Posted in Connecticut Nature October 29, 2021 by

The Henry David Thoreau Swinging Bridge In Connecticut Will Make Your Stomach Drop

We’ve got a lot of cool bridges in the Constitution State. There are gorgeous covered bridges in Connecticut that are relics of time gone by. And the Gold Star Memorial Bridge is a remarkable feat of engineering. (At more than 6,000 feet long, it’s actually the largest structure in the state!) The Henry David Thoreau Bridge lacks record-setting length and isn’t a covered bridge…but it still manages to be one of the most unique bridges in Connecticut. Read on to find out more: though fair warning, if you’re afraid of heights, this may be one you want to skip!

The 134-foot-long footbridge spans the Shepaug River in Washington Depot's Hidden Valley Preserve.
Celeste Echlin/Alltrails
Henry David Thoreau is a famed 19th-century philosopher well-known for his love of nature. The bridge's railings feature quotes by Thoreau.
Sara H/Alltrails
His 1854 work, Walden, is a love letter to life in the woods. He wrote the book about his two years spent living in a cabin on Walden Pond in Massachusetts.
The bridge allows easier access to trails on both sides of the river. They were previously not handicap-accessible, so this is a great way to ensure everyone is able to enjoy nature!
Lynn Sheeran/Alltrails
While it doesn't sway too much with use, the suspension system definitely allows for a little more give than you'd typically experience in a bridge. Bouncing up and down on it will cause some movement.
Needless to say, the views from the bridge are absolutely stunning, no matter what season you visit.
Jed Waldo/Alltrails
This is a beautiful feat of engineering that really complements the natural surroundings and flows with the scenery.
BRi Patton/Alltrails
The inscriptions on the railings are a beautiful touch that cause you to pause and reflect on the beauty that surrounds you.
Isabella Kollar/Alltrails

For more pictures from Hidden Valley Preserve, check out our friends at AllTrails. The Henry David Thoreau Bridge is part of the 2.1-mile Bee Brock Loop trail.

YouTube user EasternMountainHiker features some beautiful footage of the bridge on his channel if you’d like to see more.

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Address: Hidden Valley Preserve, 198 Bee Brook Rd, Washington Depot, CT 06794, USA