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NatureHiking

Hike To Spectacular Bridges Hiding Along These 5 Trails In North Carolina

Discover five scenic bridge hikes in North Carolina that add an adventurous flair to any trek through the wilderness.

Published Nov 25, 2021

Written by 

Robin Jarvis

Hiking in North Carolina is always a fun adventure, no matter where you are. And if you love bridges along your trails, then you're in the right place! Check out the following five bridge hikes in North Carolina that are guaranteed to add some adventuresome flair to any trek through the wilderness.

1. Twelve Mile Creek Bridge - Waxhaw

A suspension bridge with signs marking the borders of North Carolina, surrounded by lush greenery.
AllTrails/Ann Cope

The Carolina Thread Trail departs from Waxhaw, North Carolina. At about 1.5 miles into the trail, you'll cross the South Carolina border on a 180-foot swinging bridge over the beautiful, babbling Twelve Mile Creek. Find out more about this trail in this previous article.

2. Flat Laurel Creek Triple Arch Bridge - Canton

A stone bridge with three arches spans a clear stream, surrounded by trees and rocky terrain under a blue sky.
AllTrails/Pointerz User

A short hike of 0.4 miles brings you to this triple arch stone bridge in the middle of the forest. Most people don't know about this hidden gem, but those who do like to return again and again. Expect to share the trail, which is rated as 'easy' by All Trails.

3. Concrete and Wooden Bridge Fire Road Loop Trail - near Durham

A serene gravel path winding through lush green trees, bordered by a wooden fence.
AllTrails/Tiko Granados
A serene pathway leads to a calm stream, surrounded by lush green trees and sunlight filtering through the leaves.
AllTrails/Benjamin Wolf

Used by hikers, mountain bikers, and horses, this four-mile looped trail sees quite a bit of traffic. It meanders through the Korstian Division of Duke Forest outside of Durham. On it, you'll cross over New Hope Creek exactly twice, once on a concrete and wooden bridge, and the other time on a very low-lying concrete bridge that could be covered in water at certain times of the year. Wear your water shoes! Learn more about the trail and see more photos by visiting our friends at All Trails.

4. Cox Mountain Trail Loop - Eno River State Park, Durham

A wooden suspension bridge over a river, surrounded by trees, with signs about bridge rules on either side.
Google/Sandoval Delgadillo
A serene river flows through a wooded area, with a fallen tree arching over the water and colorful autumn foliage.
Google/Sandoval Delgadillo

A four-mile forested loop trail at Eno River State Park kicks off in the first two-tenths of a mile with a spectacular swinging bridge over the gently moving Eno River. There are many trails to explore in this state park, but you'd be remiss to miss this single swinging bridge. Learn more from our friends at AllTrails.com.

5. Four Falls and the Covered Bridge Trail - DuPont State Forest near Brevard

A rustic covered bridge stands over a gravel road, surrounded by trees and a wooden fence under a blue sky.
Astargirl / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images

Hike to four enormous waterfalls in the DuPont State Recreational Forest and pass through the famed covered bridge along the trail. The trail is rated as moderate and spans 8.3 miles in total. Learn more in this previous article.

If you love bridge hikes in North Carolina, then be sure to spend some time Exploring These 7 Swinging Bridges in North Carolina, too!

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