Virginia's Swinging Bridges

If you're a sucker for the nostalgic, you'll really enjoy Virginia's swinging bridges. They're photogenic locations that align with the likes of old watermills and covered bridges, combining history, function, and fun.

The swinging bridge used to be a go-to for pedestrian bridges. When water levels got too high to ride or drive across the fords, people could walk across a swinging bridge to reach their destination. At one point, there were around 70 across Virginia. 

Now mostly maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation, swinging bridges can provide a look into history or just a scenic moment during a hike. See how you can encounter Virginia's swinging bridges below. 

Note: Some bridges provide access to private properties; be respectful in your adventures.

Top Swinging Bridges

Buchanon Swinging Bridge

The Buchanan Swinging Bridge is hard to miss with its position within downtown Buchanan. The original covered bridge, which stood on concrete piers jutting out over the James River, was burned during the Civil War on June 13, 1864 to prevent Union troops from accessing Lynchburg. It was rebuilt, only to be washed away by raging flood waters in 1877. It was again rebuilt, then replaced by a steel bridge in 1897, which stood until 1938.

Today those stone piers stand firmly for the pedestrian swinging bridge, which is 366 feet long and is the only one of its type that crosses the James River. 

Ticonderoga Swinging Bridge, Chantilly

This swinging bridge is a must for families. Located at Amazing Fun Farm at Ticonderoga in Chantilly, the nearly 143-foot bridge dips down to nearly skim the water. Ticonderoga is also home to a 50 island bamboo maze navigable by boat! Visit during all four seasons for various events and fun.

The Swinging Bridge Restaurant, Paint Bank 

You'll find The Swinging Bridge Restaurant around Route 311 in Paint Bank. A destination restaurant with a creative menu of comfort food (buffalo burgers, anyone?), their claim to fame is their titular swinging bridge. Walk it from one end of the second floor gift shop to the other, and don't forget to snag some treasures to take home. 

Hikes With Swinging Bridges

• Olde Mill Golf Resort in Laurel Fork: Discover more than 800 acres of recreational opportunity, including hiking trails with streams to cross — and a swinging bridge to help you on your journey.
• Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve in Rockbridge County: Spot a swinging bridge over the Maury River on Route 39 west of Lexington. Park at the lot there, cross the bridge and turn left, following signs for the difficult 7.6-mile Jump Rock Trail. 
• Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area in Shenandoah County: Includes various trails for hiking and mountain biking, a stocked trout stream for fishing, picnic areas, camping, and a swinging bridge over Passage Creek that leads to a historic cabin.
• Appalachian Trail in Nelson County: Encounter a hand-built swinging bridge over the Tye River on the Harpers Creek leg, not far from Crabtree Falls. 
• Dismal Falls in Pearisburg: The water feature is a draw unto itself, but pair it with the portion of the AT that includes the bridge across Kimberling Creek (mile 605.4 at Route 606), and you have a beautiful day hike indeed.

Swinging Bridges by County

Scott County

One Virginia location is better known for swinging bridges than others. Scott County in Southwest Virginia boasts 40 swinging bridges. Here are a few:

• Bellamy – Spans Copper Creek between Routes 627 and 643. Perhaps the coolest part of this bridge is the road that runs alongside the creek and beneath it. There are also bridges in Washington and Lee Counties that are situated this way.
• Dorter Mill – Spans North Fork Holston River at Routes 614 and 606.
• Clinch River Bridges
  • Carter Ferry – Spans Clinch River east of Clinchport and Natural Tunnel State Park off Route 65. The main span of the bridge is about 225 feet.
  • Clinchport – Spans Clinch River off Routes 65 and 644. The bridge is about 282 feet long.
  • Dona – Spans Northern Clinch River off Routes 600 and 621.
  • Flat Rock – Spans Clinch River between Routes 625 and 627.
  • Starnes Slant – Spans Clinch River on Route 662 northeast of Clinchport.
  • Wood Swinging Bridge is perhaps my favorite of all of these in Scott County as it's a closed, wooden, swinging bridge. It's an accurate glimpse into the past. Find it for a photo opportunity off Routes 72 and 901 as it crosses Clinch River southwest of Dungannon.The Swinging Bridges of Scott County

Discover more of the swinging bridges of Scott County.

Bath County

The Bullpasture River Swinging Bridge is open to pedestrians and crosses the river about 12 miles south of Bullpasture Gorge. Bikes and horses are not allowed across the wire suspension bridge. To reach the bridge, take Route 678 north from Williamsville about 2.3 miles. Once you get close to the bridge, there are several gravel pull offs to safely park your car right off of Route 678.

Lee County

Lee County has quite the collection of swinging bridges as well, with about two dozen being maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation. Travel down Swinging Bridge Road and you'll encounter at least two crossing the Powell River. Two others span Hardy Creek along T-660 off Routes 759 and 790. Hardy Creek is a tributary of the Powell River.