Bridge Day 2025 Breaks Records Despite Shutdown

Even with a federal government shutdown looming, West Virginia’s most iconic outdoor celebration soared to new heights. Bridge Day 2025, held Saturday, October 18th, drew more than 120,000 spectators to the New River Gorge Bridge—making it one of the largest turnouts in the event’s history.
Nearly 400 BASE jumpers from 39 states and four countries leapt 876 feet into the gorge below, while hundreds more rappelled and high-lined across the canyon. The energy was electric, the views were breathtaking, and the Mountain State’s spirit was on full display.
Governor Patrick Morrisey praised the event’s success, noting that West Virginia was the first state in the nation to secure a signed donor agreement with the National Park Service to keep parks open during the shutdown. That agreement, renewed through October 31st, ensured that Bridge Day could go forward uninterrupted.
“This incredible event wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication of so many wonderful people,” Morrisey said in a press release.
The celebration also featured Active Southern West Virginia’s Bridge Day 5K, which welcomed 500 runners from 26 states, and more than 200 vendors lined the bridge with food, crafts, and local goods. Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby called it a showcase of West Virginia’s natural beauty and resilience.
Whether you came for the adrenaline, the autumn views, or the Appalachian hospitality, Bridge Day 2025 proved once again that West Virginia knows how to rise above—and leap into—adventure.