One of Blue Ridge’s true “must see” attractions, The Toccoa Swinging Bridge is a 270-foot suspension bridge that spans the Toccoa River in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in North Georgia. It was built in 1977 by the Forest Service and the Appalachian Trail Club as an alternative to a dangerous river ford.  The bridge now serves as a part of both the Benton MacKaye Trail and the Duncan Ridge Trail. The bridge is supported by steel cables that are anchored to concrete piers on each side of the river, and the deck is made of wooden planks that sway and bounce as you walk across. The bridge has a weight limit of 5,000 pounds and is open only to pedestrians.

The Toccoa Swinging Bridge is an engineering marvel, constructed deep in the forest. The bridge is supported by steel cables that are anchored to concrete piers on each side of the river. The deck of the bridge is made of wooden planks that sway and bounce as you walk across, giving it its distinctive “swinging” feeling. The bridge has a weight limit of 5,000 pounds, which means that only pedestrians are allowed to cross.

Walking across the Toccoa Swinging Bridge is an exhilarating experience. As you step onto the deck, you feel the bridge sway beneath your feet, and you can hear the rushing water of the Toccoa River below. The view from the bridge is breathtaking, with the lush green forest and the clear blue sky stretching out in every direction. The bridge is also an ideal spot for taking photos, and many visitors bring their cameras to capture the stunning scenery.

Today, the Toccoa Swinging Bridge is a popular spot for hiking, fishing, and picnicking. There are several hiking trails in the area that lead to and from the bridge, and there are plenty of scenic spots along the riverbank where you can relax and enjoy a picnic lunch. The bridge is also a great place to fish, and visitors can catch trout and other species in the clear, cold water of the Toccoa River.

The Toccoa Swinging Bridge is a gem of Blue Ridge that is well worth a visit. Whether you’re a hiker,  an engineering enthusiast, or simply a nature lover, the bridge has something to offer. So the next time you’re staying with us at one of our cabins, be sure to stop by and experience the thrill of walking across the Toccoa Swinging Bridge.

DIRECTIONS
From the intersection of Hwy 515 and Hwy 5 (McDonalds) in Blue Ridge, follow Hwy 515 East approximately 4 miles to the traffic light at Hwy 60. Turn right and go to the stop sign; then turn left on Hwy 60. Go 1.5 miles into Morganton, then turn right on Hwy 60 South toward Dahlonega for 11.3 miles passing Skeenah Mill. Another .7 miles on the right is FS 816, turn right there and follow ROUGH gravel road about 3 miles to the parking area. Short hike down to the Toccoa River & Swinging Bridge. Parking lot - N 34°44.350' W084°10.213'