Tucked into the lush landscape of the Chattahoochee National Forest, the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge (Blue Ridge and Suches, Georgia) is the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi River — at 270 feet long! Hikers along the Benton MacKaye Trail or Duncan Ridge National Recreation Trail near Blue Ridge and Ellijay, GA, plus paddlers on the Toccoa River Canoe Trail will get an up-close experience of this 45-year-old suspension bridge in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Built in 1977, with cooperative efforts by the USDA Forest Service and the Appalachian Trail Club, the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge is a brilliant accomplishment in North Georgia. Fishermen are welcome to find a spot to cast along the riverfront, and there’s more outdoor fun not far from the bridge. Fannin County welcomes visitors to explore this beautiful swinging bridge on the Toccoa River inside the enchanting North Georgia wilderness.
How to Access the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge
A hidden gem in the national forest, the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge is quite safe and open to the public year-round and can be accessed from either side of the river (north and south approaches). Follow the white diamond blazes of the kid-friendly Benton MacKaye Trail — notably shares a trailhead with the great Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain — or the blue rectangular (vertical) blazes of the Duncan Ridge Recreation Trail to reach the bouncy suspension bridge.
Prefer to drive and take a short hike through a peaceful wooded area to the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge? We understand and recommend the nearest parking area located at N 34°44.350′ W084°10.213′. From there, the swinging bridge on the Toccoa River is only 0.2 miles away. Pro tip: take a car that isn’t low to the ground as the roads close to the bridge can be rough, with several gravel road portions and dirt road spots.
Outdoor Fun Near the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge
Okay, you’ve made it to the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge, snapped a few picturesque selfies along your crossing, and are now wondering what to do next. No worries! There is plenty of outdoor fun nearby this popular destination, including great hiking trails, short walks with great views, and more. And don’t forget the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge is dog friendly (must be leashed at all times).
- Sit and enjoy the scenery with your dogs.
- Cast a line for rainbow trout on the riverbank.
- Find the dazzling little waterfall shaded by hemlock.
- Drive through the scenic Wilscot Valley.
- Play mini-golf, mine for gems, and fish at Lilly Pad Village.
- Paddle along the Toccoa River Canoe Trail beneath the bridge.
- Explore the Skeenah Creek Mill and cascading DeSoto Falls.
Toccoa River Cabins
Want to experience more of the Toccoa River? Book a Toccoa River cabin rental with Georgia Cabins for YOU. Toccoa River Mist and Modern River Retreat feature top-notch amenities and finishes, and you can walk down to the riverside for chats, picnics, and fishing. Soak in the hot tub, hang out in the outdoor lounge with a fireplace and TV, shoot pool and mix cocktails in the game room, cook in the beautiful kitchen, sip local wine or moonshine on the sofa, and rest in a king suite.
Prefer a mountain view? Need a pet-friendly place to stay? Planning to bring a large group? Georgia Cabins for YOU has plenty of options! Homey conveniences are provided as well, including a starter kit with vacation essentials and free Wi-Fi. Many cabins also have a washer and dryer in case you want to reuse provided towels or keep stains at bay from your hiking, paddling, fishing, and picnicking adventures along the Toccoa River.
Plan to visit the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge and stay at a cabin with a river, mountain, or woodsy view on your next North Georgia vacation!
