Fayette Station Road

Fayette Station Road is a one-way scenic route in Fayette County that descends into the New River Gorge through a series of switchbacks, revealing mountain views along its path. The route passes through terrain shaped by the gorge and connects the old mining settlements below.

The road was the main transportation link across the New River Gorge from 1873 until the New River Gorge Bridge opened in 1977. After the bridge was completed, the road's role shifted from being a vital passage to serving local travel and recreation.

The settlements of Fayette and South Fayette along this road tell the story of West Virginia's coal mining era through the places where miners once lived and worked. Visitors traveling this route see the landscape that shaped community life during that industrial period.

The drive through this road takes about 45 minutes with several parking areas available along the way for river and gorge views. Drive slowly through the tight switchbacks and watch for other vehicles, especially during peak visiting times.

Three hiking trails start from points along this road and lead to overlooks where visitors can see both the older Fayette Station Bridge and the newer New River Gorge Bridge from different angles. These trails reveal how engineering solutions to crossing the gorge changed over time.