Drive Fayette Station Road for a winding, scenic journey to the bottom of the gorge with history, rapids, and iconic bridge views.
Overview
If you’re exploring New River Gorge National Park, one of the most unforgettable experiences is taking the scenic road tour down Fayette Station Road. This historic route drops you from the rim to the bottom of the New River Gorge, weaving through dense forest, past railroad tracks, and right to the river’s edge. It’s one of the most popular driving roads in the park—and for good reason. Between the hairpin turns, dramatic views, and deep-rooted history of the area, it’s a great way to experience the heart of southern West Virginia counties.
Before the completion of the New River Gorge Bridge, Fayette Station Road was the only way to cross the gorge in this part of the United States. Built to connect coal mining towns on opposite sides of the gorge, the route played a critical role in transportation and industry.
At the bottom of the gorge, the original crossing—now the reconstructed Fayette Station Bridge—sat near the river level, alongside busy railroad tracks that carried coal through the region. Today, interpretive exhibits and wayside exhibits along the route highlight the history of the area, from coal mining to engineering feats like the nearby single-span arch bridge above.
Driving this historic route feels like stepping back in time, especially when you pass under a low clearance railroad bridge or see remnants of the old infrastructure that once powered the region.
Driving Fayette Station Road Plan
While at New River Gorge National Park, we wanted to see as much of the park as we could. After stopping at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, we decided to make the drive down the scenic Fayette Station Road. This was a great way to get a good view of so many places in the park, and some unique views of the bridge. The road winds it’s wasy from the rim all the way down the gorge to the edge of the river, then back up again on the other side. We stopped at a couple of overlooks and at a small beach area near the old bridge.
Tyler looking out of the vehicle at the bottom of the bridge at one of the overlooks
From the overlooks, you can get unique views of the New River Gorge Bridge
Getting There
Location
New River Gorge National Park is located in southern West Virginia, spanning several counties and following the New River for over 50 miles. The park is easily accessible from towns like Fayetteville and Beckley, and it connects with nearby protected areas like Bluestone National Scenic River.
This region is known for its rugged beauty, deep canyon landscapes, and a mix of outdoor recreation and cultural history tied to Appalachian coal mining communities.
Best Time to Go
The best time of year to drive Fayette Station Road depends on what you want to see:
- Fall: Peak fall colors make this one of the most scenic drives in all national parks
- Spring: Water levels are higher, making Fayette Station Rapids especially impressive
- Summer: Great for spotting rock climbers and enjoying river access
- Winter: Quieter, but check conditions—hairpin curves and narrow routes can be tricky
The bridge from right underneath
Near the bottom of the gorge, you will cross an active railroad
Driving Fayette Station Road in New River Gorge National Park
Who Can Go?
This drive is accessible to most visitors, but there are a few considerations:
- Passenger vehicles are ideal
- Large vehicles, RVs, and trailers are not recommended due to narrow routes and hairpin turns
- Drivers should be comfortable navigating steep grades and tight curves
- Pedestrian walkways are limited, so most of the experience is from your vehicle
What You'll See
This one-way road offers a constantly changing view of the New River Gorge area:
- The descent from the rim to the bottom of the gorge
- Scenic overlooks of the river and surrounding cliffs
- The Tunney Hunsaker Bridge, a narrow bridge near the river
- Railroad tracks running alongside the river
- Kayakers tackling Fayette Station Rapids
- Access points to trails like Kaymoor Trailhead and Fayetteville Trail
- Views of the New River Gorge Bridge towering above
You’ll also find interpretive exhibits and occasional parking areas where you can stop and take it all in.
When you reach the bottom of the gorge, you’ll cross the old bridge, which used to be the only way to cross in this area
View of the new bridge from the middle of the old bridge
What to Bring & Wear
- Comfortable clothes for short walks and stops
- Sturdy shoes if you plan to explore trails
- Water and snacks (limited services nearby)
- Camera or phone for photos
- Downloaded Google Map or park map (cell reception is spotty)
- Optional: audio tour or physical copies of this tour for deeper context
Where to Go
Start at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center parking lot, one of the main hubs in the park. From there, follow signs for Fayette Station Road via Lansing-Edmond Road.
The route is clearly marked as a one-way road, guiding you down into the gorge and eventually looping back up on the opposite side. This historic route is easy to follow and is often highlighted by park rangers at the visitor center desk.
How Long Does it Take?
The full Fayette Station Road drive typically takes 30–45 minutes, depending on how often you stop.
If you explore overlooks, read interpretive exhibits, or take short walks, plan for closer to an hour or more.
Just after the old bridge, there’s a parking area on the right where you can walk to the edge of the river
Stephanie, Ryan, and Tyler on the rocks by the river in front of the new bridge
Cost
Like all areas of New River Gorge National Park, driving Fayette Station Road is completely free. There’s no entrance fee, making it one of the best-value scenic drives in the United States.
Tips for Driving Fayette Station Road
- Go early or late in the day to avoid traffic on this narrow route
- Drive slowly—hairpin curves and steep grades require attention
- Watch for pedestrians and cyclists, especially near bridge trail access points
- Don’t rely on cell reception—download maps ahead of time
- Skip this drive if you’re in a large vehicle or uncomfortable with tight turns
- Stop at wayside exhibits to better understand the history of the area
- Combine with a bridge walk for a full experience of top and bottom views
- Check river level conditions if you want to see active rapids
- Visit during the fall for some of the best foliage in the National Park System