poinsett bridge

The bridge offers a sublime view of the waterfall, and the bridge, like most every block of downtown Greenville is patrolled by some of the most creative and demanding homeless people I have ever encountered. After realizing that most of the restaurants were sinfully overpriced, I spent much of my dining budget giving the homeless people enough cash to have a meal and a little dignity.

I haven't been in this part of the country all that long a time, and little by little I've been trying to learn more and more of its local history. On a trip to have a look at Tryon, I decided to detour and have a look at the oldest bridge in South Carolina. It was a longer detour than I'd planned, as I had a very hard time finding. There's a sign on the main road that shows you where to turn off, but nothing else to indicate it, at least from what I could see, and I was really looking. Fortunately, the small road on which it sits is not very long at all, so after one pass, seeing that it dead-ended, I turned around and drove even more slowly - it was a weekday morning and there was NO traffic on this road -and was thinking about the one thing that might have marked it on the first pass, a sign indicating that people walked across the road at that point. I found that again, pulled off into a tiny dirt parking area, crossed the street and finally! I found Poinsett Bridge. It was built in 1820 as a crossing on the main road between Greenville and Asheville, as an old stone marker will tell you, once you've managed to find it.The stone marker will also tell you that it was placed there by the Nathaniel Greene Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. It is named for Joel R Poinsett, one of early Greenville's richest and finest. The bridge (so Wikipedia - which knoweth all...sometimes - tells me) stretches 130 feet over Little Gap Creek. Its most interesting feature is a 14 foot Gothic arch that MAY have been designed by the architect of the Washington Monument. I enjoyed the area around it at least as much as the bridge itself - surrounded by old trees that keep it darkish even on a sunny fall morning, a peaceful woodland glade. There is a nature trail just off the bridge, and had I more time I'd have walked it - but I was heading for lunch in Tryon and hungry - next time, perhaps. As I was leaving I saw that another car had just pulled into the tiny parking place! I wasn't alone with the bridge any more. I'm glad I'm not the only one that wants to see it, as while nothing spectacular, it IS a piece of history. If you enjoy history anywhere near as much as I do you should see it too - but don't forget to look for a yellow sign with a figure painted black walking - because that's all you'll get!

This bridge was awesome, as was the adventure getting there. It's beautiful. I recommend seeing it. Beautiful photos to be taken.

We only had a short time to explore & the hotel concierge told us to see the bridge if nothing else & she was right. It was EXTREMELY windy that day, but other than that it was really nice. Very relaxed atmosphere. Lots of people enjoying area, children, dogs, bicycles, etc... Beautiful place to relax & enjoy.

This is a wonderful place to take photos. Its great for background shots as well as wedding pictures. The history of this area is astounding. I'm not going to spoil it for you....just make sure you read the signage while you are there. Make a good spot for a picnic too!

The Poinsett Bridge is a hidden gem in SC. The architecture of the bridge is beautiful and the area is great for exploring.

A tiny remnant of history, but beautiful setting, nice trails, pretty streams, decent parking. Very close to Restaurant 17 for a simple lunch or fancy dinner!

Greenville, South Carolina has been "born again". I left there in 1967, and I am in awe of the outstanding development that has taken place. This bridge and the surrounding area should be on all visitor's "Must See" list. You will love it !

This bridge is a work of art along with being an architectural achievement to be standing in such stellar condition. Beautiful wooded area with a stream going through it.. GPS might not bring you to the exact spot, so keep trying until you find it!

Absolutely beautiful place! My best friend just got married there and the setting was just perfect!!!

The Poinsett Bridge is an important piece of our history. Try to envision the route of traffic to Asheville, with the bridge being the only indication of this route. The entire area is beautiful forest.

Found a review from last year about seeing a large water moccasin near the bridge. There are no water moccasins in this part of SC. We do have rattle snakes and copperheads but if it was a large snake it was probably harmless. Even though the boy scout camp doesn't want you parking on their property and hiking there without permission you can walk right across the bridge and go to the left to access some trails I don't see how they can keep you out when you are not parked on there property and they don't have any no trespassing signs up.

This bridge is different from most. It is a park and photo location. There is walking around the area, but nothing special. There is a boyscout camp nearby, but you are not supposed to walk on their trails.

It takes a long. sort of boring residential drive to get here. Once were were there, it was just so - so. If you are in the area, sure.....go see it. Just don't make a special trip.

What a beautiful view of Reed River Falls you get from the center of the bridge. It's a great place to visit and hang out. Make sure to visit one of the many restaurants in the historic district of Greenville.