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All the United States North Carolina Barkers Creek Swinging Bridge
AO Edited

Barkers Creek Swinging Bridge

One of the last remaining pedestrian suspension bridges in North Carolina.

Whittier, North Carolina

Added By
Justin
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View south across bridge.   SlawDawg / Atlas Obscura User
View south across bridge.   SlawDawg / Atlas Obscura User
View of bridge from US 74 parking.   SlawDawg / Atlas Obscura User
View north back towards highway.   SlawDawg / Atlas Obscura User
Plaque on far side of bridge, likely from prior salvaged bridge.   SlawDawg / Atlas Obscura User
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About

This bridge—known both as Barkers Creek Swinging Bridge and Tuckasegee Swinging Bridge—is one of the few remaining examples of a crude swinging bridge built to provide pedestrian access to remote areas in the Appalachian mountains. Many in the region were built using parts from older bridges, and that seems to be the case here. The bridge is owned and maintained by the state. It was built to provide access to the road for residents living across the river but on the eastern side of the rail tracks to give ease of access to the highway.

Look closely and you’ll see this bridge has a 1906 builder plaque for the Roanoke Bridge Company; however, the plaque probably refers to the bridge from which parts this footbridge were built. The actual date of construction is unknown.

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Bridges

Know Before You Go

There is a pull off along US 74 eastbound with room for four or five cars.

There is a warning sign on the bridge to limit the weight to four people at a time. If you are afraid of all the bouncing, it helps to go across quickly one by one to minimize the movement.

Be sure to respect the fence and private property on the other side of the bridge.

Community Contributors

Added By

SlawDawg

Published

March 26, 2025

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Sources
  • https://historicbridges.org/bridges/browser/?bridgebrowser=northcarolina/tuckasegeeswingingbridge/
Barkers Creek Swinging Bridge
6326 US-74
Whittier, North Carolina, 28789
United States
35.404086, -83.292388
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Nearby Places

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Photo of North Carolina

North Carolina

United States

Places 199
Stories 33

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of North Carolina

North Carolina

United States

Places 199
Stories 33

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