The Bridge Walk In Maine That Will Make Your Stomach Drop
By Michelle|Published March 13, 2021
×
Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
Each state in America offers its own special history. Of course, we think the stories and tales of the past here in Maine are the most interesting, but perhaps we have just a bit of bias. One of the pieces of Maine’s past that we love most involves the mill towns. Today we’re featuring a bridge that acted as an important link between two towns, one with a mill and one where mill workers lived. Take a walk across to imagine what life was like back then, but beware of the adventure that awaits while you cross!
The Androscoggin Swinging Bridge was built in 1892 to connect residents of Topsham to their jobs at the Cabot Mill in Brunswick.
From land, this might look like a small town bridge. While it’s certainly a local piece of history, it also has a strong tie to New York City. Even some locals aren’t aware that the bridge was built by John A. Roebling’s Sons Company, the same group that constructed the Brooklyn Bridge!
The history is cool and we love the tie to Maine’s mill working past, but what we think you’ll notice when you cross is just how much this thing sways in the wind!
Because their construction must allow for some give, suspension bridges are often referred to as "swinging" bridges. That means when people cross, they’re likely to feel it move.
If you grew up in the area, there’s a good chance you experimented with walking out into the center of the bridge during a windy day to feel it. Or, maybe you got to the middle and jumped before running back to the safety of land.
This bridge might feel wobbly, but it’s quite safe so you don’t need to worry about anything. That doesn’t mean things won’t feel scary while you’re on it though. Especially on a blustery winter day in Maine.
To visit the bridge you can park on either side and simply walk across. It’s fun, easy and won’t take up a large part of your day.
The Androscoggin Swinging Bridge is open to be crossed year-round, but you’ll want to be a bit cautious about crossing when it’s windy or icy. You can learn more about it here.
