Have you seen all the crazy AI images on Facebook that claim to be pictures of the New River Gorge Bridge? These make-believe photos crack us up. The actual New River Gorge Bridge is a beautiful engineering marvel that needs no enhancement . . . BUT . . . there is another real bridge in the New River Gorge that IS worthy of social media stardom.
The Phil G. McDonald Bridge
The Phil G. McDonald Bridge, which spans Glade Creek (a major tributary in the New River Gorge), is tied for 5th tallest bridge in the USA. It also holds the distinction of being the tallest bridge in the entire USA interstate system. At 700 feet tall, the Phil G. McDonald Bridge is only 176 feet lower than the New River Gorge Bridge! And it’s only 40 minutes away in neighboring Raleigh County, WV.
But unlike the New River Gorge Bridge, which has own national park overlook and rafters floating under it everyday, getting a look at the Phil G. McDonald Bridge is difficult. Sure, millions of drivers traveling on Interstate 64 cross over it each year, but there few places where the grandeur of the structure and be admired.
How to Best See the McDonald Bridge
The Phil G. McDonald Bridge can be viewed from the Glade Creek Trail which has two trailheads. From the lower trailhead, you must hike about 5 miles to see the bridge. The bridge is much closer to and visible from the upper tailhead, but the access road to the upper railhead is rough and only recommended for high clearance vehicles.
Directions to the lower trailhead near Prince, WV from Fayetteville (per NPS website): Follow Route 19 south; take the Glen Jean exit. Turn right onto Route 61 south; follow Route 61 for 2.8 miles. Turn left, staying on Route 61, and continue for another 4.6 miles. Turn left onto Route 41 north; follow Route 41 for 4.0 miles toward Prince. Turn right onto the Glade Creek Road, just before the bridge at Prince. Follow the gravel road 7.0 miles; it ends at the Glade Creek trailhead.
Directions to the upper trailhead near Little Beaver State Park (per NPS website): A high clearance four wheel drive vehicle is recommended for this road; be prepared for steep terrain, tight switchback curves, and muddy conditions. Take Grandview exit 129 off I-64. Turn south on WV Route 9. Travel 0.5 miles toward Little Beaver State Park (junction with WV Route 307 in 0.3 miles). Turn left onto unmarked gravel road (just before Fire Tower Road). Follow this road down to Glade Creek (about one mile). Cross the bridge for trailhead parking.
The New River Gorge Bridge
At 876 feet tall, the New River Gorge Bridge it is the 3rd tallest bridge in the USA, and only 79 feet shorter than the tallest, Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado. For many years after its completion, the New River Gorge Bridge was the longest single-span arch bridge in the world. It is now the fifth-longest.
The New River Gorge Bridge opened in 1977 as the final piece of the north-south US-19 expressway through West Virginia. It has been celebrated ever since, and for good reason. It’s an amazing engineering accomplishment, it’s beautiful, and it connected the many communities of the New River Gorge.
Trails with the Best View of the Bridge
- Canyon Rim Boardwalk – great views at every level.
- Bridge Trail – hike under the bridge.
- Long Point Trail – super busy, visit during off hours.
- Endless Wall Trail – super busy, visit during off hours.
- Kaymoor Trail – near the Fayette Station Road trailhead.
Places/Activities with Views of the Bridge
- Fayette Station Road – our favorite driving tour!
- Bridge Buttress – requires using a rope to climb up to the view.
- New River Jet Boat – family friendly and fun.
- Rafting the Lower New – a must.
- Bi-plane Ride – awesome experience with or without aerobatics.
Best Way to Experience the Bridge
- Bridge Walk – thrilling and educational!
- Canyon Rim Visitors Center – recently remodeled.
- Bridge Day – a huge festival on the bridge the 3rd Saturday of October.
Who are we? Amy & Shawn, New River Gorge hikers, WV naturalists, and owners of Lafayette Flats Boutique Vacation Rentals in downtown Fayetteville, WV.
If you enjoyed this post you might also like Enjoying Nature in the New River Gorge and 10 New River Gorge Curiosities and Hiking Through History in the New River Gorge.
