Despite a very cloudy, rainy day in October, we decided to do a little "rakin' around," as my mom used to say. We headed down Highway 25 toward SC and chose to take a road untraveled (by us) to see some new sights. Along the way, we saw a sign to the Poinsett Bridge Heritage Preserve, so we took a right onto Highway 42. We saw an area where cars could park and some hiking trails, so we stopped to investigate.
This is a 183-year old arched stone bridge and is believed to be the oldest surviving bridge in SC. It was built in 1820 and was on the state road from Greenville, SC, to Asheville, NC.
As we descended the stairway leading to the hiking trail, we saw the upper portion of the bridge--interesting, for sure,but nothing like what we saw underneath.
We climbed down the side of the stream and enjoyed the pleasant water sounds of the mountain stream.
The bridge is constructed of stone and is believed to have been designed by the same architect who designed the Washington Monument.
There is a large bedrock underneath the bridge that allows the stream to flow on down the mountain without erosion problems.
There is a large archway over the stream that reminds us of a cathedral opening.
And the stream flows on its way, carrying along with it lots of falling leaves reminding us that fall has arrived.
This was a very enjoyable visit--the rain even stopped for a bit so we could explore and photograph, but it soon started again causing us to head for the car. Indeed a beautiful and historic place.
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