Walk Across A 180-Foot Suspension Bridge On Twelve Mile Creek Trail In South Carolina

Think all of the daring hiking trails in South Carolina are in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains? Think again. Over in Lancaster's Walnut Creek Park, you can embark on foot (or bike) on a 3.5-mile Carolina Thread Trail that leads all the way to the North Carolina border where you'll encounter a daunting decision: do you dare to cross the lengthy 180-foot swinging bridge?

In stark comparison, if a football field is 300 feet in length, then, at 180 feet, the suspension bridge over Twelve Mile Creek is more than half the length of a football field.

You will find it at the Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve. To make it an even more nail-biting experience, the sides of the bridge are made of rope, not something rock solid to hold onto. Do you love this adventure already?!

For the most part, the Twelve Mile Creek Trail (also known as part of the Carolina Thread Trail) meanders in and out of suburbia in the nicest of neighborhoods.

Expect to encounter plenty of smiling faces from the locals along the Carolina Thread Trail. You'd be smiling, too, if this trail was in your backyard for you to enjoy any time you'd like!

Prepare for some super lush vistas, even though there are houses on the horizon.

But the Twelve Mile Creek Trail isn't all sidewalks rolling past perfectly groomed yards.

It winds along the gently moving Twelve Mile Creek, where you just may see a salamander or two in the right season.

You'll definitely appreciate the sounds of nature along the creek, whether you're on a leisurely stroll on this mostly flat trail, or taking a run or riding a bike.

It will seem like it takes no time at all to arrive at the point where the trail crosses the creek — and the state border.

But what does time matter when you're out to enjoy nature?

Both sides of the bridge have a posted request to not overload the suspension. Only 12 persons at a time are allowed on this gently moving wonder.

Oh, don't worry, it only moves when you take a step. But if you want a photo like this one of the state line in the very middle of the bridge, you'll have no choice but to cross.

Who are we kidding?? (No one, probably!) This trail and the 180-foot suspension bridge are loads of irresistible fun the whole family will enjoy!

And when it comes to family fun, this is one of the best places to enjoy it.

On the South Carolina side, the easiest point of entry onto the Carolina Thread Trail is at Walnut Creek Park in Lancaster.

If hiking in super hot weather, please remember to bring plenty of water along.

Not all hikes need to include a daredevil challenge like this quirky-cool suspension bridge - but it sure makes it more fun for the kids, right? Have you ever hiked this trail to the suspension bridge over Twelve Mile Creek? We'd love to hear about your experience and see your photos in the comments.

Keeping the kids entertained can be a challenge, so check out these seven kid-friendly hikes in South Carolina. Happy adventuring!

Want to learn more about cool stuff in South Carolina? Check out this video about watching baby pelicans on a coastal expeditions cruise: