Two of the oldest bridges in South Carolina happen to be in the upstate. In fact, they’re less than a 10-mile drive from each other off of the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway. They’re also incredibly photogenic and are great quick stops to explore if you’re hiking in the area or taking a road trip along scenic highway 11.
Poinsett Bridge
Poinsett Bridge is believed to be the oldest bridge still standing in the state. Built in 1820, it connected travelers along a state road from Greenville, SC, to Asheville, NC, and is known for its pointed gothic arch that bridges over Little Gap Creek. You’ll also notice that its stones are held together without concrete.
The 14-foot-tall historic bridge is named after Joel Poinsett, who served as the director of the South Carolina Board of Public Works from 1817-1819. Fun fact: Poinsett was also the first U.S. Minister to Mexico, where he discovered the bright red plant that adorns our homes at Christmas, hence the name poinsettia.
It’s believed the bridge was designed by Robert Mills, the architect of the Washington Monument. The National Register says he was the State Architect and Engineer for the state’s Board of Public Works the year it was built, and he did a brush drawing of a bridge with identical features.
Poinsett Bridge is also supposedly haunted, with paranormal activity happening at night. Perhaps if I’m brave I’ll make a return after hours and report back, but I can attest that during the day it’s a pretty and peaceful sight.
Getting to Poinsett Bridge
Poinsett Bridge is located in a government-owned heritage preserve and is free to visit. It’s located about 3 miles from the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway 11, just off of Callahan Mountain Road (County Road 42) to the right. Limited parking in a gravel lot is located left of the road, across the street from the bridge.
Just a heads up: I did lose cell service (Google Fi) while visiting the bridge, but my husband has Verizon and kept a signal. Something to keep in mind if you’re relying on GPS.
Campbell’s Covered Bridge
Built in 1909, Campbell’s Covered Bridge is the only remaining historic covered bridge in the state. The 35-foot-long red bridge crosses the Beaverdam Creek and once served an important role in connecting small towns and rural communities. The National Register says the completion of the bridge brought a 25-mile trip from being a whole-day excursion down to just an hour.
While the bridge is named after the former owner, Alexander Lafayette Campbell, its presence today is due to Stella Atkins. She purchased it in 1975 with the intention of preserving it, a request her daughter saw through when she sold the bridge and about 15 acres of surrounding land to the local government with the purpose of it becoming a historic site available to the public.
Cars aren’t allowed on it anymore, but you’re welcome to walk across it. The remains of Campbell’s former home and gristmill have been turned into a picnic area and there’s also a short nature trail that takes you around the property.
Getting to Campbell’s Covered Bridge
Campbell’s Covered Bridge is about 3 miles south of scenic highway 11. It’s free to visit and there’s a parking lot a short distance from the bridge.
