2016 BMW CCA HOD Covered Bridges Fun Run

2016 BMW CCA Heart of Dixie Chapter

Covered Bridges Fun Run

Blount County, AL

Saturday, October 29

 

Join us for one of our great fall fun runs.  The Covered Bridges of Blount County have been renovated and are back open for vehicle traffic.

MEET: 08:30AM  Shell/McDonald’s (I-65 Exit 299 Dodge City – southwest corner of the interchange) 231 AL-69, Hanceville, AL

DEPARTURE: 09:00AM

LUNCH:  Ken's Barbeque (in front of Wal-Mart), 2675 2nd Avenue East, Oneonta, AL

The first bridge we will cross is the Swann-Joy Bridge. Perched over a scenic gorge, the bridge connected the town of Cleveland to the community of Joy. The triple spans of the Swann Covered Bridge stretch 324 feet, making it the longest covered bridge in Alabama and one of the longest in the U.S. It rises 27 feet above the rocky riverbed of the Locust Fork, a tributary of the Black Warrior River.  We will stop with plenty of time to walk down to the water for scenic photographs.

Our second bridge will be the Old Easley Covered Bridge. The smallest and oldest of the bridges, its single span is perhaps the most picturesque. Crossing the Dub Branch of the Calvert Prong of the Black Warrior River, Old Easley was used from 1927 until 2009, when it was restored. We will stop briefly at the far side of the bridge for a chance to walk the bridge and take photos.

Time permitting, our third stop will be a quick detour to the Palisades Park.  Palisades Park perches atop Ebell Mountain and offers views of a deep valley and forested ridges. The 1,300-foot elevation over limestone bluffs is a popular spot for rock climbing and scenic views.  If there is space available, we should be able to line up our BMWs for a group photo.

The last bridge we will cross is the Horton Bridge.  Rising 70 feet, Horton Mill Bridge stands as the highest covered bridge above any U.S. waterway. The original structure was built in 1894 and rebuilt again 40 years later.  A 15-man crew completed the 220-foot bridge in a year and a half with lumber bought for $714. Our final stop on the near side of the bridge before we head just down the road to lunch.

Make sure you pack your cameras and FRS radios.  If you plan to walk down to the water at the first bridge, you may want to bring a change of shoes.