Each third Saturday of October, Winona, West Virginia, puts on a spectacle that calls to the bold and curious alike—the Bridge Day Festival. This unique event centers around the New River Gorge Bridge, a steel titan spanning 3,030 feet and soaring 876 feet above the New River that dares you from below. The festival transforms the bridge into a playground for BASE jumpers and rappellers who push the limits of gravity while the crowd watches in awe.

Bridge Day isn’t just about adrenaline; it offers a full-day experience of outdoor adventure and local culture. The surrounding area invites hikers of all skill levels to explore trails that wind through dense forests and along cliffs with sweeping views of the gorge. The popular Long Point Trail, for example, covers about 3 miles round trip, climbing roughly 700 feet in elevation. The terrain is a mix of rocky paths and packed dirt, requiring sturdy footwear but rewarding with panoramic vistas where the river sneers below.

Planning your visit means balancing excitement with preparation. Wear shoes with solid grip, bring plenty of water, and plan to arrive early—parking fills fast, and the event draws crowds eager to witness the daring feats. The temperature in October is crisp but can spike in the midday sun, so consider layering.

The environment commands respect; the gorge is fiercely itself, from its rock faces that challenge climbers to the swift currents pushing the river forward. Wildlife, like bold peregrine falcons, occasionally shadow the jumpers, offering a reminder that this landscape retains wildness beneath human spectacle.

Beyond the jump zone, vendors line the festival grounds with local crafts and food, enhancing the experience without stealing attention from nature’s drama overhead. For those who prefer their feet on the ground, the festival offers a chance to engage with environmental groups focused on preserving this extraordinary natural landmark.

Visiting Bridge Day connects you to a moment where thrill meets nature’s untamed spirit. Whether standing on the edge of the bridge watching jumpers fall or hiking beneath its towering arch, the festival delivers an adventure defined by both adrenaline and the rugged appeal of West Virginia’s outdoors.