Bridge Day, held annually on the third Saturday of October, transforms the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville, West Virginia, into the site of the largest legal BASE jumping event in the world. For a single six-hour window from 9 AM to 3 PM, the 876-foot steel arch bridge—one of the longest single-arch bridges in the western hemisphere—is closed to vehicle traffic and opened to registered jumpers, rappellers, and tens of thousands of spectators who gather along the gorge rim.
BASE jumping at Bridge Day requires advance registration through the Bridge Day Commission, which operates officialbridgeday.com. The number of registered BASE jumping slots is limited each year, and applications typically open in late spring or early summer with slots filling within weeks. Jumpers must hold documented BASE jumping experience or proof of equivalent freefall and canopy experience; first-time BASE jumpers are not permitted without demonstrating prior proficiency. Equipment must meet current BASE jumping standards and be packed by a qualified rigger before the event.
Each registered jumper makes multiple passes across the bridge during the event window, with dedicated staging areas and spotters managing the jump rotation. The jump involves a freefall of approximately 186 feet before canopy deployment, with a river landing zone and water-based recovery teams stationed below the bridge. Swimmers and kayakers in National Park-permitted recovery positions assist jumpers from the New River.
Rappelling down the bridge's steel arch is a separate, more accessible activity organized by permitted outfitters including ACE Adventure Resort and New River Gorge Adventures. Rappelling participants are not required to hold BASE experience and book through outfitter systems rather than the Bridge Day Commission directly.
Beyond the jumping and rappelling activities, Bridge Day is also a major regional festival with craft vendors, food stalls, and live music along the gorge. Attendance typically reaches 80,000-100,000 visitors; parking fills hours before the bridge closes. Shuttle services from Fayetteville and Oak Hill are strongly recommended for all attendees.
Activity facts
- Where
- New River Gorge Bridge, Fayetteville
- Duration
- Full day event (9 AM - 3 PM bridge closure)
Equipment
- BASE parachute system (own or rented from licensed vendor)
- Harness for rappelling (provided by outfitter)
- Helmet
- Proper BASE jump training and certification required
Location
New River Gorge Bridge, US-19, Fayetteville, WV 25840
38.0654, -81.0815 View on map
Highlights
- Make a legal 876-foot BASE jump from the New River Gorge Bridge at the world's largest BASE jumping event, held one day each October.
- Bridge Day attracts hundreds of registered BASE jumpers and tens of thousands of spectators for a single six-hour bridge closure window.
- Rappelling down the bridge arch is organized by permitted outfitters including ACE Adventure Resort for those without BASE experience.
- Major regional festival surrounds the event with craft vendors, food stalls, and live music along the gorge rim.
Tips for visiting
- Register for BASE jumping slots through the Bridge Day Commission (officialbridgeday.com) as soon as applications open—limited slots fill within weeks.
- Use the official Fayetteville or Oak Hill shuttle services; spectator parking within walking distance of the bridge fills by 7 AM on event day.
- Rappelling participants book through outfitters like ACE Adventure Resort rather than the Bridge Day Commission; these slots also sell out early.
- Dress in warm layers regardless of the forecast—the gorge creates its own microclimate and wind chill at bridge level can be significant in October.
Frequently asked questions
Who can BASE jump at Bridge Day?
Registered BASE jumpers with documented experience in BASE or equivalent skydiving proficiency. First-time BASE jumpers are not permitted; the Bridge Day Commission requires applicants to demonstrate prior freefall experience during registration.
How do I register for Bridge Day BASE jumping?
Registration opens through the Bridge Day Commission at officialbridgeday.com, typically in late spring or early summer. Slot numbers are limited; applications fill within weeks of opening and are not transferable.
Is rappelling at Bridge Day available to the general public?
Yes. Rappelling down the bridge arch is organized by permitted outfitters and open to participants without BASE experience. Book through operators such as ACE Adventure Resort or New River Gorge Adventures well before the event date.
When is Bridge Day held?
Bridge Day is held on the third Saturday of October each year. The bridge is closed to vehicles and open to registered participants from 9 AM to 3 PM local time.
Can spectators attend Bridge Day without participating in jumping or rappelling?
Yes. Bridge Day is a free public festival. Spectators access viewing areas along the gorge rim without registration. Arriving before 8 AM or using official shuttle services is strongly recommended due to extreme road congestion.