About
This bridge—known both as Barkers Creek Swinging Bridge and Tuckasegee Swinging Bridge—is one of the few remaining examples of a crude swinging bridge built to provide pedestrian access to remote areas in the Appalachian mountains. Many in the region were built using parts from older bridges, and that seems to be the case here. The bridge is owned and maintained by the state. It was built to provide access to the road for residents living across the river but on the eastern side of the rail tracks to give ease of access to the highway.
Look closely and you’ll see this bridge has a 1906 builder plaque for the Roanoke Bridge Company; however, the plaque probably refers to the bridge from which parts this footbridge were built. The actual date of construction is unknown.
Know Before You Go
There is a pull off along US 74 eastbound with room for four or five cars.
There is a warning sign on the bridge to limit the weight to four people at a time. If you are afraid of all the bouncing, it helps to go across quickly one by one to minimize the movement.
Be sure to respect the fence and private property on the other side of the bridge.
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Published
March 26, 2025
