The Swinging Bridge on the Toccoa River is a very popular destination for day-hikers. Located on the Benton MacKaye Trail through hikers, and paddlers making the journey down the Toccoa River Canoe Trail, this 265 foot long bridge is the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi River.
In 1976 the Forest Service, along with the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club replaced a dangerous ford of the Toccoa River in this area. A private contractor built the bridge which was completed in 1977 and has been a landmark in Fannin County and a popular camping spot in Blue Ridge, GA. It is one of the most scenic river locations in North Georgia....
The Swinging Bridge on the Toccoa River is a very popular destination for day-hikers. Located on the Benton MacKaye Trail through hikers, and paddlers making the journey down the Toccoa River Canoe Trail, this 265 foot long bridge is the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi River.
In 1976 the Forest Service, along with the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club replaced a dangerous ford of the Toccoa River in this area. A private contractor built the bridge which was completed in 1977 and has been a landmark in Fannin County and a popular camping spot in Blue Ridge, GA. It is one of the most scenic river locations in North Georgia.
The Swinging Bridge and the Benton MacKaye Trail are only open to foot traffic. Camping by the Toccoa River on either side of the river is extremely popular and it is unmanaged. The Swinging Bridge is a great place for Toccoa River hiking, great scenery, picnics and a great place to take your kids for a swim in the Toccoa River. It won't take you but a few steps to fiqure out why they call this "The Swinging Bridge". Your walking motion will cause the bridge to sway from side-to-side. But don't worry, the bridge actually sways less in the middle than it does closer to the ends.
Required Items needed: Camera, Picnic and a Smile.
Directions to the Swinging Bridge:
From Blue Ridge, take Hwy 515 east to Hwy 60/Morganton. In Morganton, follow Hwy 60 South toward Dahlonega for 11.3 miles passing Skeenah Mill. Another .7 miles on the right is FS 816. Turn right and follow the gravel road 3 miles to the parking area. Short hike down to the Toccoa River and the Swinging Bridge.
