimated time

45 Minutes To 1 Hour

Region

N/A

Nearby Parks Around Bridge Trail

Compare nearby parks around Bridge Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

165.9 mi away

Shenandoah

National Park · VA

212.9 mi away

Great Smoky

National Park · NC

222.0 mi away

Cuyahoga

National Park · OH

280.6 mi away

Mammoth Cave

National Park · KY

293.4 mi away

Congaree

National Park · SC

400.5 mi away

Indiana Dunes

National Park · IN

Nearby Points of Interest Around Bridge Trail

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Bridge Trail while the map context is still fresh.

0.7 mi away

New River Gorge Bridge

The New River Gorge Bridge is more than just a feat of engineering-it's the crown jewel of West Virginia's skyline and a symbol of Appalachian ingenuity.

0.9 mi away

Ajax Mine Spring

Tucked deep along the hairpin bends of Fayette Station Road lies Ajax Mine Spring-a hidden gem with a twist of caution.

0.9 mi away

CSX Railroad Bridge & Wolf Creek Parking Area

Tucked deep within the New River Gorge, the CSX Railroad Bridge is a working relic of West Virginia's coal-fueled past.

0.9 mi away

Park Loop Trail

For those short on time but still wanting to explore the beauty of New River Gorge, the Park Loop Trail offers the perfect solution.

1.0 mi away

New River Gorge Bridge Overlooks

The New River Gorge Bridge Overlooks offer some of the most awe-inspiring views in the region.