Q: I keep hearing about the Concord Covered Bridge in Smyrna being hit by cars. Why doesn’t Roswell’s covered bridge have the same problem?
A: The covered bridge in Roswell is not a drive-through structure like the Concord Covered Bridge. It is actually a pedestrian bridge and is part of the Old Mill Park owned by the city of Roswell and the National Park Service.
Located a few blocks from Roswell’s historic square and past the Roswell Mill Club, it is tucked away within a commercial and residential area. Standing on the bridge is peaceful and scenic.
“Historically, the land was home to The Roswell Manufacturing Co. Mills, founded by Roswell King, in the early to mid-1800’s. The Civil War ruins of the mills stand on the banks of Big Creek. The brick machine shop, built in 1882, remains intact,” according to the sign at the park.
The city’s Old Mill Park Covered Bridge, also known as Vickery Creek covered bridge or Roswell Mills covered bridge, was built by the city of Roswell in 2004.
“The bridge was modeled after a former wooden-covered bridge that spanned the Chattahoochee River for over 70 years,” according to Jeff Pruitt, deputy director of operations for the city. “Made out of Douglas Fir from Oregon, the bridge cost $124,700, spans nearly 161 feet across Vickery Creek, now Big Creek, and is about 10 feet wide.”
The foot bridge connects the walking trail beginning in the Old Mill Park to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
“In 2005 the city received the National Timber Council’s Award of Merit for Bridge of the Year,” Pruitt added.
As part of the park, there are miles of hiking trails of different levels with signs along the way. A recent afternoon brought couples, young families, hikers and dogs to the covered bridge - enjoying the shade and sound of rushing water.
About 30 minutes north of Atlanta, the Old Mill Park Covered Bridge is located at 85 Mill Street, Roswell
For more information, call 770/641-3705. Limited parking at the Old Mill Park, but free.
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