Pictures of swinging bridges

A true landmark of a pioneering spirit, the Mile High Swinging Bridge welcomes all visitors to admire degree panoramic views from Grandfather Mountain. Whether you cross it to challenge yourself, for the scenery, or to admire this engineering masterpiece, the experience will make your trip to Grandfather complete. Surveys show that the journey to the other side is always considered the highlight of a trip to Grandfather Mountain. The new Top Shop provides elevator access to the Mile High Swinging Bridge, making the span accessible to people with disabilities for the first time. It is about 50 yards from the building to the bridge, and a bench is located near the bridge.

Why hike to the Wawona Swinging Bridge? To cross a swinging bridge that actually swings, unlike its counterpart in Yosemite Valley. You don't need that much imagination to test your Indiana-Jones-and-the-Temple-of-Doom chops here. You can also swim in the river, the primary attraction for most visitors. There's nothing objectionable about the views up and down the Merced River, and you can take a peaceful walk through the woods if you continue along the left-hand trail on the other side of the bridge, but this area is more famous as a swimming hole.

The two teenagers would have been used to the sway of the wooden walkway, but this time the planks gave out from under them. In a flash they were at the bottom, miraculously unscathed, still standing upright. It may have been just a stroke of good luck, or maybe someone was watching over them. After all, the Swinging Bridge—also called Lovers Leap here in Columbus Junction—comes complete with a legend of lost love, and even the occasional haunting.

The falls and surrounding area are considered sacred to the Kootenai Indians whose ancestors inhabited the region. A forest trail leads from the highway parking lot down to the Swinging Bridge and makes a nice hike that is not too strenuous. Kootenai Falls was the setting for the filming of the movie, "River Wild".