Winooski River Long Trail Footbridge
Vermont's widest suspension bridge on the Long Trail, offering stunning river views and access to outdoor recreation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Stunning foliage, fewer crowds
Winooski River Long Trail Footbridge
Best Time
Stunning foliage, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vermont's widest suspension bridge on the Long Trail, offering stunning river views and access to outdoor recreation.
"Highly suggested. The water is deep enough to jump off the bridge. The water I was told was as warm as bath water. Very therapeutic."
🎯 Parking Strategy
Use Long Trail parking off US 2 or Honey Hollow Trail. Avoid Duxbury Rd. :car:
👟 Trail Footwear
Sturdy shoes are a must, especially after rain. Trails can be marshy. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Winooski River Footbridge
Winooski River
Vermont's widest suspension bridge, offering stunning views of Camel's Hump and the river below.
River Access
Winooski River
Ideal spot for tubing, kayaking, and canoeing, with deep water for potential jumps.
Long Trail Section
Adjacent to the bridge
Experience a segment of the historic Long Trail, offering a taste of Vermont's iconic hiking path.
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Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
Best Footwear & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Parking Strategy
Use Long Trail parking off US 2 or Honey Hollow Trail. Avoid Duxbury Rd. :car:
👟 Trail Footwear
Sturdy shoes are a must, especially after rain. Trails can be marshy. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Best Photo Ops
Fall foliage offers incredible views. Capture the bridge and river. :camerawithflash:
🛶 River Activities
Great access for tubing, kayaking, and canoeing. :kayak:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Parking Strategy
Use Long Trail parking off US 2 or Honey Hollow Trail. Avoid Duxbury Rd. :car:
👟 Trail Footwear
Sturdy shoes are a must, especially after rain. Trails can be marshy. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Best Photo Ops
Fall foliage offers incredible views. Capture the bridge and river. :camerawithflash:
🛶 River Activities
Great access for tubing, kayaking, and canoeing. :kayak:
🚶♀️ Walk to the Bridge
Be prepared for a short walk from parking to the bridge. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Winooski River Long Trail Footbridge for its unique suspension design and scenic views, especially of Camel's Hump and the surrounding fall foliage. The river access for activities like tubing and kayaking is also a highlight. However, many note significant challenges with parking, with limited or non-existent spots directly at the bridge, requiring extra walking and planning.
"Went March 16 after spring floods. First tried to park on the south side of the winooski river, next to the foot bridge. The Green Mountain Club’s website says there are two parking spots next to the bridge. There are not. “No parking” signs along the road and at every pull off within a quarter mile.
Drove Duxbury Rd. east to Waterbury. Was near impassible - rutty & muddy for a few miles.
Drove back to the Long Trail parking lot off of US 2, just north & east of the footbridge. Had to cross US 2 & go over railroad tracks to reach the trail. The trail was not pretty - marshy & soft sand but passable. About a quarter mile hike in is the bridge.
The bridge is in good condition. The views were good, but would be much prettier in fall."
Mike & Karen Kosky
"Really unsure where to park for this one. It would have 5 stars otherwise. We parked far down the street and hiked up. I saw this beauty of a bridge from the highway and turned around to check it out! Highly suggested. The water is deep enough to jump off the bridge. The water I was told was as warm as bath water. Very therapeutic. It’s quiet. The neighborhood is beautiful. There’s lots of pretty flowers and animals to view along the way."
Tesse Alexandra Melanson
"Great trail Bridge, nicely located where you can access the river for tubing, kayaking, canoeing, ect."
MaSoN jAR
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Parking can be challenging. Many visitors recommend the Long Trail parking lot off US 2, which requires crossing railroad tracks to reach the trail. Another option is Honey Hollow Trail, which is about a mile walk to the bridge. Avoid parking directly on Duxbury Road as there are 'no parking' signs.
From the Long Trail parking lot on US 2, you'll need to cross the highway and then the railroad tracks via the trail. It's a relatively short and easy walk from there to the footbridge.
Road conditions can vary significantly by season. Duxbury Road, for example, can be rutty and muddy, especially after spring floods. It's advisable to check local conditions before your visit.
Information on direct public transportation to the footbridge is limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car.
Yes, the footbridge offers amazing views of Camel's Hump, making it a scenic spot for photos.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no specific entrance fee for the Winooski River Long Trail Footbridge itself, as it's part of the Long Trail system. Parking may be associated with trail access points.
The footbridge is an outdoor natural attraction and is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no set operating hours.
No, tickets are not required. This is an open-access natural area.
While the bridge itself is generally in good condition, access trails can be affected by spring floods, potentially making them marshy or soft.
The walk to the bridge can be a bit uneven, and the bridge itself is a suspension bridge, so it might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. However, it's generally considered accessible for most visitors.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
It's Vermont's widest suspension bridge, measuring 224 feet long. It was built in 2015 by the Green Mountain Club and offers great views of the river and surrounding landscape.
The area is great for enjoying the views, walking the bridge, and accessing the Winooski River for activities like tubing, kayaking, and canoeing.
One review mentioned the water being deep enough to jump off the bridge and described it as therapeutic. However, always exercise caution and assess conditions before entering the water.
Fall is highly recommended for the beautiful foliage. However, it's a scenic spot year-round.
The walk time varies depending on where you park. From the US 2 lot, it's a quick walk. From Honey Hollow Trail, it's about a mile.
📸 📸 Photography
The suspension bridge itself is a fantastic subject. Capture panoramic views of the Winooski River, the surrounding forests, and Camel's Hump in the distance. Fall foliage provides vibrant colors.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Weekdays will also offer fewer people in your shots.
There are no specific regulations mentioned regarding drones at this location. However, it's always best to check local drone laws and regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the bridge and landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for details of Camel's Hump.
Absolutely. The bridge offers excellent vantage points to photograph the Winooski River flowing below.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider parking at the US 2 lot for a shorter walk to the bridge. The scenic beauty, especially during fall foliage, can captivate younger visitors. It's a great spot for a picnic and to enjoy the outdoors without a strenuous hike.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers
If time permits, take a short stroll on the Long Trail adjacent to the bridge for a taste of Vermont's iconic hiking. The river access also makes it a pleasant spot to relax or enjoy a picnic.
🏞️ Nature Enthusiasts
Explore the adjacent Long Trail for a deeper connection with the surrounding forests and ecosystems. The river's accessibility also appeals to those interested in aquatic environments and potential wildlife sightings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Winooski River Long Trail Footbridge: A Community Effort
+1The bridge provides access to a section of the Long Trail, Vermont's oldest long-distance hiking trail. This allows visitors to experience a piece of this historic path without committing to a multi-day trek. The accessibility of the bridge, even for those with limited time, makes it a popular stop for both locals and tourists.
Beyond its function as a trail connector, the bridge is a popular spot for recreation. The Winooski River below is ideal for activities like tubing, kayaking, and canoeing. Some visitors even find the water deep enough for jumping, making it a refreshing spot during warmer months.
Navigating Parking and Access
Common advice from travelers suggests utilizing the Long Trail parking lot located off US Route 2. From this lot, visitors will need to cross US 2 and then the railroad tracks via the trail to reach the footbridge. Another recommended, though still requiring a walk, option is to use Honey Hollow Trail as a GPS destination, which leads to a parking area about a mile from the bridge.
It's also important to be aware of seasonal road conditions. Roads like Duxbury Road can become rutty and muddy, particularly after spring floods, making them difficult to navigate. Planning your visit during drier periods or being prepared with appropriate footwear is advisable.
Experiencing the Long Trail
Even a short walk on the Long Trail from the footbridge can provide a glimpse into the Vermont wilderness. The trail is known for its challenging terrain and stunning natural beauty, offering a sense of accomplishment for hikers.
For those interested in longer hikes, the Long Trail offers numerous access points and shelters. While the footbridge is a convenient starting or ending point for a brief exploration, it can also be a jumping-off point for more extensive adventures into the Green Mountain National Forest.
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