One of the world’s best bridges is right here in West Virginia: the New River Gorge Bridge near Fayetteville, which is one of the longest, highest single-span arched bridges on earth. And one of the best ways to see this amazing feat of engineering is from the various bridge observatory options at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center (otherwise known as the New River Gorge Bridge Visitor Center).

Conveniently located right off of U.S. Route 19 and strategically perched on the edge of the New River Gorge itself, the Canyon Rim Visitor Center hosts an estimated 300,000 visitors per year.
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This versatile information center is part museum, part rest stop, part bridge observatory, and provides the perfect introduction to the world-famous New River Gorge National Park.
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On one end of the visitor center, find a mini-museum filled with photos and exhibits detailing the history and geography of the New River Gorge. You can also watch a short video about the area to learn even more about this amazing new national park.
cheryl h / TripAdvisor

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The visitor center also boasts a New River Gorge themed gift and book shop filled with all sorts of NRG swag.
Citallwic / TripAdvisor
Another wall of the visitor center is just windows, and this area provides a perfect, light-filled perch from which to sit and view the breathtaking beauty of this unique natural wonder.
GoVols79 / TripAdvisor
Sit inside the center in a comfortable wooden rocker or stand outside the building on a wooden deck that parallels the canyon rim to take advantage of the fabulous, miles-long views of the New River Gorge and New River Gorge Bridge that are available here at the center.
NPS
See the gorge cloaked in fog or bathed in sunshine. See it robed in green or covered in snow (the center is open year-round). Alternatively, choose to exit the building and stroll a short boardwalk to an outdoor observation deck that's ADA accessible or take the many steep steps beyond that upper deck down to the lower observation deck for a good workout and more unobstructed views of the gorge.
Mandy H / TripAdvisor
The famous New River Gorge Bridge Walk experience also begins here at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center complex, so be sure to stop and check this amazing spot out next time you pass signs for it on Route 19!

Learn more about the center’s location and hours on the National Park Service website. The address for the visitor center is 162 Visitor Center Road, and it is well-marked with signage from U.S. Route 19.

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Canyon Rim Visitor Center, 162 Visitor Center Rd, Lansing, WV 25862, USA