Outdoor adventure in the Palmetto State is filled with endless opportunities to get outside and reconnect with nature, whether it’s by way of hiking, boating, swimming, picnicking, fishing, sightseeing, or any other form of activity. One location, Campbell’s Covered Bridge, near Gowensville, doles out many of the above all in one beautiful location. We’ve put together seven solid reasons why you should take a day trip over to see this amazing man-made wonder. Take a peek:

1. It's the oldest (and therefore the longest) remaining covered bridge in South Carolina.
Google Maps/Sandy Thompson
Built in 1909, Campbell's Covered Bridge is 110 years old and she looks great! The bridge was well cared for when it was on privately owned land. In 2005, it was sold to Greenville County.
2. It's an engineering marvel.
Google Maps/Hank Myers
No. Really! The design of the bridge, called a "Howe Truss," uses diagonal elements that create compression, and vertical rods that are in tension. Check it out up close, and then marvel at how this particular bridge design was patented all the way back in 1840.
3. This bridge is the end of an era in South Carolina.
Elijah Russell
Believe it or not, this covered bridge was open to vehicular traffic until the early 1980s.
4. The park!
TripAdvisor/AmberLeigh H
That's right, now that Greenville County Parks Recreation and Tourism maintains the bridge and surrounding acreage, there is a lovely park, complete with picnic tables. Spend the day in nature alongside this historic man-made wonder.

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5. Pass it down to the next generation.
Google Maps/Carlos Gomez
Take a reflective walk over this 38-foot-long wonder and discuss all things relative with the kiddos. Afterall, we are very fortunate to even have this bridge to cherish for years to come.
6. The remnants of the old Campbell's Grist Mill.
Google Maps/Norma Owen
There used to be an operating grist mill about 50-75 feet downstream from the bridge. Farmers would travel from all over to grind their corn at the mill. It's mostly gone now, but remnants can be seen from the stone-walled gathering area downstream by the river.
7. A photographer's dream location.
Google Maps/Heather Kitchen Images
You don't need to be a professional to go home with lovely photos filled with vivid colors in front of a cloudless blue sky. Photographers of all skill levels LOVE visiting Campbell's Covered Bridge!
Is this your first trip to Campbell's Covered Bridge? It's easy to locate and only 12 miles north of Greer, South Carolina.
Google Maps

You’ll find Campbell’s Covered Bridge at 171 Campbells Covered Bridge Rd., Landrum, SC 29356. The park is open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. For more information, see this link on the Greenville County Parks Recreation Tourism official website.

Love old bridges? Watch this gripping footage of a car crossing the skinniest old bridge ever in the Palmetto State!

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