Poinsett Bridge

Located along the quaint and idyllic Callahan Mountain Road in the upstate South Carolina is Greenville counties historical Poinsett Bridge. Poinsett Bridge is part of the 120 acre Poinsett Bridge Heritage Preserve which is owned and managed by the State of South Carolina. It is believed to be the oldest surviving bridge in South Carolina and crosses 130 feet over Little Gap Creek.

Poinsett Bridge is located at 580 Callahan Mountain Road in Travelers Rest South Carolina. It is about 1 hour south of Asheville North Carolina or 30 minutes north of Greenville South Carolina. It is easily accessed either via highway 25 or Interstate 26 over well maintained roads with plenty of signage to help you along the way. Though there is no actual sign at Poinsett Bridge to indicate you are there, it is really easy to spot along the undeveloped stretch of Callahan Mountain Road. Just look for the crosswalk and the black rod-iron fence along the road and you will have arrived at Poinsett Bridge. There should be plenty of parking available in the large loop style parking lot.

The grounds and the condition of the bridge are remarkable. The state of South Carolina has done a tremendous job of preserving this historical wonder and making it available to the public. Constructed in 1820, it is a 14 foot Gothic arch stone structure that is just striking in its beauty. The soothing sound of Little Gap Creek flowing in the background is the icing on the cake. While there are very limited facilities of any sort, just a single trash can at the parking lot and a small bench at the top of the entrance stairs, the area makes a very strong and compelling argument to just hang out, relax, and take it all in. A picnic wouldn't be entirely out of the question; either on the top of the bridge or down next to the creek via the well maintained walkway to the creek side. Whatever you plan to do at Poinsett Bridge, just make sure you put it on your list of places to visit. You will not be disappointed.