16 minute read
SUSPENSION BRIDGE HIKES
Swinging in the Woods
Six Suspension Bridge Hikes in the Blue Ridge
BY GABRIELLE SAULSBERY
SAN FRANCISCO’S GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE SWAYS
nearly 28 feet side to side. While that may sound like a lot, its ability to sway gives it the stability it needs to withstand the region’s common earthquakes. In the Blue Ridge, we don’t have bridges as famous as the big red one out west, but we do have plenty that will lead you into some stunning scenery and provide new vantage points of the surrounding mountains. Here’s a guide to six sweet suspension bridge hikes around the South.
Raven Cliff Falls & Dismal Loop
South Carolina
Explore a rhododendron wonderland in the Upstate region of South Carolina alongside Matthew’s Creek, a waterway chock full of cascades and the massive, 420-foot Raven Cliff Falls. The suspension bridge spanning the creek provides cascade views on one side and views across the gorge on the other.
Access it via a 7.7-mile lollipop hike in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area in Caesars Head State Park that connects the Raven Cliff Falls, Dismal, Naturaland Trust, and Gum Gap Trails. Most folks go clockwise to get the hard part done first and to catch the long-distance view of Raven Cliff Falls. For folks who want to check out the bridge but skip the view of the falls, go counterclockwise at the lollipop and turn around after hitting the bridge— the distance is about the same, but the elevation change is comparatively minimal.
Tallulah Gorge
Georgia
On the Hurricane Falls Trail at Georgia’s Tallulah Gorge State Park, a mulch path guides you to overlooks above the park’s namesake gorge, the 1,000-foot canyon deeper than almost any other on the East Coast. This relatively easy trail takes you
TENNESSEE'S SAVAGE GULF STATE NATURAL AREA HOLDS AT LEAST A HALF-DOZEN SUSPENSION BRIDGES. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE AUTHOR
in Hagerstown & Washington County, MDThe Best View is Yours
(and Fido’s)
over a bridge shared with the roadway as well as a 200-foot suspension bridge that hovers 80 feet above the rocky water below.
Depending on which way you go, you’ll either cross the bridge coming to or from Hurricane Falls, a gushing waterfall in the bottom of the canyon along the Tallulah River. The roughly two-mile loop traverses both the North Rim and South Rim of the gorge, complete with multiple scenic overlooks, and a deep dip into the canyon with hundreds of stairs leading to the bridge and, ultimately, to the platform right next to Hurricane Falls.
Hikers are in for a treat the first three weekends of November during the season’s only whitewater release days, when water thunders through the gorge and spectators look on from the rim as kayakers challenge their skills over Class IV-V rapids.
Savage Gulf State Natural Area
Tennessee
Savage Gulf State Natural Area is perfect for suspension bridge lovers, with at least a half-dozen throughout the 15,590-acre expanse that is part of South Cumberland State Park. Start hiking from the ranger station, where the first bridge is crossed just a fraction of a mile in, heading toward popular Savage Falls, and the second will be crossed just before you get to the falls.
After stopping at Savage Falls for a dip, cross
SAVAGE GULF STATE NATURAL AREA. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE AUTHOR
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back over the bridge and continue on the North Plateau and North Rim loop for a 17.5-mile lollipop hike (with great campsites along the way), or hang a right onto Mountain Oak Trail shortly after the Dinky Line campsites to beeline to the overlooks on Mountain Oak and North Rim, which will include another suspension bridge over Savage Creek. Three more suspension bridges can be found along the six-mile Collins Rim Trail in the southern part of the park, and one can be found along the one-mile Greeter Falls Loop trail on the park’s eastern side.
Mile High Swinging Bridge
North Carolina
Located among the big mountains of the North Carolina High Country, the 228-foot-long Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain is easy to reach and quite popular. The bridge—built in 1952 and rebuilt using the same towers in 1999—spans an 80-foot chasm 5,280 feet above sea level and is one of the windiest places in the state: a 124 mph record was set there in the winter of 2019.
Visitors on a time crunch can pay the $24 park entrance fee and hike 2/10 of a mile from the parking lot to gorgeous, otherworldly views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. If you’ve got time to earn it, start at the Boone Fork Parking Area near Mile 299 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and take the Tanawha trail to Daniel Boone Scout Trail, traversing several switchbacks to the top of Calloway Peak. Then take Grandfather Trail across view after view until summiting Grandfather Mountain, which is where the bridge is. This out-and-back hike clocks in around 13 miles.
Toxaway Bridge
North Carolina
The 76.2-mile Foothills Trail that weaves the border of North and South Carolina has plenty of bridges. Most impressive is the suspension bridge over the Toxaway River, 225 feet long and located about 49.5 miles from the trail’s western terminus in Oconee State Park. Duke Power and Crowder Construction Co. rebuilt the bridge in 2019 after years of good use since its original construction in 1982. The FHT has enjoyed greater popularity in recent years, partially due to its reputation as the perfect training hike for the Appalachian Trail (think green tunnels and lots of water). Folks who want to see the bridge but don’t have time for a thru-hike can reach it from Frozen Creek Trailhead, which is five miles away, or access the FHT by boat at the Canebrake Boat Access.
Eastatoe Passage of the Palmetto Trail
South Carolina
Two bridges swing along the Eastatoe Passage of the Palmetto Trail, South Carolina’s long trail. The Bridges hang over
GEORGIA'S TALLULAH GORGE STATE PARK HOLDS A 200-FOOT SUSPENSION BRIDGE. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE AUTHOR
two tributaries of the Eastatoe Creek, a trout-stocked blue vein.
From the Dug Mountain Fishing Access parking lot, located near Pickens, S.C., hike alongside the Eastatoe Creek. Three-quarters of a mile in, you’re graced with the 95-foot Zeke suspension bridge, which was completed in December, 2020. Not long after, you’ll reach a second one. The bridges hang above the floodline because the structures they replaced were washed away due to storms in 2019, preventing hikers from crossing the water and severing the connection to the rest of the 500-mile Palmetto Trail. The Eastatoe Passage is 4.6 miles long, ending at Keowee-Toxaway State Park.
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OUTDOOR HAPPENINGS
Fall 2022 Race & Event Guide
Sign up for a race or attend a festival this fall and winter at one of the many outoor happenings across the region. Check out some of our top picks here and online at blueridgeoutdoors.com
Old Fiddlers’ Convention
August 8-13 Felts Park, Galax, Va. Since 1935, musicians young and old have gathered to exchange tunes, instruments, stories, and traditions. People camp, eat, play music, and forge friendships. In addition to the stage competitions, the jam sessions in the parking lot and camping areas will not disappoint. An American tradition in itself—The Old Fiddlers’ Convention sponsored by Moose Lodge #722 in Galax, Va.
VISITGALAX.COM
Visit historic Lost River State Park!
August 20 Mathias, W.Va.
Hike or enjoy a guided horseback ride to Cranny Crow Overlook. You’ll always remember the view! Don’t miss the Lost River Classic Gravel Challenge & Rides, August 20! Proceeds will help build mountain bike trails in the park.
BIKEREG.COM/LOST-RIVER-CLASSIC
SEPTEMBER
Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival
September Buchanan, Va. The Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival is the largest sunflower festival and vendor event on the East Coast. With over 100 handmade crafters, hay rides, music, children’s activities, and over 600,000 sunflowers, there is something for every age to enjoy.
BEAVERDAMSUNFLOWERS.COM/EVENTS
Front Porch Fest
September 1-4 Spirithaven Farm, Stuart, Va. This intimate gathering on the front porch to the Blue Ridge Mountains is perfect for families of all ages, seasoned festival goers, and first timers. With an entire volunteer staff this labor of love raises funds for local charities.
Gears and Guitars Bike Race
September 9-11 Winston-Salem, N.C. Back for its ninth year, one of the country’s most prestigious cycling events combines with live music for a weekend of exciting racing, local riding, and a full weekend of FREE live music.
WINSTONSALEMCYCLING.COM
St. Charles Running Festival
September 10 St. Charles, Md. A flat, scenic event through St. Charles, starting and finishing at the Maryland Blue Crabs’ Regency Stadium. Participants and the public will enjoy a post-race party focused on the “Taste of Southern Maryland” food festival. Choose from a 5k or a 10k distance. Participants earn an Under Armour race shirt and finisher medal.
RUNSTCHARLES.COM
Patrick County Agricultural Fair
September 13-17 Rotary Field, Stuart, Va. The Patrick County Agricultural Fair is held every year at Rotary Field in Stuart, Va. Enjoy classic fair rides, delicious food, carnival games on the midway, live music, exciting events like the demolition derby, and view the animals, produce, and artwork in competition.
PATRICKCOUNTYFAIR.COM
New River Trail Challenge
Sept. 17 New River Trail State Park, Va. Long-distance adventure triathlon, 40-mile bike, 12.1-mile kayak, 1/2 marathon, in and along the New River Trail.
VIRGINIASTATEPARKS.GOV
Virginia’s Blue Ridge Go Cross Cyclocross, Presented by Deschutes Brewery
September 17-18 Roanoke, Va. Professional and amateur cyclists race at Fallon Park, Virginia’s only
permanent cyclocross course. The races will be live-streamed and also feature a Deschutes Beer Garden with food trucks, live music, and spectator events like a Beer Mile Relay, Doggie Cross, and Lil’ Belgians Kids Race.
GOCROSSRACE.COM
Virginia Regional Enduro and DH
September 17-18 Bryce Bike Park, Va. Go Nuts Biking is hosting their first ever Virginia Regional Downhill and Enduro races at Bryce Bike Park September 17-18th. The Downhill race will be Saturday, Sept. 17th and the Enduro will be Sunday, Sept. 18th.
BRYCERESORT.COM/EVENTS-ANDACTIVITIES/EVENTS
2022 Valley View Hard Cider Challenge 5k, 10k, & Half Marathon
Sept. 18 Sky Meadows State Park, Va. Come enjoy the challenging routes of Sky Meadows State Park and Valley View Farm, home of the Gnarled Orchard. These courses are knotty—a mix of cross country, trail, and hills! Runners may also redeem their drink ticket for sweet cider, juice, or soda. Walkers and leashed pets are welcome to attend this event. Now offering a virtual run option for those who cannot make it on race day.
BISHOPSEVENTS.COM
World Chicken Festival
September 22-25 Downtown London, Ky. Top-notch free entertainment, thrilling amusement rides, outrageous contests, quality craft and food vendors, and the World’s Largest Skillet that cooks up mouthwatering fried chicken! Check this off your bucket list and join us for a fun and fabulous festival!
September 23, 10:00 a.m. – September 25, 6:00 p.m. Bryson City, N.C. It’s back! One of the Nantahala Outdoor Center’s most beloved events, Guest Appreciation, is back in time for NOCs 50th year of adventure. Full of great sales, adventure, paddling, live entertainment, vendor booths, and more, GAF is has been our most popular event for decades.
NOC.COM
Dawson Pediatrics Peach Kids Triathlon
September 25 Alpharetta, Ga.
Alpharetta, Ga., will host the Dawson Pediatrics Peach Kids Triathlon on September 25 from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wills Park. Delivering a high-quality youth triathlon experience for the entire family—focused on FITNESS, FUN, and SAFETY.
AWESOMEALPHARETTA.COM
Bamboocycles DIY Workshop
September 30-October 2 Roanoke Boutique Hotel, Va. First Bamboocycles workshop in the United States. Participants build their own bamboo bike frames. A unique experience for eco-friendly bike enthusiasts who love a custom build. Owner Diego Cardenas has been featured on Shark Tank and lauded by Popular Mechanics, as a pioneer in sustainable design.
BAMBOOCYCLES.COM/DIY
OCTOBER
High Bridge Half Marathon & 5K
Oct. 1 High Bridge Trail State Park, Va. The race will be held on an out-andback course beginning in Downtown Farmville at the High Bridge Trail State Park Plaza. The park is a rail to trail conversion that is wide,
OCTOBER 1-2, 2022 OCTOBER 28-29, 2022
NOVEMBER 19-20, 2022 DECEMBER 17, 2022
level, and has very little grade. The trail surface consists of finely crushed, well-packed limestone. High Bridge is nearly a half mile long and towers 125 feet above the Appomattox River.
RUNSIGNUP.COM/RACE/VA/FARMVILLE/ HIGHBRIDGEHALFMARATHON5K
James River Ultra Runs
Oct. 1 James River State Park, Va. The first Ultra to be held at James River State Park. Choose from a variety of distances including: 10 miler, 50k, 50-mile relay, and 50-mile solo.
VIRGINIASTATEPARKS.GOV
October 1-2 Hampton, Va. Come run with J&A Racing at the Bayport Foundation Crawlin’ Crab Half Marathon Presented by Bon Secours! Don’t be shellfish—crab your friends and scurry to Hampton for a fun-filled race weekend complete with a snappy fast course and a clawsome post-race shellebration!
CRAWLINCRABHALF.COM
Anthem GO Outside Festival
October 14-16 Roanoke, Va. A three-day outdoor sports and music festival in the heart of Roanoke. Festival-goers try new sports and demo outdoor gear, watch outdoor films and pro athletes perform, race for gear and glory, and connect with the brands and organizations who are all about getting outside!
ROANOKEGOFEST.COM
Baltimore Running Festival
October 15 Baltimore, Md. Charm City’s Annual Running Festival offers races that never disappoint! From the furry cheerleaders at Maryland’s Zoo to the beautiful finish at the Baltimore Inner Harbor, runners are sure to have quite the unique and memorable experience. They’ll tour every corner of the city while tackling some challenging (yet respectable!) hills that only make the post-race festivities in the famed Inner Harbor all the more amazing and certainly wellearned! Plus you walk away with an Under Armour race shirt and a Crack the Crab medal to prove it.
THEBALTIMOREMARATHON.COM
Conquer the Mountain
October 15-16 Bryce Four Season Resort, Va. Two-day race series in and around Bryce Resort in the Shenandoah Valley, featuring a four and eight-hour nighttime Adventure Race, 50k Ultra Marathon and Half Marathon, 42 & 31 Mile Mountain Bike Race/Ride, and 31 & 62 Mile Gravel Grinder Race/Ride!
REV3ENDURANCE.COM
YOU’LL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE VIEW FROM CRANNY CROW!
VISITHARDYWV.COM
NOVEMBER
Everything Outdoor Fest
November 4-6 Simpsonville, S.C. Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels are invited to be part of the first Everything Outdoor Fest held at Historic Hopkins Farm in Simpsonville, S.C. The three-day festival will showcase and celebrate the Southeast’s most popular outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and much more.
EVERYTHINGOUTDOORFEST.COM
November 10-13 YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, Black Mountain, N.C. or Online The Association for Experiential Education’s 50th Conference offers 90+ workshops, three powerful keynotes, a research symposium, fun social events, and more. With hundreds of practitioners, teachers, therapists, facilitators, and students in attendance, you’ll learn from leaders and innovators and discover what’s possible in Experiential Education.
AEE.ORG/2022-INTERNATIONALCONFERENCE Classic’s proceeds will help fund mountain bike trail building in the park
WWW.BIKEREG.COM/LOST-RIVER-CLASSIC
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Chesapeake Bay Bridge Run/Walk
November 13 Maryland Don’t miss your only chance to run or walk across the majestic Chesapeake Bay Bridge which is typically closed to pedestrians. You can expect a fun, well-managed event open to runners and walkers alike. The 10k course will traverse the eastbound span of the bridge from Anne Arundel County to Kent Island in Queen Anne’s county with parking and shuttles to the start available from both sides.
THEBAYBRIDGERUN.COM Oxbow Ultra
November 26 St. Paul, Va. The course consists of a five-mile loop circling the scenic Oxbow Lake, then a stretch of singletrack before emerging onto a large open field on top of Sugar Hill. Participants will pass by the remnants of a French Settlement before descending onto the trail next to the Clinch River, one of the most biodiverse rivers in the United States. The trail then merges back onto a dirt road leading to the start/finish area.
STPAULVA.ORG
November 18-20 Norfolk, Va. You were mermaid for the Chartway Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon Presented by Bon Secours! Come seas the day by running this beautiful course through Downtown Norfolk, and then dance your tails off at the fintastic Post Race Celebration in Town Point Park!
NORFOLKHARBORHALF.COM
RECURRING
The Old Fort Gateway Trail System, Old Fort, N.C.
The Old Fort Gateway Trail System’s Phase I is open! Explore six miles of mixed-use trail inside Pisgah National Forest. Hike, bike, or enjoy a shady backcountry equestrian trail. Call us for information or find trail details online.
BLUERIDGETRAVELER.COM/ATTRACTIONS/ OLD-FORT-GATEWAY-TRAIL-SYSTEM
WANDER,WANDER, EXPLORE,EXPLORE, DISCOVERDISCOVER
October 14-16, Downtown Roanoke, VA
BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR | BLACK JOE LEWIS & THE HONEYBEARS SHEMEKIA COPELAND | OUTDOOR CULTURE WITH THE HUMBLE HUSTLE | CAMPFIRE CHATS HOOT & HOLLER STORYTELLING | PRO-TOWN BMX STUNT SHOW | LUMBERJACK SHOWS GEAR DEMOS | CLIMBING | PADDLING | BIKING | FISHING | HIKING | SLACKLINING FREE LIVE MUSIC | & MORE AT ROANOKEGOFEST.COM OR @ROANOKGOFEST
