There’s A Covered Bridge Trail In Alabama And You’ll Want To Take It
Alabama is home to many historic covered bridges. Several are hidden away, while others can be easily located. If you’re a fan of historic covered bridges, you’re in luck! What if I were to tell you that you could visit eight of Alabama’s most historic covered bridges in a single day? That’s right; A SINGLE DAY. Sure, you’ll have to spend an extra day returning home, but the drive is so worth it. Especially this time of year.
Listed below, we’ve mapped a trail route that features eight of Alabama’s most historic covered bridges. As you can see, the total miles of this trail route is 410, with an estimated drive time of 7 hours and 57 minutes. The covered bridge trail in Alabama begins in Mentone and ends in Livingston.
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Our first stop brings us to the Old Union Covered Bridge in Mentone. The Old Union Covered Bridge spans the West Fork of the Little River and was originally built in 1863. In 1980, this historic 90-foot bridge was rebuilt over an existing cable bridge.
Among the most scenic places in Alabama, our next stop brings us to Noccalula Falls Park. At this popular tourist attraction, you'll come across the Gilliland-Reese Covered Bridge. This beautiful historic bridge is located within the park and spans a small pond near Black Creek. The Gilliland-Reese Covered Bridge was built in 1899 and is 85 feet long.
We've now arrived at the Clarkson-Legg Covered Bridge in Cullman. This historic bridge was originally built in 1904 and is 270 feet long, making it the second-longest covered bridge in Alabama. The Clarkson-Legg Covered Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 27, 1974.
The trail route has now brought us to the Old Easley Covered Bridge, which was built in 1927 and is 95 feet long. It's currently the oldest of the three historic bridges in Blount County, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 20, 1981.
The Horton Mill Covered Bridge was built in 1934, making it the youngest covered bridge on our trail route. This 220-feet-long bridge spans the Calvert Prong of the Little Warrior River in Blount County. The Horton Mill Covered Bridge is 70 feet tall, which makes it the highest covered bridge above any U.S. waterway.
The Coldwater Covered Bridge, also known as Hughes Mill Covered Bridge, was built around 1850 and is 95 feet long. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 11, 1973 and is currently Alabama's oldest covered bridge.
The Kymulga Covered Bridge was built in 1861 and is 105 feet long. It's located within Kymulga Park and spans Talladega Creek. The Kymulga Covered Bridge is one of two 19th century covered bridges still at its original location. This historic bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 29, 1976.
Our final stop on Alabama's Covered Bridge Trail is the Alamuchee-Bellamy Covered Bridge. This historic bridge was built in 1861 and is 88 feet long. It's located on the University of West Alabama campus and is one of Alabama's oldest covered bridges.
Now that you’ve learned where to find covered bridges in Alabama, are you up for taking a drive along this covered bridge trail? Have you ever visited any of these historic covered bridges? If so, what did you think? Also, can you think of any other historic sites in Alabama? Let us know in the comments!
Address: Mentone, AL 35984, USA
Address: Gadsden, AL 35904, USA
Address: 1240 Co Rd 1043, Cullman, AL 35057, USA
Address: Easley Covered Bridge, Easley Bridge Rd, Oneonta, AL 35121, USA
Address: 35-91 Covered Bridge Cir, Oneonta, AL 35121, USA
Address: Oxford, AL 36203, USA
Address: 7346 Grist Mill Rd # 180, Alpine, AL 35014, USA
Address: Duck Pound - University West, Livingston, AL 35470, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Covered Bridge Trail In Alabama
February 17, 2021
Jamie Alvarenga
Which hidden gems in Alabama should I visit?
Covered bridges aren’t the only hidden gems in the state of Alabama. The Yellowhammer State is also home to little-known parks, caves, towns, and more. If it’s natural wonders you’re interested in, consider heading to Natural bridge, which is the longest natural bridge east of the Rockies. Dismals Canyon is also worth seeking out, featuring 85 acres full of trails, waterfalls, campsites, and dismalites. Dismalites are rare glow-in-the-dark insects! Dauphin Island is also a bucket list-worthy gem that’s perfect for a beachy vacation. The secluded location and water views make for one peaceful place to relax.
What are the most charming small towns in Alabama?
If you love charming covered bridges, you’ll probably love Alabama’s charming small towns, too. Tuscumbia is a favorite local small town, known for its historic downtown area and its beautiful location near the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. For even more local history, you’ll also want to check out Greenville and Mooresville. Alabama is also home to a mountaintop town known as Mentone. Mentone is known for its scenic overlook views and a 104-foot waterfall. Book lovers will also want to visit Monroeville, known as the Literally Capital of Alabama.
Is Alabama a great place to live?
Full of history, natural beauty, charming local businesses, and bucket list-worthy attractions, Alabama is definitely a great place to live. The state has something for everyone, whether you prefer the quiet life or a busy city atmosphere. Temperatures in Alabama don’t often drop below freezing, so it’s perfect for those who hate the cold. The classic southern food in the state will keep you full and satisfied. Barbecue, fried catfish, and banana pudding are just some of the favorite dishes in the area. Alabama is also a great place to raise a family.
Address: Mentone, AL 35984, USA
Address: Gadsden, AL 35904, USA
Address: 1240 Co Rd 1043, Cullman, AL 35057, USA
Address: Easley Covered Bridge, Easley Bridge Rd, Oneonta, AL 35121, USA
Address: 35-91 Covered Bridge Cir, Oneonta, AL 35121, USA
Address: Oxford, AL 36203, USA
Address: 7346 Grist Mill Rd # 180, Alpine, AL 35014, USA
Address: Duck Pound - University West, Livingston, AL 35470, USA
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Jennifer is the Alabama staff writer for Only In Your State and has nearly 15 years of professional writing experience. She enjoys discovering new places and currently calls North Alabama home.
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