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].
A brief summary to Old Railroad Bridge
- Sheffield, Alabama, 35660, US
- Visit website
- 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
Local tips
- Visit during sunrise or sunset for the best lighting and views of the Tennessee River [14].
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking the 1,580-foot bridge and exploring the surrounding trails [14].
- Bring a camera to capture the beautiful landscapes and historic features of the bridge [14].
- Check the Old Railroad Bridge Company's website for information on special events or occasional closures.
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].
Discover more about Old Railroad Bridge
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Old Railroad Bridge Historic Marker
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McFarland Lighthouse
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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