6 Must-See Bridges

Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver, British Columbia

Think of it as that swinging rope bridge from summer camp, only this bridge sways 230 feet above the rushing Capilano River and the old-growth forest on its banks. Admission to British Columbia’s oldest tourist attraction (dating back to 1889) includes access to both the bridge and Cliffwalk, a cantilevered treetop walkway through a rain forest (call 1.877.985.7474 for ticket prices; capbridge.com).

Bear Mountain Bridge, West Point, New York

Hemmed in by mountains at one of the Hudson River’s narrowest spots, just south of West Point, this is among the most picturesque bridges in America. After your walk, hop in your car and drive the winding road to the top of Bear Mountain, then climb the stone observation tower for an epic view of Manhattan’s towers, 45 miles south (free).

Royal Gorge Bridge, Canon City, Colorado

You hang a dizzying 1,053 feet above the water, nothing between you and the Arkansas River but a wooden plankway. A theme park is adjacent to this 1929 span, but this is the wildest ride of all. A nearby incline railway takes you to the river below, so you can look up at all the people looking down at you. ($26 admission to bridge, park and railway; 888-333-5597; royalgorgebridge.com).

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Perrine Bridge, Twin Falls, Idaho

Arcing like a steel rainbow 486 feet above the Snake River since 1976, the Perrine is the only bridge in the United States where you can walk halfway across and jump off — legally. That’s because BASE jumping (parachuting from fixed objects) is allowed all year without a permit. One mile to the east, you can still see the dirt ramp Evel Knievel used in his ill-fated 1974 attempt to jump the Snake River canyon (free).

Wheeling Suspension Bridge, West Virginia

Resembling a mini Brooklyn Bridge, this 1,010-foot-long span was the world’s longest when it opened in 1849, 34 years before the New York icon. You get a vague sense of vertigo strolling along the undulating walkway, and there’s a kind of romance in watching barges pass below on the Ohio River, bound for the Gulf of Mexico. In summer, Wheeling sponsors movies and concerts on the waterfront with the bridge as a scenic backdrop (free).

Old Seven Mile Bridge, Florida

Railroad tycoon Henry Flagler laid pilings for the only roadway to Key West 100 years ago. In 1982 the old bridge was decommissioned and replaced by a new one just to its south. But you can still walk or bike on the original, more than 2 miles out to sea, watching pelicans above and sharks and dolphins below. You might want to hurry, because there’s talk of shutting down the old span for good (free).

Also of Interest

• Tourist attractions in America