“1 of the few covered bridges left”
The Humpback Covered Bridge located in the U.S. state of Virginia, is one of the few remaining covered bridges in the United States that was built higher in the middle than on either end; hence the name of "humpback". The bridge was built in 1857 and is also the oldest remaining covered bridge in the state of Virginia. Its WGCB number is 46-03-01. The bridge spans a tributary of the Jackson River known as Dunlap Creek, for a distance of 109 feet (33 m). The humpback feature is 4 feet (1.2 m) higher in the center than at either end. The bridge is located near the city of Covington, Virginia.
Most covered bridges were made of the strongest readily available wood. In the case of the Humpback Covered Bridge, this meant white oak and hickory. The bridge, as it stands today, has most of the original hand-hewn support timbers and decking that was laid down in 1857, however, most of the walls and roofing have been replaced several times since. Bridge decking was traditionally constructed of wide planks a foot (30.5 cm) or more in width and 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in thickness. Most of the support beams are at least a foot thick (30.5 cm). The supports in the bridge utilized hand made honey locust wood pins to fasten sections of the supports together. The supports incorporate a unique curved multiple kingpost-truss system that is not found in any other surviving wooden bridge in the U.S. The bridge is an original and completely unique design not duplicated anywhere else.
This was a really nice break point in our road trip. Very few people here when we stopped in mid-afternoon. Really pretty little park.
We have stopped here in the summer and it is quite a "happenin'" swimming hole! Bring your water shoes if you just wish to wade. The bottom of the creek is made of rocks and they get quite slippery!
There was a port-a-potty when we stopped.
An enjoyable place to stretch the legs. No amenities, but the bridge itself offers a photo op.
Great place to rest!!
Great stop and a beautiful bridge.
Great little park less than a mile from the interstate. Bridge is cute. It's shady & cooler being by the water. A storm has upset the access to the bridge, but still a site to see, stretch your legs & I'd pack a picnic next time through here.
A great quick side trip just off of I-64. Really pretty bridge and the crystal clear water of Dawson creek that flows beneath it would have been a great place to wade in but we were there on a 35 degree day.
This is a really nice place to stop. They have a picnic area by the water and the bridge is cool to walk over, and you can take good pictures from both sides! Definitely a recommended stop if passing through the area and not far off of the main roads!
Nice place to stretch out. Two giant porta-johns, hand-washing station, and picnic/bbq area. One kid had his snorkel and goggles but the water wasn't really that deep. There was a roped tied under the bridge for a swing but water was too low.
Beautiful space to stretch legs and take a photo. The new "LOVE" statue/installation made for a fun photo-op!
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Humpback Covered Bridge
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