I like bridges. They solve problems to make our lives easier, more efficient, safer and more comfortable. Bridges often exhibit innovations and technological advancements. And most extraordinary bridges are at least good-looking ones. Take the New River Gorge bridge: it's been the longest single-arch span bridge in the Western hemisphere (used to be number one in the world) and the third highest in the US. It also significantly reduced the time required to cross the New River. And look at the bridge itself - isn't it beautiful?

New River Gorge is a federally protected property managed by National Park Service (NPS). The area has a couple of visitor centres that help people discover this great corner of West Virginia.

There are several recreational activities associated with New River including white-water rafting, hiking, climbing, finishing, hunting and others. The area becomes busy during summer and fall as people want to experience what one the oldest river in North America (despite its name) has to offer.

The stairs lead to the observation decks overlooking the New Rover Gorge bridge.

I didn't know that rhododendron is actually an evergreen plant.

"Gorgeous" is from "Gorge".

But in the 20th century technology made coal mining almost obsolete and the old railway along New River that used to carry not only coal but as many as 100,000 passengers per year in the early 1900s has been almost forgotten. 

The bridge is 876 ft / 267 m high. NPS compares the height with two Liberty Statues standing atop of Washington Monument.

The view of the Appalachian Mountains in West Virginia from one of many scenic pullouts along the US Highway 19.

Directions*

The New River Gorge Bridge is located on U.S. Route 19, just north of Fayetteville, WV. It is easily reached from Interstates 64, 77, & 79 and from U. S. Route 60 (Midland Trail). It is approximately 30 minutes north of Beckley, 70 minutes east of Charleston, and 70 minutes south of Interstate 79.

* - from the official website.