We began in Gadsden, AL and promply missed the Gilliland Bridge. X. Found the Horton Mill Bridge that is boarded so you can't drive through it. Check. We drove across the Old Easely Bridge for our first undeniable success. Check. The directions provided in the writeup were a bit thin, so we spent quite a bit of time running down deadends and searching for clues. Dad and I can testify to the reality of southern hospitality. We found a nice gentleman working on a tractor in front of his home who provided thorough directions to the Swan-Joy Bridge. Check. He also told us that the Nectar Bridge (375 feet over 4 spans) had been burnt down by some local teenagers. XX. The last bridge was out of our way so skipped it. XXX. We hit .500 on our morning bridge hunt!
Alabama--The bridges of Alabama
Date: Thursday, 23. July 2009
This route showcases six of Alabama's ten covered bridges and both of its natural bridges. That is only one aspect of this scenic, 140-mile drive across the state. Beginning in Gadsden, 63 miles northeast of Birmingham on I-59, travel west over the picturesque Lookout Mountain Parkway on U.S. 278 to Rte. 75 south. After finding the first two bridges near Oneonta, travel eight miles west on U.S. 231 to Cleveland and continue north on U.S. 231 back to U.S. 278, through Cullman and the William Bankhead National Forest to Hamilton. Finally, turn north on U.S. 43 to Russelville.
The first covered bridge is Gilliland Bridge near Gadsden. It is part of beautiful Niccalula Falls Park that also has a Pioneer Village reconstruction. On Rte. 75 two miles before Oneonta is Horton Mill Bridge, a 220-foot single span. Old Easely Bridge is also nearby on Rte. 160. A little south of Cleveland on Rte. 79 is Swan-Joy Bridge. Nectar Covered Bridge is one mile east on Rte. 160 and is one of the nation's longest at 385 feet and four spans. In Cullman, the Ave Maria Grotto is an amazing miniature of famous churches and buildings covering three acres, lovingly constructed by a Benedictine monk. Also, Clarkson (Legg) Covered Bridge is nearby on County Road 11 in a pleasant rural setting with a gristmill and other restored buildings. A natural bridge can be found 15 miles out of Cullman off U.S. 278 on County Road 63, but the best one is at Natural Bridge of Alabama near Haleyville. It is 60 feet high and 148 feet long with a scenic park surrounding it. Finally, the drive ends at Dismals Canyon. Located 23 miles north of Hamilton, Dismals Canyon is one of the only places outside New Zealand where an anomoly of nature, the "Dismalite" glow worm, is known to exist.
Starting Point:
Gadsden, AL
Distance of Drive:
189 miles
Must Eat:
Chestnut Station
410 Chestnut Street, Gadsden, AL 35901
Phone:256-546-4229
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For: Steaks
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Fall colors are beautiful on this drive, but every season has its good points.
Points of Interest on Drive:
Natural Bridge of Alabama
Nectar Covered Bridge
Clarkson (Legg) Covered Bridge
Gilliland Bridge
Niccalula Falls Park
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ViaTierra,
