Wild, Wonderful, Rugged, West Virginia New River Gorge and Bridge. In a couple of weeks jumpers from around the world will converge on Fayettville, West Virginia to parachute off this bridge. The drop takes about 8 seconds in an unopened parachute. This photo taken in July 2009. The bridge is closed for one day per year to celebrate Bridge Day when pedestrians are allowed to walk out on and over the bridge. 876 feet high and 3030 ft long.