Bunker Hill Covered Bridge In North Carolina Was Built In1895

Old-fashioned covered bridges from a bygone era are hard to come by in the Tar Heel State. In fact, only two such bridges have survived the test of time in North Carolina! The older of the two, the Bunker Hill Covered Bridge, is a true Tar Heel State treasure. Not only is it listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s also one of only three National Civil Engineering Landmarks in the state (accompanied by the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Cape Hatteras Light). Learn more about the oldest covered bridge in North Carolina, and then make a plan to see this beauty for yourself!

With only two covered bridges in North Carolina, the Bunker Hill Covered Bridge is kind of a big deal. But pomp and circumstance of this esteemed landmark aside, it's also a very cool sight to visit.

Found within Connor Park located a mere 15 miles east of Hickory, Bunker Hill Covered Bridge belongs on every North Carolinian's bucket list. (And seeing that there are only two covered bridges in the state, you should make a point of visiting them both!)

The bridge first opened in 1895, after its builder, Andrew Ramsour, found the Haupt Truss design while flipping through the pages of a book.

For the first five years, the bridge at Bunker Hill was an open span. But, fearing the effect the elements would have on the natural decay of the wood used in the construction, the bridge was covered with a 91-foot shingle roof in 1900. Later, in 1921, the shingle roof was replaced by metal.

In 1994, the bridge saw some major renovations soon after it was donated to the Catawba County Historical Association. Then, once again in 2019, Bunker Hill underwent some extensive repairs. It opened to the public again in February 2020.

Any visit to the bridge is a welcome step back in time. A short walk from the parking area leads to the bridge and past the Tater House, which also received a new paint job during the restorations.

Bunker Hill Covered Bridge is open for visits during daylight hours. Admission is free. To get there, take NC-70 east out of Claremont until you get to Connor Park.

Are you excited to make the visit to see the Bunker Hill Covered Bridge? The other remaining covered bridge in the Tar Heel State isn’t the oldest, but at 140 feet in length, it’s the longest. Keep reading to learn more about why you should also visit Pisgah Covered Bridge in North Carolina!

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Sarah | November 09, 2021

What are some other charming places to visit in North Carolina?

If visiting charming places (like covered bridges) is your jam, you'll be delighted by these 10 fairy tale spots in the state. From lush forests and wondrous waterfalls to the whimsically themed Land of Oz Theme Park, you'll be positively enchanted by these amazing and beautiful places in North Carolina!

Are there any fun bridges I can walk across in North Carolina?

Yes! There are some really unique and cool bridges in the Tar Heel State that you can check out -- and walk across! This list has some of the state's most iconic and interesting bridges; one of our all-time favorites is the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The bridge has been in place since 1952. It was rebuilt in 1999 to provide extra safety and a general 'facelift' for the original bridge. The 228-foot-long bridge is certainly a feat for those who cross. But you'll be pleasantly rewarded on your journey across and at the end. While on the bridge, you're treated to 360-degree views of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Some sources say, on a clear day, you can even see the Charlotte skyline in the distance. It is America's highest suspension footbridge, and walking across the Mile High Swinging Bridge is a North Carolina right of passage!

What's the longest covered bridge in North Carolina?

The covered bridge situation in North Carolina is a bit confusing. North Carolina’s covered bridges are actually numerous, in spite of the fact that only two are credited with being the oldest and only remaining original bridges in the state. At last count, this link listed 65 covered bridges within the confines of the Tar Heel State. Additionally, the same link credits a bridge in a historic park as being the longest covered bridge in North Carolina and measuring a whopping 140 feet in length. What is this mythical bridge? The longest covered bridge in North Carolina is located at Ole Gilliam Mill Park. It's actually a bit of an enigma, which you can read more about here...

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4160 US-70, Claremont, NC 28610, USA

The Oldest Covered Bridge In North Carolina Has Been Around Since 1895

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