In the heart of Fayetteville, West Virginia, the New River Gorge National Park serves as a year-round magnet for adventure-seekers. Yet, it's the annual Bridge Day that truly draws the masses, as thousands converge to witness the daring spectacle of BASE jumpers plunging from the towering New River Gorge Bridge.
"This crowd, the beautiful place, beautiful people, everything," shares Eric Hartog, a seasoned BASE jumper, his voice echoing the palpable excitement of the day.
Marking its 45th anniversary this Saturday, Bridge Day saw thrill-seekers from all corners of the globe queue up to dive from the bridge, standing over 800-feet tall, before parachuting along the river below.
"It is crazy, it's so crazy I come and do it every year," laughs Hartog. "It's the World Series, Superbowl of BASE jumping."
Attracting a staggering crowd of over 80,000 visitors each year, the event is a mecca for base jumpers who simply can't resist the allure of this adrenaline-fueled tradition.
"There's nothing you can describe it, once you go, nothing like natural adrenaline, 100% organic," Hartog explains, the thrill in his eyes unmistakable.
The mental leap is often as significant as the physical one, with jumpers sharing that the thought process behind the jump is what often deters others.
"Kind of clear your head before you jump. Everyone has a little countdown they do. Three, two, one, see you, and you just hope for the best," reveals Travis Everett, a fellow BASE jumper. "I made three jumps last year, so this will be my fourth jump off the bridge."
Base jumpers from across the nation travel to be part of Bridge Day, a testament to its pull, as they find themselves returning year after year.
"I say just do it, go out there, do it scared. Do what makes you scared. it's fun," encourages Everett, a testament to the invigorating spirit of this unique event.
Bridge Day takes place at the New River Gorge Bridge every year, on the third Saturday of October.