Fayetteville, WV

Fayetteville, West Virginia

Population: 2,677

Small Town Treasure: Bridge Day

     876 feet. That's how high above the water the world's largest arch bridge stands. The New River Gorge Bridge is also the second highest bridge in the entire country. At over 70 ft. wide and over a mile long, it's incredible that it even holds itself up. The bridge was built as a replacement bridge to cross the New River Gorge in West Virginia. It just so happens that the bridge was built in Fayetteville, voted "coolest small town" in 2008. The surrounding mountains are covered with massive black walnut trees, creating breathtaking views from all angles.

     Even without the bridge, Fayetteville has alot to offer such as the historic site of one of the civil war's largest battles. As seems to be the case with most, if not all, of West Virginia, the people alone make the town worth visiting. There is no one more selfless and genuinely kind than a born-and-raised-West-Virginian. I don't know if it's something in the water or if coal miners just know how to raise good kids, but I would visit Fayetteville again just to drink some sweet tea and have a conversation with some of the older folks.

     Back to the point, The New River Gorge Bridge is ridicul

ously tall and whenever you have a structure that's ridiculously tall, there's always those crazy people who want to jump off of it; hence, "Bridge Day". Every year, thousands of people flock to Fayetteville to witness the largest gathering of base jumpers in the world. All day, these thrill-seekers throw themselves over the side of the bridge and plummet towards the New River Gorge at lightning speed. After releasing their shoots, they soak in the breathtaking views surrounding them before landing in a parking lot almost 900 ft below.

     The New River Gorge Bridge has become a symbol of the State of West Virginia. Bridge Day is the biggest event of the year and attracts visitors from around the globe. You couldn't ask for a better base jumping location, especially during the peak of foliage when the rolling Appalachian Mountains glow red and yellow.I could go on and on about West Virginia and how it's one of the greatest states in the country because you don't have to go searching for that small-town vibe, it's everywhere. Bridge day and the town of Fayetteville itself are just 2 more reasons why they call it Wild, Wonderful West Virginia.