Peaks and Places | Travel and Adventure Blog

Heading into the mountains of Alabama, Blount County boasts a hidden gem that takes visitors on a captivating journey through time and nature – the Covered Bridge Trail. This is a driving trail winds its way through the picturesque landscapes of Oneonta, showcasing the county’s rich history and natural beauty. The trail features lattice truss bridges, characterized by their intricate design using small diagonal elements, creating a charming uniformity across all the bridges.

Blount County is home to three historic covered bridges: Easley Covered Bridge, Swann Covered Bridge, and Horton Mill Bridge. There was a fourth covered bridge, the Nectar Covered Bridge, which unfortunately burned down in 1993. These architectural marvels have stood the test of time, preserving the heritage of the region and offering a glimpse into the past. These bridges were restored in 2011 by the National Historic Covered Bridge Preservation Program, and cost roughly $540,000. While the Swann and Horton Mill covered bridges were closed to vehicle traffic as recently as April 1, 2022, all three bridges are open to the public. Visitors have the unique opportunity to walk across each bridge, and in the case of Easley Covered Bridge, even drive their vehicles, allowing them to experience the distinctive creaking of the bridge beneath their tires.

1. Easley Covered Bridge:

Easley Covered Bridge, constructed in 1927, is the first the trio of historic bridges in Blount County that we visited. This bridge is a testament to the craftsmanship of the past, with its sturdy wooden structure and timeless appeal. The surrounding natural beauty enhances the experience, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst nature. As I mentioned, you are able to drive your vehicle across the bridge, and if you’re windows are down, you may even hear it creak under your tires! It has been in continuous use since it was constructed, and spans 80 feet.

2. Swann Covered Bridge:

Swann Covered Bridge, also known as Joy Covered Bridge, was our next stop on the trail. Built in 1933, this bridge is much longer than Easley, and the longest bridge we visited, spanning 330 feet. It crosses the Fork River, and has an under clearance of about 30 feet. While you can’t drive across this bridge, you are still able to walk across it as well as go down to the river bed below. There were two notable motor accidents regarding this bridge, one in 2018 and one in 2021. The accident in 2021 involved a box truck that did not meet the clearance and damaged both the entrance and the exit. These incidents, along with other incidents involving the Horton Mill Bridge, let to the ultimate closure of these bridges to through traffic.

3. Horton Mill Bridge:

Horton Mill Bridge, dating back to 1934 spans 220 feet and is one of the highest covered bridges in the United States, with an under clearance of 70 feet. The bridge was named after a local business owner, Thurman M. Horton, who had helped in construction of the first covered bridge in the area. Approaching this bridge, it was pretty obvious all three of the bridges we visited today were designed by the same person. This bridge is also only available for the public to walk across, and spans the Calvert Prong of the Little Warrior River.

Blount County’s Covered Bridge Trail seamlessly weaves together the threads of history and nature, offering a remarkable experience for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone in search of a serene escape. So, whether you’re charmed by historical architecture, captivated by the beauty of nature, or simply in need of a tranquil getaway, the Covered Bridge Trail has a little something for everyone.