Explore one of NC's original covered bridges
A recent stay in Asheboro led my family to Pisgah Covered Bridge. It's one of only two original covered bridges left in North Carolina and is considered a historic site. During a quick search of the location, we learned it was built in 1911 for $40!
The bridge is 54-feet long and as my daughters and I walked through it, we couldn't help but time travel a bit. Seeing that the bridge's construction was in the very early days of automobiles, we imagined horses trotting along pulling carriages. We also wondered whose footsteps we walked in from long before us.
On Aug. 9, 2003, the Pisgah Covered Bridge was washed away about 50 feet downstream. This was due to flooding of the Little River because of heavy rain. Thanks to the good people of Randolph County, the bridges pieces were recovered and it was reconstructed.
Where is the Pisgah Covered Bridge located?
Pisgah Covered Bridge is located at 6925 Pisgah Covered Bridge Road in Asheboro, NC. It is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and admission is free.
The site is in an extremely rural area and cell phone service is very spotty. I suggest downloading directions from the bridge back to your destination beforehand. Printing them out works, too.
The North Carolina Aviation Museum is nearby and has print outs of directions to the bridge. If all else fails, you can use them to work your way backward to the museum to regroup. Cell phone service was fine there for me.
A few picnic tables are available if you decide to hang out for a while to rest or eat lunch. There is a loop trail. Its 0.2 miles and can probably be completed in 5 to 10 minutes depending on how long you linger.
In warmer months, I suggest wearing mosquito repellent because the area is heavily wooded and near water.
This is a popular area for birding.
Dogs are allowed on a leash.
This is not a park. So there isn't playground equipment available.
What is the oldest covered bridge remaining in NC?
Bunker Hill is the oldest covered bridge remaining in North Carolina. It was completed in 1895. It is located near a former stagecoach stop and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located at 4160 US-70, Claremont, NC.
What is the longest covered bridge in NC?
Ole Gilliam Mill bridge is the longest covered bridge in North Carolina. It stretches140 feet across rushing water. You can find it along NC-42 west of Sanford. Complete with an old windmill and reconstruction of an old mill site from the 1800s, it's part of the Ole Gilliam Mill historic park, which is open for visitors to explore.
What trails are in Randolph County?
We didn't walk the trail at the Pisgah Covered Bridge but being on-site made me wonder about other ones. No matter the city or town we're visiting, hiking is on my mind and somewhere in the plans. If you'd like to add hiking to your Randolph County trip itinerary, I'm including a trail guide link below to get you moving.
Remember, 2023 is the Year of the Trail in North Carolina!
Suggested to me by the Heart of NC, check out the Deep River State Trail at Faith Rock. It's 3 miles roundtrip - 1.5 miles each way. This is one I plan to see and hike the next time we're there!
