Old Railroad Bridge: A Walk Through History
Walk through history on Alabama's oldest river bridge, offering scenic views of the Tennessee River and Pickwick Lake in Sheffield.
The Old Railroad Bridge in Sheffield, Alabama, is the oldest river bridge in the state, dating back to 1839. Originally a toll bridge for trains, wagons, and pedestrians, it now serves as a scenic walking trail with beautiful views of the Tennessee River and Pickwick Lake.
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.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the bridge is a 1,580-foot walking trail.
- Bring a camera to capture the beautiful landscapes and historic features of the bridge.
Getting There
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Driving
From downtown Sheffield, head north on Montgomery Avenue, then turn right onto Ashe Boulevard. Continue on Ashe Boulevard for approximately 0.4 miles. The parking lot for the Old Railroad Bridge will be on your left. Parking is free and readily available. There are no tolls on this route.
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Walking
If you are near Riverfront Park in Sheffield, follow the walking trails north towards Ashe Boulevard. 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. The walk from Riverfront Park is generally flat and takes about 10-15 minutes.
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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The Rolling Stones in the Shoals in 1969 Historic Marker
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Shoals-Wilson Dam Fountain
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Locust Street Historic District
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"Mountain" Tom Clark Historic Site
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Wood Avenue Historic District
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Pope's Tavern Museum
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Walnut Street Historic District
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Sannoner Historic District
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Sheffield Standpipe
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Former Florence Wagon Works site
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Old Stone Bridge
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College Place Historic District
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Sheffield Downtown Commercial Historic District
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Unmissable attractions to see
McFarland Park
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Florence Indian Mound and Museum
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Frank Lloyd Wright - Rosenbaum House Museum
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Muscle Shoals Sound Studios
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W C Handy Museum
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Kennedy - Douglass Center For The Arts
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Wilson Dam Waterfall
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River Heritage Park
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Tennessee Valley Museum of Art
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Helen Keller Birthplace
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Coldwater Stagecoach Stop
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Children's Museum Shoals
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Northwest Alabama's premier children's museum, offering interactive exhibits and programs that spark curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of learning.
Deibert Park
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Tuscumbia Spring Park
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Alabama Music Hall of Fame
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Essential places to dine
Inez's Drive Inn
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Dos Amigos Mexican Restaurant
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Viva La Casita
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Smokey C's Bar-B-Que & Wings
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Logan's Roadhouse
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Scruggs BBQ
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Applebee's Grill + Bar
63.5 km
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Southern Style Barbeque
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Nash Barbeque
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Chick-fil-A
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Serrano's Mexican
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L Patron Mexican Grill and Cantina
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Bank Street Grill
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Simp McGhee's
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Chow King Grill & Buffet
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Eclectic
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The Back 40 Boutique
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the homestead MERCANTILE
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Basse Trading Company
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Books-A-Million
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Boutique 72
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Vintage South Marketplace
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The Emporium of Curiosities and Oddities
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Suzys Boutiques
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Maggie J's Boutique Clothing
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Too Peas
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Stephen's Unique Antique Mall
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O'Claire's Boutique & Gift Shop
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Chevron
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That’s so cute boutique
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Stell's Sports Grille
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Rattlesnake Saloon
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Frosty Inn
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Rancho Mexican Restaurant
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Homestead Cafe
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Swisher hotdogs
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B and J Cafe
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Table 127
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Cream & Sugar Cafe
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Front Street Snack Bar
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Faelynn's Place
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Phil Campbell Nutrition
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Bian Garden
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Chuckwagon Cafe
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Santa Fe Mexican Grill
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