Toccoa River Swinging Bridge
Walk across the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi, a 270-foot marvel over the Toccoa River in North Georgia.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Toccoa River Swinging Bridge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk across the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi, a 270-foot marvel over the Toccoa River in North Georgia.
"10/10 would absolutely recommend this beautiful place!!"
🚗 Drive with Caution
The road to the trailhead can be rough. An SUV or truck is recommended, or be prepared for a longer walk.
🚶♀️ Easy Hike Option
If you drive to the trailhead, the hike to the bridge is short and fairly easy.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Swinging Bridge
Toccoa River
Walk across the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi River, a unique 270-foot pedestrian marvel.
Scenic River Views
Toccoa River banks
Enjoy the picturesque beauty of the Toccoa River and its surrounding lush North Georgia landscape.
Benton MacKaye Trail Access
Trailhead near the bridge
Connect to longer hiking routes like the Benton MacKaye Trail for extended adventures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Road Conditions & Access
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive with Caution
The road to the trailhead can be rough. An SUV or truck is recommended, or be prepared for a longer walk.
🚶♀️ Easy Hike Option
If you drive to the trailhead, the hike to the bridge is short and fairly easy.
📸 Capture the Moment
The bridge and river offer stunning photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Path
Dogs are welcome on the trail, making it a great outing for furry friends too!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
The road to the trailhead can be rough. An SUV or truck is recommended, or be prepared for a longer walk.
🚶♀️ Easy Hike Option
If you drive to the trailhead, the hike to the bridge is short and fairly easy.
📸 Capture the Moment
The bridge and river offer stunning photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Path
Dogs are welcome on the trail, making it a great outing for furry friends too!
💧 Be Prepared for Mud
After rain, the trail can become muddy, so wear appropriate footwear.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge for its unique experience and beautiful natural setting. The ease of access from the upper trailhead makes it a family-friendly destination, though the road conditions can be a challenge for some vehicles. While it can get crowded on weekends, the scenic beauty and the novelty of walking the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi make it a highly recommended stop.
"The Toccoa River Swinging Bridge and Trail are a fantastic hiking opportunity. The trail is about 0.5 miles long and end at the beautiful river. The Bridget experience is fantastic. The 270 foot long swinging bridge it amazing to walk. Reaching the other side will open a lot of additional hiking areas. Highly recommended!"
Dirk Ebener
"Beautiful experience. Easy hike. Down hill most of the way...which means its up hill coming back up. Worth the trip tho. Easily made it down the road in a Tahoe. I definitely wouldnt call the road treacherous like some described."
Anna Bailey
"Very nice swinging bridge. Very scenic place. It is around 3 miles of unpaved road to a parking lot. Then, you need a few minutes of walking in the woods to see the swinging bridge. It's not good for cars with low clearance. Very bumpy road."
vaxni pro
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Toccoa River Swinging Bridge is located in Fannin County, Georgia. Access is typically via Forest Service roads off Highway 60. Many visitors recommend using a truck or SUV due to the road's rocky and sometimes rough conditions. Some reviewers mention driving a sedan as far as possible, but caution that it can be challenging.
No, the road leading to the closest trailhead is generally unpaved and can be rocky. While some have managed with sedans, it's not ideal.
The drive from Atlanta to the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge is approximately 2.5 hours, making it a popular day trip destination.
GPS can be helpful, but be aware that Forest Service roads might not always be accurately mapped. It's advisable to have a general understanding of the route or use offline maps.
Yes, if you prefer not to drive on the rougher road, you can park on Highway 60 and hike the longer trail to the bridge, which is around 7 miles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission fees or tickets required to visit the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge. It's a public access area.
The Toccoa River Swinging Bridge is accessible year-round during daylight hours. There are no set operating hours.
There is no parking fee associated with visiting the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge.
Yes, you can visit on holidays, but be aware that it will likely be more crowded than on a typical weekday.
The bridge is generally open in winter, but always check local weather conditions and road closures before you go, especially if traveling in snowy or icy conditions.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
If you drive to the closest trailhead, the hike to the bridge is very short, often described as around 0.2 miles or a quick walk. If you park on Highway 60, the hike can be up to 7 miles. 
The hike from the closest trailhead is generally considered easy and family-friendly. The longer hike from Highway 60 is more strenuous.
Yes, the bridge is a suspension bridge and does swing slightly as you walk across it, adding to the unique experience.
The bridge itself is a highlight, but you can also enjoy the Toccoa River, explore connecting trails like the Benton MacKaye Trail, and enjoy the natural beauty of North Georgia.
Yes, the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge can get quite busy on weekends, especially during peak seasons like fall. Visiting on a weekday is recommended for a less crowded experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons, during the golden hours, offer the most beautiful light for photography. Weekdays also provide fewer people in your shots.
The entire length of the bridge offers great perspectives. Capturing the bridge spanning the river with the surrounding forest is a classic shot.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the beauty. If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, bring a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the bridge and landscape.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with the USDA Forest Service or local authorities regarding drone operation in the area to ensure compliance.
Try shooting from both ends of the bridge, as well as from the riverbanks. Getting low to the ground can also create dramatic perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The bridge itself is an exciting feature that kids will love to walk across, and it does indeed swing! The surrounding river area provides a beautiful natural setting for a picnic or a relaxing afternoon. Remember to bring sturdy shoes, as the trail can be a bit rocky, and be prepared for potential mud after rain. For families looking for a longer adventure, parking on Highway 60 and hiking the 7-mile trail offers a more challenging experience. However, for a simple and enjoyable outing, the shorter access route is highly recommended. It’s a great way to introduce children to hiking and the beauty of the North Georgia mountains in a fun and accessible way.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
The drive itself, especially the final stretch on Forest Service roads, adds an element of adventure. While a higher clearance vehicle or SUV is recommended for the roughest parts of the road, many visitors have successfully navigated it in sedans, albeit with caution. 🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
+1 You can choose to access the bridge via a short, easy walk from the upper trailhead or embark on a more challenging 7-mile hike from Highway 60. The area offers beautiful river views and the chance to experience the lush forests of North Georgia. Pack water and snacks, wear appropriate footwear, and be prepared for varying trail conditions, especially after rain. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge Trail
+1Alternatively, for those without suitable vehicles or who prefer a more substantial hike, parking is available on Highway 60. From here, the trail to the bridge is significantly longer, approximately 7 miles round trip. This option allows you to fully immerse yourself in the North Georgia wilderness and is a great choice for experienced hikers looking for a longer trek.
Regardless of your chosen path, the destination is well worth the journey, offering a unique natural experience. Key Takeaway: Choose your access point based on your vehicle and desired hiking intensity. The shorter, easier path is ideal for families, while the longer hike offers a more adventurous experience. Always check road conditions if possible before heading out.
The History and Significance of the Bridge
+2 Its creation was a collaborative effort, aimed at providing access and recreational opportunities within the scenic Blue Ridge area. The bridge is situated on the Benton MacKaye Trail, a long-distance hiking path that runs through Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia, named after the forester and conservationist who envisioned the Appalachian Trail. +1This unique structure serves not only as a crossing point but also as a destination in itself, attracting day hikers and nature enthusiasts. Its 'swinging' nature adds an element of fun and adventure, making it a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. The bridge's presence enhances the accessibility of the Toccoa River's natural beauty, allowing people to easily reach and explore the surrounding trails and riverbanks.
It's a testament to thoughtful infrastructure development that blends seamlessly with the natural environment, offering a gateway to further exploration in the North Georgia mountains. Did You Know? The bridge was built in 1977 and is a key feature on the Benton MacKaye Trail, offering a unique hiking experience.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit