These 10 Terrifying Swinging Bridges In Kentucky Will Make Your Stomach Drop
By Jenn Shockley|Published March 15, 2016
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Jenn Shockley
Author
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
Depending on how you feel about heights, a bridge can be exhilarating or terrifying. These swinging bridges in Kentucky take us back to a different era. It was a time when these precariously swaying manmade contraptions were the only way to cross the rivers and creeks. Most of these are in Clay County, and some are in horrible disrepair. A few have been preserved and are safe to stand on and soak up the scenery. Check the structure before stepping on.
Here are 10 swinging bridges in Kentucky that can make your stomach drop:
In Clay County, take Hwy 66 to Hwy 1482 until you reach Martin Branch Road. You will see a beautiful old, but terribly weathered swinging bridge across Bullskin Creek. The spot is minutes away from the breathtaking scenery of the Leatherwood Recreation Area northeast on 1482.
This swinging bridge hanging above Goose Creek in Clay County has been preserved by local families. The restored bridge allows pedestrians to cross over Goose Creek even during a flood. Standing above the rising waters on the bridge can be spine tingling.
This bridge connects Manchester Square to the beautiful River Walk Trail in Clay County. The original wooden bridge was washed away in 1947 and this swinging bridge was built so people could continue to get across. The original wooden bridge was said to have been used by both Daniel Boone and Dr. Thomas Walker before him, in the 1700s.
South of Oneida on Martin Cemetery Road, one will see the ancient Red Bird bridge on the left. No, it is not safe to walk on. However, further up, one takes Salmon Road to Swinging Bridge Farms bridge, which is still safe to use and offers a gorgeous view of the serene surroundings.
This is an all metal swinging bridge on the east side of KY 11 around seven miles south of Oneida. It is located off Sutton Branch Road in Clay County and offers an incredibly scenic view… while swaying on the bridge.
On the south side of the Oneida Baptist Institute you will find the well maintained OBI swinging bridge. OBI Farm Road connects to the campus ball fields via this bridge. A museum is located on the property founded in 1899 by Professor James Anderson Burns that offers a look into the history of the area.
This is a beautiful example of our Kentucky history with a breathtaking view over Kentucky River. It is located at the intersection of Rocky Branch Road and Rooster Branch Road in Clay County. It is also close to the Laurel Point Cemetery and several other historic attractions.
If you head past Oneida on Hwy 11 N and turn left onto KY 577, you will run into this swinging bridge after close to three and a half miles. Another mile south and you will see a restored bridge with pieces of the original still in use. Further south, you will find a marker honoring Joe Clark, a soldier in the first battle of the war in Kentucky during 1861 and likely crossed over the original bridges.
1. A walk across an old swinging bridge in Paintsville:
I love old bridges but have to admit, having one sway beneath me isn’t very comfortable. Many of our historic swinging bridges in Kentucky didn’t survive the journey through history and plummeted to the depths below. Have you ever been on a swinging bridge in Kentucky?
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