In 1875, the first indoor ice hockey game in recorded history was played. The first Kentucky Derby was held. The English Channel was swum for the first time. And a half-mile boardwalk was built in Webster Springs, West Virginia that stretched from the town of Webster Springs to a nearby hotel and gristmill. And while all that is interesting trivia, it’s not the most interesting part of the story we have to tell you today. The most interesting part is that you can still walk this boardwalk (accessible via two swinging bridges) today, approximately 150 years later. Or the third version of that original boardwalk, anyway!

Once upon a time, there was a boardwalk. A beautiful spot for young love and for weddings, it soon became known as Lover's Lane.
Benjamin Randolph / Google Maps
And thanks to the efforts of Webster Springs resident Dr. David Gillespie, a retired librarian, the old Webster Springs Boardwalk is enjoying a new chance at life.
rivrgirls / Tripadvisor
And that's good news for West Virginia, because this boardwalk offers an easy walk, some beautiful riverside views, and even two historic swinging bridges.
rivrgirls / Tripadvisor

Related Stories

Dating Back To 1836, The Ebenezer Chapel Is Among The Oldest Surviving Buildings In West Virginia

Dating Back To 1836, The Ebenezer Chapel Is Among The Oldest Surviving Buildings In West Virginia

 Take A Hidden Path To A West Virginia Overlook That's Like A Scene From An Old Stone Castle

Take A Hidden Path To A West Virginia Overlook That's Like A Scene From An Old Stone Castle

 This Epic Road Trip Leads To 7 Iconic Landmarks In West Virginia

This Epic Road Trip Leads To 7 Iconic Landmarks In West Virginia
Gillespie rebuilt the original boardwalk, adding two overlook points, two rain shelters, and several benches to the modern version of Lover's Lane to enhance the experience for visitors to the area.
Webster County Tourism
The two swinging bridge access points, both over the Back Fork of the Elk River, can both be reached from Bennett Ave.
rivrgirls / Tripadvisor
The trail is also handicap accessible from Bell Street, and the boardwalk itself is four feet wide with side rails.
rivrgirls / Tripadvisor
Have you ever taken a stroll down this scenic, historic boardwalk in Webster Springs? Did you realize how long there's been a foot path along this route? It's a great spot to spend the day exploring!
Webster County Tourism

Learn more about the Lover’s Lane Boardwalk at the Webster County Tourism website here. And after you’ve walked the boardwalk and crossed these two West Virginia swinging bridges, head over to The Springs Soup & Sandwich for a hearty, delicious meal.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore West Virginia

Featured Addresses
Lover’s Lane Boardwalk, 403 Bell St, Webster Springs, WV 26288, USA