The Swinging Bridge

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The Swinging Bridge

Hiking
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The Swinging Bridge on the Toccoa River is a very popular destination for day hikers. Located on the Benton MacKaye Trail, this 265-foot-long bridge is the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi River.

In 1976 the Forest Service, along with the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club, replaced a dangerous ford of the Toccoa River in this area. A private contractor built the bridge, which was completed in 1977, and has been a landmark in Blue Ridge, GA. It is one of the most scenic river locations in North Georgia.

The Swinging Bridge and the Benton MacKaye Trail are only open to foot traffic and are a great place for Toccoa River hiking, great scenery, picnics, and swimming for all ages. It won't take you but a few steps to figure out why they call this "The Swinging Bridge". Your walking motion will cause the bridge to sway from side to side. But don't worry, the bridge actually sways less in the middle than it does closer to the ends.

Required Items needed: Camera, Picnic, and a Smile.

Directions:

  • From Blue Ridge, take Hwy 515 east to Hwy 60/Morganton
  • In Morganton, follow Hwy 60 South toward Dahlonega for 11.3 miles passing Skeenah Mill
  • Another .7 miles on the right is FS 816
  • Turn right on FS 816 and follow the gravel road 3 miles to the parking area
  • Short hike down to the Toccoa River and the Swinging Bridge