Footbridge 224W Roses Branch
**Closed for crossing**
Please do not attempt to cross this bridge, as there are unconnected cables
and closed signs on either end of this bridge.
This is what happens when there is little support for upkeep on these bridges
This is one of the longest and highest bridges in the area
Coordinates: N35 59.400, W082 11.509
Directions from Asheville:
26W/19/23N>Exit 9>19E to Burnsville Past Burnsville >L on 197N
>R on 226S towards Loafer’s Glory
>R on Toecane Road, over river
In Toecane, continue over railroad tracks
>L on State Road 1314, stay on 1314
Please drive slow on the dirt and gravel roads, so as not to create dust trail.
@ N35 59.503, W082 11.837, Turn L on River Haven Rd.
Go .2 miles to N35 59.464, W082 11.580 and park on Left side of road.
**There is no room to turn around at cache/bridge site.**
Walk 522 feet bearing left at next fork to cache/bridge site.
(To the right is a driveway)
This is a state road, but all property to each side of the road is private.
During a major flood in 1977, some bridges were damaged and repaired, or destroyed. Someone witnessing this flood noted among all the objects uprooted, and carried away on the flood, a multitude of “millions” of balls of all types were seen.
You are looking for a “ball” with a micro-container
hidden within it, at the bridge.
From the cache, look across the river from the footbridge and you will see a small “park” with a rope swing and firepit.
This other end of the footbridge can be accessed by:
226S from Loafers Glory, L on 80S, then R on to the end of Roses Branch.
Park @ N35 59.453, W082 11.445, then walk under railroad tracks along path under footbridge.
**Closed for crossing**
Please do not attempt to cross this bridge, as there are unconnected cables
and closed signs on either end of this bridge.
Yancey and Mitchell counties are home to 13 of the 23 footbridges in North Carolina.
These were used to connect people with other parts of their families, access to a main road or railroad and for children to catch busses, thus cutting off many miles of travel.
These bridges were built from the 1940’s up into the 1960’s by George Canipe and his crew. Some of them have local names, all are designated with NCDOT numbers.
The rest of this series focuses on those that are still open and traversable. Those that are not open are closed because of safety and disrepair or destroyed.
**FOOTBRIDGE 224W (ROSES BRANCH) IS NOT SAFE TO CROSS!!**
Please be careful while walking on the OTHER bridges. Most are in good repair, but have weight limits of no more than 4 persons at a time when crossing.
You assume all risks involved with such a span crossing a river.
These can be informative and fun for families, but it is highly suggested that use of extreme caution when crossing with children, as some of the cable rigging is open and not like a fence. Please hold on where you can when crossing!
Also please be respectful and mindful of all areas near and around these structures as they may be close to private property.
As always observe, “Cache in and Trash Out” as these structures are of historical value and useful even to this day, to people living near them.
Good luck!
FTF HONORS GO TO RobinMohawk!!!