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US 301 between Sylvania, Georgia and Allendale, South Carolina.  The Savannah River runs along the state line.  As you cross the bridge heading south, look to your right.  The turnoff to the boat ramp is about 1/4 mile south of the bridge.

 

Tip:
I wouldn't recommend swimming here. The water appeared dark and didn't smell very pleasant.  As for me, I'm not a big fan of water that's not chlorinated.


US 301 - Georgia/South Carolina Border

   This isn't much of a destination, it's more of an interesting side attraction I discovered back in 2003.  I decided to take US 301 as an alternate to the high speed madness of Interstate 95.  For the most part, I was all alone on this old stretch of 2-lane freeway that used to be one of the primary routes from the northeast to Florida.

   As I approached the state line (which is at the top of a tall bridge that crosses the Savannah River) I glanced to my right (heading north) and noticed a relic from the old highway's history: a rusty drawbridge.

   This wasn't any old drawbridge, though.  Instead of raising and lowering, as most do, this one rotated out of the way.  It had been turned to the open position and left that way for years, maybe decades. (see the update below)

   I'm not sure why things like this are so interesting to me, but I was intrigued enough to turn the car around, cross back over into Georgia, then follow a side road down to a boat ramp, which was right under the old bridge.  There were a few people in a boat, and a few more in the water.  I ignored them and went about taking pictures.

   The approach to the old bridge drops off abruptly (it's blocked so that no one will drive off the edge).  I thought it made for a good photo.  It was so humid along the riverbank, though, that my lens fogged up.

   If I had brought a kayak or canoe, it would have been fun to float over to the old bridge, then climb up it.  Not at all safe, but fun.

   Once you leave the bridge and continue north, you might notice the old road running alongside the new one for several miles.  It's overgrown, and it would be impossible to drive on it, but the raised road might make for an interesting hike.  Send me a note if you try it!

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I drove to Florida last year (2006) and took this way to Florida and it was a much more interesting drive than I-95. I saw this bridge also. Lots of good roadside archeology from the 1950s and 60s and some great "non franchised" food opportunities along this route.

--- Anonymous
 


update: I'm originally from SC, and I remember the draw bridge in your article being shown on TV a day or two after Hurricane Hugo (1989). Yes, the bridge was made to opened side ways, instead of up and down. Hurricane Hugo broke the bridge and twisted it into the open position, and it could not be repaired.

--- J. Ray


 

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