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Clarkson Covered Bridge

4.6 (10 reviews)

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Luisa U.

This place was breath taking very beautiful to have a small picnic with family or beloved. The bridge is still in tact and beautiful color still stands. It has an old house that's a windmill. This bridge is still standing because of the donation off. This place also has restrooms for Visitors. This place is more just for a quick stop just to also stretch and check out. Additionally when that being said they really take care of the River. They check constantly if it has chemical. They also have small boards that give you fun facts on littering and other information. They also have small trails that you can walk around and take good climbs of what Mother Nature gave us. So check it out on your way to a different place it's totally free!!!

Caryn C.

This is very nice place to stop for a peaceful and picturesque picnic lunch. The bridge and cabin are smack dab in a beautiful spot that makes you want to just stay there for a while

Richard R.

I was both delighted and surprised to discover this covered bridge is part of a county park that includes hiking trails, a picnic area, a working grist mill and a log cabin (which houses public restrooms and a guest book for signing your name). HISTORY - The bridge was built in 1904 to cross Crooked Creek using the Town Lattice truss system, a popular 1800's construction method in the South at the time. It was first named Leggs covered bridge after the landowner whom originally had the bridge constructed at a cost of $1,500. It sustained significant damage seventeen years later after a severe storm tore thru the area in 1921, but repairs were completed by the following year. The bridge has four spans with a total length of 270 feet and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 25, 1974. According to its website, it is currently the second-longest existing covered bridge in Alabama and one of the longest in the United States. It remained in service to vehicular traffic until 1962, when it was bypassed by the concrete bridge located just a few yards away. It is a narrow bridge, so I would imagine cars or horse-drawn wagons would have to take turns waiting on either side on high traffic days. There are paths and decks that take you from the cabin to the grist mill and pond area. Or you might choose to walk down to the stone piers holding up the bridge, which is probably 35 feet or more off the ground at its highest point. It remains a solid structure after its restoration in recent years, but you can see the wood significantly sags between the spans. FINAL THOUGHTS Covered bridges were once plentiful in the south. There were over 600 in Georgia and probably the same in Alabama. Now only a handful of historic ones remain after decay from lack of maintenance, storm damage or arson. I've been asked many times why do I have such an interest in bridges. Bridges are obviously important when needing to reach a destination. There are few (if any) long roads that don't eventually require a bridge to help you along your travels, which in itself symbolizes overcoming obstacles in life. They also represent transitions, such as when crossing from one point in life to another (like graduating from college or having a baby). Covered bridges are special in that they tend to outlast regular bridges. A normal wooden bridge might only last 20 years in the elements, but just the simple act of covering it can extend it's life 8 to 10 times longer. Covered bridges added longevity could be taken to mean you will be more successful in this world if you have a covering or plan... or in a more spiritual sense to be covered in prayer. But as I've said in other reviews, I suppose the reason I love bridges most is their shared determination to keep you moving forward. No one crosses a bridge for the sake of it! You have a hope to reach something on the other side. A dream, a mate, a job, a new life or something more that you can't get by staying on your side. They show that within the human spirit is a need to find a solution to problems and not let difficulties stand in your way... and that in itself is worth celebrating. OTHER ALABAMA COVERED BRIDGES I've visited: Kymulga - https://www.yelp.com/biz/kymulga-grist-mill-park-childersburg?ylist=covered-bridges-helen Coldwater - https://www.yelp.com/biz/coldwater-covered-bridge-oxford?ylist=covered-bridges-helen Waldo - https://www.yelp.com/biz/waldo-covered-bridge-waldo?ylist=covered-bridges-helen Cambron - https://www.yelp.com/biz/cambron-covered-bridge-huntsville 2017/140

Clarkson Covered Bridge

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3 months ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

I highly recommend this park! It's so beautiful and it's not far from I-65 and Downtown Cullman and right off US Highway 278!

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7 years ago

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8 years ago

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8 years ago

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4 years ago

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6 years ago

Very nice place for a picnic and don't forget to see the bridge bring your camera for amazing pictures

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8 years ago

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11 years ago

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Cullman County Parks - One of the playscapes

Cullman County Parks

(4 reviews)

How can you not love a park on a brisk morning looking over a lake!…read more The playground area is made of rock base and there is a sand pit. We went in the morning around 10am and the park was not too busy maybe around 5 kids. It wouldn't matter though the park is pretty big and spaced out with fencing. So it is pretty easy to keep up with your child and not feel over crowded.. Plus as an adorable little bonus they do have a swing that is a wheelchair swing for children who are handicapped Just on the off-chance you go on the offseason it can be a little noisy during clean up but I always see that as a good sign because they're keeping the park clean and not many beautiful places are kept as nice as this one was being kept.. The trail has photo opportunities for kids and workout equipment along the way! Also tons of rest stops picnic tables and just beautiful views.. it also looks like there is a stage that could potentially be for music and you can rent gazebos with picnic tables under it.

I had asked some coworkers where to go for a simple pinic in Cullman. Two different people…read moresuggested Sportsman Lake which is behind the Cullman Fairgrounds. After going to a movie my husband and I picked up a pizza and set out to find Sportsman Lake. Heading north on 31 we found the sign and turned left. After passing the fairgrounds we headed into the park area. We found an empty picnic table and devoured our pizza. The small lake is beautiful with an elegant white pier. There were a lot of people but the park is spacious so we were still able to enjoy a peaceful meal by the water. There were several pavillions which are perfect for family gatherings, a playground for the children, and even a little train but I'm not sure of the operating hours. Several families were feeding the ducks and geese and couples were taking a stroll on the walking path. I definitely plan to come back the next time we are looking for a peaceful place to relax.

Natural Bridge Park - Entrance to the gift shop where you buy your tickets

Natural Bridge Park

(26 reviews)

Under new ownership and they have done an amazing job! Store is well stocked, outside sitting area…read moreis nicely done with the creak meandering past. The paths are well marked and clear. Past the Natural Bridge is rooty, so take care with those not sure footed. I highly recommend the visit and will return. Hosts were very informative as well, so ask questions

This was a last-minute stop based on a sign I saw along the side of the road, and it was absolutely…read moreworth it! I had some difficulty finding it, as there is a town called "Natural Bridge." Google directed me there, and not to the park, itself, which caused some confusion. Coming in from the I-10, take highway 13 North to road 278. Turning RIGHT takes you to the town. Turning LEFT takes you to the bridge. There are some signs, but they are worn, and obscured by vegetation. Arriving at the park, one is immediately greeted with picturesque views, and a trickling creek. The trees are majestic, and the parking ample. It's important to remember that this is rural Alabama, and not some big city. The admission is inexpensive, and the trails are simple. The people that run the gift shop are country folk, and are very kind. Mind your manners (and your children). Stay on the trails, walk carefully, and do what the sign says - "Take only pictures .....leave only footsteps. With that said, this place was amazing. The bridge is absolutely breathtaking, as is the rock formation called "Indian Head." Many inscriptions - some over 100 years old - are carved into the surrounding sandstone. There is dripping water under the bridge, so watch your step! The trail is primitive and there are roots sticking out here and there - be careful! Shoes with traction are a MUST here for safety reasons! Enough said - go enjoy this natural wonder for yourself!

Clarkson Covered Bridge - parks - Updated May 2026

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