Wandering along a shady trail admiring the flora and the fauna can do wonders for the soul. Further adding to the overall experience, a trail that has a destination or special feature, like an old iron footbridge with a wooden floor crossing over a scenic river, adds some anticipation to the adventure. Hiking in North Carolina is always a fun time, but when you’re in search of an old bridge in the middle of the forest, there’s an added level of excitement to the day’s excursion.

Before we get started, there is more than one trail that leads to the Chattooga River Bridge in the Nantahala National Forest.

alltrails/AlphaGo Min This trail, detailed by our friends at AllTrails.com, begins outside of Highlands and is 3.8 miles out and back.

At the end of the trail is the bridge crossing the Chattooga River.

Googel Maps/Matt May Once you reach the bridge and see the views as you cross the river, you’ll be swept away by the dreamy surrounds.

Bring the kids and the dogs (as long as the dogs are leashed), and prepare for a narrow trail lined with ferns and meandering underneath a lush, green forest canopy.

alltrails/Bob Allen At about the halfway mark, the creek you’re following at the start of the trail merges into the Chattooga River. This is a wonderful spot to stop and enjoy the views as you let the fresh mountain air fill your nostrils.

Signage indicating turns for the Chattooga and the Chattooga River Trail may be present.

alltrails/Katahy Wood Keep your eyes peels for directionals so you don’t end up missing a turn and doubling back. (Downloading the AllTrails app to your phone will also be a huge help, as long as you have a signal.)

The Chattooga River originates with headwaters in the nearby town of Cashiers. It eventually ends up flowing into South Carolina and serves as the border between South Carolina and Georgia for a short distance.

alltrails/Susan Kettles Here in North Carolina, it’s one of the state’s hidden gems — and you’ll want to spend as much time enjoying this secluded and mostly unknown trail as possible.

And such is the case, too, with the Chattooga River Bridge!

alltrails/Dan Guthrie How in the world this old steel bridge got into the middle of the forest is anyone’s guess. But we’re so glad it did!

It’s important to note that this trail to the bridge is rated as moderate, which puts it right in the middle of easy and difficult. Your best hiking experiences here will take place between April and September.

AllTrails There’s a total elevation change of 634 feet. Wear shoes that provide sure footing and consider bringing your walking sticks, if you have ’em.

Learn more about the trail and the trailhead location, download the AllTrails app, and see more photos at this link on AllTrails. Have you hiked to this North Carolina bridge in the middle of the forest on the scenic Chattooga River? Give the experience a review of your own in our comments on Facebook!

alltrails/AlphaGo Min

This trail, detailed by our friends at AllTrails.com, begins outside of Highlands and is 3.8 miles out and back.

Googel Maps/Matt May

Once you reach the bridge and see the views as you cross the river, you’ll be swept away by the dreamy surrounds.

alltrails/Bob Allen

At about the halfway mark, the creek you’re following at the start of the trail merges into the Chattooga River. This is a wonderful spot to stop and enjoy the views as you let the fresh mountain air fill your nostrils.

alltrails/Katahy Wood

Keep your eyes peels for directionals so you don’t end up missing a turn and doubling back. (Downloading the AllTrails app to your phone will also be a huge help, as long as you have a signal.)

alltrails/Susan Kettles

Here in North Carolina, it’s one of the state’s hidden gems — and you’ll want to spend as much time enjoying this secluded and mostly unknown trail as possible.

alltrails/Dan Guthrie

How in the world this old steel bridge got into the middle of the forest is anyone’s guess. But we’re so glad it did!

AllTrails

There’s a total elevation change of 634 feet. Wear shoes that provide sure footing and consider bringing your walking sticks, if you have ’em.

And for another one-of-a-kind bridge hike in North Carolina: Take A Suspension Bridge Hike In Buffalo Creek, A 393-Acre Preserve In North Carolina.

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Address: Highlands, NC 28741, USA