LANSING, WV (SWVO) – Thousands of visitors are expected to travel to the New River Gorge this weekend for the annual Bridge Day celebration, bringing temporary road closures, parking restrictions and traffic changes to the Fayetteville area.
Bridge Day is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the New River Gorge Bridge.
Organized by the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, Bridge Day is one of West Virginia’s largest annual events and gives visitors a rare opportunity to walk across the New River Gorge Bridge, which normally carries traffic along U.S. Route 19.
The event is also known for BASE jumping, during which approved participants jump from the 876-foot-high bridge into the New River Gorge below. Visitors can watch the jumps, enjoy food and merchandise vendors, and take in views of the gorge during the peak fall foliage season.
The National Park Service has released several important reminders for those planning to attend or travel through the area.
Road closures and detours
U.S. Route 19 across the New River Gorge Bridge will close to vehicle traffic at 7 a.m. Saturday and remain closed until 5 p.m.
Motorists traveling southbound will be directed to use U.S. Route 60 to State Route 16, which returns to Fayetteville. The National Park Service estimates the detour will take approximately 35 to 45 minutes.
Northbound travelers should use State Route 16 to U.S. Route 60.
Drivers should expect additional traffic throughout the Fayetteville and Lansing areas as visitors arrive and depart.
Parking and shuttle transportation
Visitors attending Bridge Day should plan to use designated event parking areas and shuttle transportation rather than attempting to park near the bridge.
Parking and shuttle arrangements are coordinated separately from the National Park Service’s road closure announcement. Visitors should check official Bridge Day information for designated parking locations, shuttle pickup points, fees and operating times before traveling.
Those attending are encouraged to arrive early and allow extra time for parking, shuttle rides and walking to the bridge.
Canyon Rim Visitor Center and Fayette Station closures
The Canyon Rim Visitor Center parking lot and grounds will close at 5:30 p.m. Friday, October 16.
Fayette Station Road, also known as Route 82, will close at its intersection with Lansing Loop Road beginning at 6 p.m. Friday.
The road is expected to reopen sometime after 5 p.m. Saturday.
All private vehicles must be removed from the affected areas before the closures take effect.
Restrictions for boaters
The National Park Service is also reminding private boaters that access to Fayette Station and Teays Landing will be restricted during the event.
Beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, Fayette Station Road will be closed to all vehicles at Lansing Loop Road. Vehicles remaining parked at Fayette Station after that time will be towed.
On Saturday, private vehicles will not be permitted to drive down to Fayette Station or Teays Landing. Vehicle access will be exit-only.
Boaters who arrange their shuttle transportation in advance will need to exit Fayette Station Road using Burma Road to return to U.S. Route 19.
What visitors should expect
Bridge Day offers visitors the opportunity to walk along the New River Gorge Bridge, watch BASE jumpers and experience one of West Virginia’s most popular fall traditions.
Attendees should prepare for large crowds, significant walking and potential traffic delays throughout the day.
Visitors should also dress for changing October weather and plan ahead for transportation, as normal vehicle access across the bridge and to several nearby National Park Service areas will be unavailable.
The National Park Service thanked visitors for their cooperation and encouraged everyone to have a safe Bridge Day.
Official shuttle locations and costs
According to the official Bridge Day website, park-and-ride shuttles will begin operating at 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
The event website lists six shuttle pickup areas, including Fayette Landing Shopping Center in Oak Hill, Fayetteville Walmart, a Fayetteville school parking area, the Fayette County Courthouse, Smales Branch Road in Hico and Midland Trail High School.
However, the website contains conflicting information about some shuttle locations and fares. Its main parking section lists $3 rides, while its FAQ and the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 event listing specify $5 per person.
The Chamber’s 2026 listing identifies the round-trip shuttle fare as $5. Visitors should bring cash and verify their pickup location before leaving home.
Shuttles will stop transporting passengers to the event at 1:30 p.m., although buses will continue returning attendees to parking areas afterward.
Admission and event restrictions
Admission to Bridge Day is free, although visitors should bring money for food, merchandise and shuttle transportation.
Event rules prohibit pets, coolers, folding chairs, bicycles, skateboards, drones and alcoholic beverages.
Clear bags and small purses meeting event requirements are permitted, while ordinary backpacks and large bags are restricted.
Bridge Day will take place rain or shine.
Additional information, including event maps and transportation updates, is available at OfficialBridgeDay.com.
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