Covered Wooden Bridges in TN. (Johnson City, Elizabethton: transportation, car, trees) - Tennessee - City-Data Forum

gemkeeper · 03-04-2008, 03:52 PM

Seeing all of the wonderful pictures of Tennessee that have been posted, I wondered if anyone has any of the covered wooden bridge near Sevierville, known as the Harrisburg bridge?

It has been lovingly preserved over the years by various groups and is still in use. It is a must see photo opportunity for me.

Existing Covered Bridges - Tennessee Department of Transportation

Apparently, there are only 6 remaining wooden bridges in TN. It is a shame to let so many reminders of years long passed to disappear. I would love to see any photos of the bridges posted.

Covered Bridges - Tennessee Department of Transportation

alleycat · 03-04-2008, 03:56 PM

I grew up not far from the Port Royal bridge (and used to fish in the area). They repaired it about 25 years ago, then something came along and tore it down again. On that TDOT website it's shown as a "former bridge", although the supports and frameworks are still there.

They filmed a Disney segment at the bridge many years ago.

jabogitlu · 03-04-2008, 05:00 PM

The Elizabethton bridge is absolutely beautiful, 15-30 minutes outside of Johnson City.

Elizabethton, TN : Covered Bridge photo

Beretta · 03-04-2008, 05:01 PM

Oh Gem, you are posting about one of my favorite subjects. Love covered bridges and especially hold dear the bridge in Elizabethton.

gemkeeper · 03-04-2008, 06:15 PM

Thanks for that website, jabogitlu. The Elizabethton Bridge is absolutely beautiful.

It's a shame that the Port Royal bridge was torn down. Maybe a preservation group could reconstruct it using the existing framework. They are a dying part of our history!

I, too, have always loved covered wooden bridges, SMG. We had several in the area where I grew up, most of them still used today. I loved the sound of the car wheels clunking across the board planks as we entered on the bridge deck, and then, coming out of the shadows of the enclosed bridge back into the sunlight.

As a youngster my dad and grandfather would pack all of us kids into the car several times in late summer and well into the fall to take bushel baskets of apples from our trees up into the mountains.

Dad, Granddad, and their hunting buddies had a salt-lick up there in the woods for the deer.

We used to go across 3 covered wooden bridges on the country roads leading up there to the hunting camp.

It was great fun scattering the apples about knowing that the deer would have a tasty snack later.

Little did I know then that the grown-ups' concern for the wildlife was a little sinister!

But, I do love the allure and simplicity of a covered bridge. I will be looking for them in E. TN this summer with my camera in hand. Thanks, all!