In the small town of Franklin, New Hampshire rests the remains of the last "upside-down" bridge in the United States.
This bridge of the most unusual design has earned its spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Built-in 1896 by the Bridge and Building Department of the Boston and Maine Railroad is the last of it's kind. It earns the name of an "upside-down" covered bridge because the railroad track runs on top rather than underneath which is meant to protect the bridge's trusses below.
The bridge was originally constructed with wood siding to further protect the trusses that lay below the deck. The bridge was put out of commission in 1973 and suffered heavy damage from a suspected arson fire in 1980. The structural integrity is questionable but no signs in the area warned against walking on and the top where the tracks only have a few holes. They do serve as a grave reminder of the rapid water rushing beneath.
Origin of the Name
The Sulphite Bridge earned its name from the frequent trains that traveled this specific route carrying sulfur to the pulp and paper mills near Franklin.
Getting There and Important Information
The Sulphite Bridge is located in the town of Franklin, New Hampshire. It is easily accessible from Trestle View Park which is free to park at. The park is located on the main street of Franklin. From the park, head across Route 11 along the Winnipesaukee River Trail for half a mile. This river trail is a paved trail that turns to dirt before arriving at the Sulphite Bridge on the left. The bridge is heavily decayed and has dangerous nails and scrap metal protruding so extra caution should be used if you decide to venture over it.
©Copyright 2020 Dan Oliver
Photography exclusively by Dan Oliver unless otherwise stated and cited. Embedded maps are provided by Embed Google Map (embedgooglemap.net) and map images shown are provided as stated and cited.
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This website is provided for entertainment purposes only, and is not meant to serve as an instructional guide, or present itself as an authority for any of the locations written about. The locations mentioned, written, and photographed herein are nothing more than my personal adventure archive. If you are interested in visiting any locations you should not depend on the information in this website to plan any excursions. You should research a wide variety of informational sources, websites, hiking guide books and maps found elsewhere. Many locations are dangerous and potentially illegal to access which can lead to fines, injury or death even when prepared. I do not encourage anyone to trespass or put themselves or others in way of harm. This website, and therefore its’ owner/author, cannot assume any responsibility for anything you may incur while hiking or exploring any of these locations or anywhere on planet earth. Thank you for viewing!