Did you know that today is National Walking Day? Established by the American Heart Association in 2007, National Walking Day is now celebrated annually on the first Wednesday in April. It encourages people to get outdoors and enjoy the newly arrived springtime weather while promoting health and well-being through a renewed commitment to walking for at least 30 minutes a day.
Our immediate Mid-Atlantic region is rich with destinations perfect for taking in lavish sights, sounds, and well-curated terrain. It’s a most motivating prospect for strolling through nature and the great outdoors, regardless of your pace or activity level.
Some folks, however, seek more alluring thrills and follies that go well beyond the typical, low-key walking experience. And there are plenty of options for those choosing to go this route as well. One such endeavor is the Bridge Walk walking tour at the New River Gorge Bridge.
Based in Fayetteville, West Virginia, Bridge Walk was established back in 2009 as a trifold cooperative between the National Park Service, the West Virginia Division of Highways, and Bridge Walk LLC. The experience is offered as a most unique undertaking in which visitors are led on a guided walking tour of the New River Gorge Bridge’s two-foot-wide catwalk located 25 feet beneath the Bridge and suspended 851 feet above the historic and breathtakingly scenic New River Gorge.
Take note that this walk isn’t for the fainthearted. It spans a total walking duration of more than a mile and includes treks along uneven terrain and narrow passageways. You’ll also be fully exposed to the elements, so dress accordingly with the weather. Also, remember that under the bridge is always approximately 15 degrees cooler, whatever the season.
Rest assured, though, that all Bridge Walk offerings are entirely safe. All of the guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and focused. Some folks even use Bridge Walk experiences for overcoming their fear of heights! Furthermore, the scenic sights and picturesque enticements make for some splendid photo ops you’re not likely to capture any other way. And as always, you get to learn all about the history of the New River Gorge Bridge and the surrounding area beyond the basics.
All Bridge Walk tours begin with an initial check-in. From there, guests are shuttled to the Canyon Rim Visitor’s Center on the north side of the Bridge, proceeding on a short path to the New River Gorge Bridge and its catwalk. Tour guides then secure and fasten all attending tourists to safety cables before permitting them to enter and walk across the catwalk, which spans an impressive 3,030 feet across. Once on the other side, you continue on the trail and commence on the road again. The shuttle will then take you back to the Bridge Walk headquarters.
Participation in Bridge Walk tours is open to anyone eight years of age and older who is at least 48 inches tall and does not have a waist exceeding 52 inches. While all ability levels may be accommodated on such tours, eligible participants are those willing and able to walk 1.5 miles.
Walking tours typically span two to three hours in duration. They are available daily, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Annual passes are also available. To learn more or to book your Bridge Walk experience, go to the website at www.bridgewalk.com.