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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.

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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

  • 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.
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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].

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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].

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