Swinging bridges may be safe in theory, but there’s nothing quite as unsettling as walking onto a creaky bridge suspended many feet above the ground. Especially if it’s an old bridge. With parts of it dating back to 1851, the Swinging Bridge in Buchanan is a historically-important and also a structurally-daunting site you’ll want to visit soon (or cross…if you dare!). Here’s more on this iconic swinging bridge in Virginia.

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Buchanan's Swinging Bridge is owned by VDOT and is registered as a Virginia historic landmark. The bridge is 366 feet long, 57.5 feet tall, and no others like it exist on the James River. The Historic District of Buchanan centers around this very bridge.
BeerAndLoathing/flickr
Parts of the stone piers you see today were constructed in 1851 as part of a covered toll bridge. The original toll was five cents per person, and an additional five cents per wagon, horse, oxen, or mule. Most of this original bridge was burned in 1864 by a Confederate soldier in an attempt to prevent opposing forces from crossing the James en route to Lynchburg. The flood of 1877 tragically washed away the bridge's renovation after the war.

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Al/flickr
The R&A Railroad Company decided to rebuild a toll-free covered bridge. 20 years later, this bridge was replaced with the steel swinging bridge that remains today. The Mayor at the time wanted to ensure that residents would have access to Pattonsburg by means of this pedestrian bridge. Therefore a second concrete bridge was built for other traffic to cross the James. Construction of this bridge began in the summer of 1937. On July 4th, 1938, Former Governor Trinkle dedicated both bridges.
Lindley Ashline/flickr
Cautionary signs limit the number of people on the bridge to three at a time and also warn against running or causing the bridge to sway. After seeing the bridge, you probably won't need to be told this twice!
mystuart/flickr
The Swinging Bridge offers incredible views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. For 150 years, parts of the bridge have played a significant role in the town's history, which is why the Swinging Bridge is featured on Buchanan's town seal.

Have you crossed Buchanan’s Swinging Bridge in Virginia? We’d love to hear about your experience there!

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Swinging Bridge In Virginia

Beth C. | June 01, 2020

Which hidden gems in Virginia should I visit?

Spend just a few days in Virginia and you'll discover that there are countless hidden gems to enjoy. Whether you're someone who enjoys spending time in the great outdoors or loves the opportunity to learn about Virginia's extensive history, you're bound to find something off-the-beaten-path that will fascinate you. In addition to the Buchanan Swinging Bridge in Virginia, some other must-visit hidden gems include Emancipation Oak in Hampton, Devil's Bathtub in Fort Blackmore, Crabtree Falls in Montebello, and the Sand Cave at Cumberland Gap National Park in Ewing. Looking for more inspiration? Check out these 9 Amazing Hidden Gems in Virginia.

What are the best day trips in Virginia?

There's nothing like a good ol' fashioned road trip to enjoy all the best of what Virginia has to offer. Fortunately, many of these trips can be accomplished in just a day's time. One of the best day trip itineraries is exploring Virginia's beautiful waterfalls. From modest cascades to gushing gorges, Virginia's waterfalls don't disappoint. To get you started, we've put together the perfect day-trip itinerary for exploring Virginia's most beautiful waterfalls. If you're someone who enjoys bargain hunting, you might also consider this bargain-hunters road trip through Virginia that will take you to some incredible thrift stores hiding around our state.

Are there any covered bridges in Virginia?

Virginia has several covered bridges and they are all worth visiting! One of the most popular covered bridges in Virginia is Humpback Bridge in Covington. This historic bridge is not only highly-photographable, but also happens to be the perfect place to spend some time outdoors. In fact, many people even go for a dip in the river below the bridge. You can read more about this historic 19th-century covered bridge by clicking here. Other covered bridges in Virginia include Sinking Creek Bridge in Pearisburg, Jack's Creek Covered Bridge in Woolwine, and Meems Bottom Bridge in Mount Jackson.

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