Wilson Dam Waterfall
Wilson Dam Waterfall: A Shoals Area Gem
Old Railroad Bridge: A Walk Through History
Walk across history on Alabama's oldest bridge site, offering scenic views and a peaceful escape on the Tennessee River.
The Old Railroad Bridge in Sheffield, Alabama, is a historic landmark and walking trail offering scenic views of the Tennessee River. Originally built in 1839, it's the oldest bridge site in Alabama, now a beautifully maintained pedestrian bridge open from dawn until dusk [5, 8].
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Old Railroad Bridge
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Sheffield, Alabama, 35660, US
Monday
6 am-7 pm
Tuesday
6 am-7 pm
Wednesday
6 am-7 pm
Thursday
6 am-7 pm
Friday
6 am-7 pm
Saturday
6 am-7 pm
Sunday
6 am-7 pm
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Getting There
Walking
If you are near Riverfront Park in Sheffield, follow the walking trails north towards Ashe Boulevard [8]. Once you reach Ashe Boulevard, head west for a short distance (approximately 0.2 miles) until you see the entrance and parking area for the Old Railroad Bridge on your left [8]. The walk from Riverfront Park is generally flat and takes about 10-15 minutes [8].
Driving
From downtown Sheffield, head north on Montgomery Avenue, then turn right onto Ashe Boulevard [8]. Continue on Ashe Boulevard for approximately 0.4 miles [8]. The parking lot for the Old Railroad Bridge will be on your left [8]. Parking is free and readily available [8, 12].
Public Transport
The Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments (NACOLG) offers a Dial-a-Ride service in the Shoals area [16]. Contact Dial-a-Ride at (256) 314-0047 or toll free (833) 314-0047 to schedule a ride [16]. This service transports passengers from their origin to their destination for a fee [16]. You may need to take a bus towards Sheffield and get off at the nearest stop to TVA Nature Loop [9, 13]. From there, it's approximately a 10-minute walk to the Old Railroad Bridge [9, 13]. Keep in mind that rideshare services like Uber or Lyft will incur additional costs, typically starting around $5-10 depending on the distance [9].
Local tips
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Visit during sunrise or sunset for the best lighting and views of the Tennessee River [14].
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking the 1,580-foot bridge and exploring the surrounding trails [14].
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Bring a camera to capture the beautiful landscapes and historic features of the bridge [14].
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Check the Old Railroad Bridge Company's website for information on special events or occasional closures.
Discover more about Old Railroad Bridge
The Old Railroad Bridge, located in Sheffield, Alabama, stands as the oldest bridge site in the state [5]. Construction on the original bridge began in 1832, and it opened in 1839 as a toll bridge for trains, wagons, livestock, and pedestrians [4, 5, 8, 11]. This vital crossing facilitated trade and travel across the Tennessee River [8].
The existing structure, a 1,580-foot pedestrian bridge, was built in the late 1800s [5, 11]. The bridge offers stunning views of Pickwick Lake and the surrounding woodlands [8, 10]. It's a popular spot for leisurely walks, jogging, photography, and simply enjoying the tranquil atmosphere [4, 8]. The bridge is open daily from dawn until dusk and is maintained by The Old Railroad Bridge Company, a non-profit organization [3, 5, 8].
Visitors can access the bridge via two short trails from the parking lot [3]. The upper trail, a gravel path near the restrooms, provides a view of the original railroad [3]. The lower trail is paved and offers an accessible route to the bridge [3]. The Old Railroad Bridge is part of the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area, connecting Sheffield and Florence [6].
A brief summary to Old Railroad Bridge
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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