One of only two remaining antique covered bridges in North Carolina that has been preserved and available to the public.
Claremont North Carolina is the host and steward of one of only two remaining antique covered bridges left in the state of North Carolina – Bunker Hill Covered Bridge. Built in 1895, it is the only remaining wooden bridge that was constructed in the “improved lattice truss” design that was patented by Herman Haupt in 1839. The bridge is a National Civil Engineering Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Bunker Hill Covered Bridge is located at 4266 U.S. Highway 70 in Claremont North Carolina. It is easily reached from interstate 40 by taking exit 138 from the North, or exit 135 from the South. From either direction just turn on Highway 70 to continue either north or southbound in the direction you were traveling on the Interstate and you can’t miss it. There is good signage indicating both the bridge and Connor Park where it is located. The grounds of the park are very nicely maintained with plenty of paved parking, picnic tables, and wide well groomed trails. Bunker Hill Covered Bridge is about 1 hour from Charlotte or 90 minutes from Asheville North Carolina.
From the parking lot, the bridge is located about 200 yards down a gravel access road. As you approach Lyle’s Creek, you can’t miss the quaint and rustic looking Bunker Hill Covered Bridge that spans it. With the exception of some minor graffiti on the inside, the bridge itself is in wonderful shape and remains a beautiful example of late 19th century engineering and construction.
There are numerous informative signs and posters that explain all about the bridge, its history, and the unique design that was used. They even explain why bridges are covered which is something we learned more about on our visit. There is also a small trail that will take you further upstream so that you can get a nice view from afar of the bridge spanning Lyle’s Creek.
When you have finished enjoying the bridge, you can relax and maybe have lunch at any one of the numerous picnic tables in the area. It is a great place to hit pause, take a break, and enjoy one of the many historical sites in the Carolinas available for your wonderment.