The 5 Highest Bridges in Georgia Are Towering Mammoths
Georgia is home to some truly impressive bridges. While there is one undisputed highest bridge, there are several runner-ups, too, each with its own story and breathtaking views. However, all of these other bridges pale compared to the Sidney Lanier Bridge, which is by far the tallest.
Many of these bridges are also pedestrian-only bridges, and some of them are historical in nature. Of course, pedestrian bridges tend to be more tourism-oriented, while bridges made for vehicles are more practical in nature.
Let’s take a quick look at the highest bridges in Georgia, starting at the tallest:
1. Sidney Lanier Bridge
This Sidney Lanier Bridge is easily the highest bridge in Georgia, outcompeting other tall bridges by several feet.
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Out of all the bridges in Georgia, the Sidney Lanier Bridge is the undisputed champion of tall bridges. It’s a cable-stayed bridge in Brunswick that stretches across the whole Brunswick River, soaring up to 48 feet above the river as it does so.
This bridge is best known for its modern, sleek design. It has a central mast that helps keep the bridge up and fan-like stay cables that keep everything stable. It’s become a landmark in the region thanks to its sheer size. After all, it’s pretty hard to miss!
2. Stone Mountain Memorial Crosswalk Bridge
As you might guess from its name, this bridge is named after the Stone Mountain Memorial in Georgia.
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This pedestrian-only bridge is over 100 feet lower than the Sidney Lanier Bridge. However, it is the second-tallest bridge in the state despite not being particularly tall at all.
As a pedestrian-only bridge, you can catch some astonishing sites of the surrounding landscape. The bridge provides a full panoramic view, making it a great place for some sightseeing.
The bridge is over 1,200 feet long, so we don’t recommend it for those who are scared of heights! It’s a truly unique experience for those who don’t mind the drop, though.
3. Tallulah Gorge State Park Suspension Bridge
This bridge is another pedestrian-only bridge that is surprisingly high, though it doesn’t come close to competing with the highest bridge in Georgia.
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This historic bridge was built in 1915. At the time, it was a feat of engineering, as it hangs over 260 feet above the Tallulah Gorge. As you might guess, it’s this gorge that the bridge was named after. If you walk across it, you can get heart-stopping glimpses of the depths of the canyons below.
Of course, this bridge has been repaired and replaced over the decades, so none of it is probably from the 1900s anymore. However, it’s still considered a historic site and offers great views of waterfalls and lush greenery.
The best time to visit is in the fall when the leaves are changing colors. However, if you’re scared of heights, this bridge probably isn’t a great tourist destination for you.
4. Buford Dam Highway Bridge
Lake Lanier was created by Buford Dam, which is the dam that this bridge was named after.
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One of the few car bridges on this list, the Buford Dam Highway Bridge is absolutely massive, but it only reaches 230 feet above the surface of the lake on average. Of course, as a lake, the water levels can vary considerably.
This bridge carries the traffic on Ga. 20, spanning over 1,884 feet across the lake as it does so. You can see the sparkling lake and surrounding mountains from the bridge, making it a pretty view.
However, because this bridge is almost exclusively practical in nature, there isn’t a lot of tourism that goes on. The lake is the main draw to the area, not the bridge itself. Furthermore, this bridge isn’t considered a huge landmark. It’s less than half the height of the tallest bridge in the state, as well.
Simply put, while it did make its way onto this list, this bridge isn’t the most show-stopping or incredible.
5. Lanier Parkway Bridge
Lanier Lake is also home to another bridge – though it isn’t nearly as tall as the others on this list.
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Depending on the road being traveled, other vehicles may end up on the Lanier Parkway Bridge, another key player in Lake Lanier’s road network. This bridge is shorter at only 180 feet tall. However, it stretches for just about as long as the bridge above at 1,788 feet.
You can also enjoy scenic views from this bridge, including the shining lake and surrounding greenery. It’s a joy to drive across, though it’s mostly only visited for practical reasons.
Again, while this is a scenic bridge, it isn’t remarkably tall or anything of that sort. Instead, it serves a very practical purpose, and that’s about it.
The photo featured at the top of this post is © Bob Pool/Shutterstock.com
