Never Have I Ever: Caleb Okes’ Bridge Walk

FAYETTEVILLE, WV (WVNS) – My entire life has been based right here in southern West Virginia. Although I was raised here, there is one thing I’ve never done: the Bridge Walk at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

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There’s a pretty good reason for that, as I am terrified of heights and the Bridge Walk is 851 feet in the air at its highest point.

So, for my Never Have I Ever challenge, I set out to conquer my fears so that I can take in the beauty that the state’s only national park has to offer.

But first, I had to ask: is it safe?

Bridge Walk tour guide, Madi Bess reassured, “it is completely safe. You have hand railings that come up to about your waist and you’re hooked in the entire way across with the harness system and you never unhook at any point.”

One of the scariest parts about New River Gorge Bridge is the fact that the Catwalk bounces with the bridge, especially with big trucks driving overhead.

My tour guide Madi Bess cited the bridge’s bounciness as one of the reasons that the bridge has withstood the test of time. The bridge must allow some give and it is also hollowed out in places to allow cars and trucks of all sizes to cross the bridge with ease.

One of the best things that I found on this bridge are called, “W’s.” This is the perfect area to pause if you are terrified of heights, so that you can regain your bearings for the rest of the walk.

I also learned that, if this landmark bridge was never constructed, the road that now takes only a minute to cross by car would be a 45-minute drive through the gorge.

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As I was getting settled into this bridge walk, Bess made an offer that would force me out of my comfort zone. “You can sit down on the catwalk and hang your feet over the edge.”

At first I was hesitant, but then I realized I was standing directly on top of a “W,” so I mustered up the courage to sit down and prop my feet on the “W.”

To my surprise, it was not as scary as I originally thought. In fact it even felt better than walking on the catwalk.

Even though it may have felt good to have the ground closer to my feet, there was no feeling that could replace the beauty and amazing views that this Bridge Walk has to offer.

After completing this walk, I believe that every West Virginian should put the Bridge Walk on their bucket lists.

If you’re afraid of heights, this walk only lasts six tenths of a mile.

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This experience symbolizes what West Virginia is all about, as this gorgeous gorge bridges people together from all over the world.

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