There was one way to ruin my day at Dogpatch USA. That was to get me on the swinging bridge with some yokel that was jumping up and down making the bridge sway.
I have grown tremendously in size since my Dogpatch days, but my fear of a swinging bridge has not diminished as my size increased.
There are two swinging bridges in Boone County that are worth a visit. It can be a fun day with the grandsons or just a small trip with the spouse to view the countryside and get out of the house.
One bridge is on the National Register Historic Places and the other has been well visited.
The Haggard Ford Swinging Bridge is the bridge that was placed on the historic registry.
Located at the end of Cottonwood Road, the Haggard Ford Bridge is a short drive north on Cottonwood Road.
At the intersection of Cottonwood and Bear Creek Road, there will be a place to pull over to park for the hike to the bridge.
The hike is 50 steps to the bridge.
There is some natural growth that requires a little lateral movement to find footing on the bridge. Nothing that is too difficult.
After getting on the swinging bridge, the view is wonderful. To the east, there is a long view of Bear Creek as it flows on its merry way. To the west is another view of the creek as it wanders along with a bluff area on the south side of the creek bed.
If little ones are along on the visit, there are areas under the bridge that are made for swimming. If worshiping the sun is important, there are places that are shaded from public view, but are in direct line with the rays from the fireball in the sky.
The Haggard Ford Bridge was constructed between 1939-1941. It was a WPA project.
Over the years, the bridge fell into disarray. In 1977, through the financial and physical investment by Boone County residents, the bridge was restored to its original glory.
After spending time at the end of Cottonwood, visitors can take off for Zinc.
To start, travelers must progress north on Highway State 7. Then a left turn will be made on Zinc Road.
Traveling down that road to the very end will put one in Zinc.
After crossing the train tracks, one will start to drive on graveled roads. Continue straight on the road until reaching the four-way stop. At the stop sign, turn right and cross the railroad tracks one more time.
After crossing the tracks, the swinging bridge will be located on the right side of the road.
This bridge is about the same width as the Dogpatch bridge. It also has about the same kind of bounce.
The bridge is over a creek with flowing water. The sound of nature mixed with the sound of water takes visitors away from a stressful day into a state of relaxation.
There is a steep set of a dozen steps to arrive at the top of the bridge. The bridge has hand rails that will keep one steady while walking across.
If visiting this place at the right time, there are many acres of fruit trees that will fill the senses with visual and fragrant smells.
The swinging bridge hike offers a small amount of steps, but it takes a giant leap back in time.
