Most Thrilling High Bridges in America

12 Most Thrilling High Bridges in America

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They are unbelievable feats of engineering that have always been essential in tying places, people, and stories together. Of the countless bridges that dot the United States—more than 617,000, according to the Federal Highway Administration—only a handful stand out literally and figuratively.  

At least these high bridges have some of the highest heights, views, and engineering. Steel arch spans that gracefully become part of their natural surroundings and towering suspension bridges that defy extreme elements are all part of the American definition of a bridge.  

Here are 12 of America’s most thrilling high bridges, looking at their impressive heights, architectural wonders, and heart-stopping vistas.  

Royal Gorge Bridge, Colorado

Most Thrilling High Bridges in America
Image Credit: Chris Light/Wikimedia Commons

The highest suspension bridge in the U.S. is the Royal Gorge Bridge, standing awe-inspiring 955 feet above the Arkansas River. This steel giant, completed in 1929, has since become a bucket list destination for thrill seekers.  

Built as a tourist attraction outside of Cañon City, the bridge’s 1,292 wooden planks contrast the modern engineering of its steel cables with rustic surface charm. Walking across its swaying deck offers panoramic views of the canyon’s jagged rock walls, but if you fear heights, you may want to think twice.  

I can’t imagine walking this bridge and not marveling at the courage of the people who built it almost 100 years ago,” says Kathryn Howard, a traveler at the Royal Gorge Bridge.  

Fun Fact: The Royal Gorge Bridge remains a centerpiece of adventure activities in the area, including ziplining and gondola rides across the canyon.   

Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, Arizona/Nevada

Most Thrilling High Bridges in America
Image Credit: Federal Highway Administration/Wikimedia Commons

This 900-foot-high concrete arch bridge links Arizona and Nevada, rising over the Colorado River and nestling near the iconic Hoover Dam. It was built on 14 February 2005 and offers a faster, safer option for modern travelers than trying to cross the dam itself.  

Named after two heroes—one a Nevada governor and the other a former NFL player who died serving in the military—the bridge exemplifies strength and resilience. The minimalistic design of its vertigo-inducing views of Lake Mead and rugged Black Canyon was evident.  

Did You Know? The Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge is the first time a concrete–steel hybrid arch bridge was completed in the U.S.  

New River Gorge Bridge, West Virginia

Most Thrilling High Bridges in America
Image Credit: Frank Kovalchek/Wikimedia Commons

The West Virginia Marvel towers 876 feet above New River, taller than the Statue of Liberty, into the sky. Opening in 1977, it was, at the time, the longest single-span steel arch bridge in the world, as per the National Park Service.  

Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, the bridge is famous for its annual “Bridge Day” festival, where BASE jumpers leap from its deck into the river below.   

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Foresthill Bridge, California

Most Thrilling High Bridges in America
Image Credit: Nick Ares/Wikimedia Commons

The Foresthill Bridge, which soars 730 feet over the North Fork of the American River, is California’s tallest and the fourth highest in the United States. It was built in 1971 and is a popular Hollywood movie set with impressive canyon views.  

If you have watched any movies like XXX with Vin Diesel, you can recognize this breathtaking structure. With its rusty beams, it’s a picturesque walk for visitors and a nerve-wracking spectacle for anyone afraid of heights.  

Why It’s Famous: The bridge wasn’t just designed for beauty—it was initially constructed to span a planned dam in the area, which was never built.  

Glen Canyon Dam Bridge, Arizona

Most Thrilling High Bridges in America
Image Credit: Alen Ištoković/Wikimedia Commons

At 700 feet above the Colorado River’s shoreline, the steel arch Glen Canyon Dam Bridge is enmeshed in the dam’s history with which it shares a name. Constructed during the late 1950s, it was designed to hasten the Glen Canyon Dam’s construction and function both as a means of vehicle transit and a visitor attraction.  

This spot is a favorite for photographers because visitors love the stunning views of Lake Powell and the rugged Arizona desert.  

What to Do: The nearby visitor center will provide fascinating information about the dam and the bridge.  

San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge 

Most Thrilling High Bridges in America
Image Credit: Frank Schulenburg/Wikimedia Commons

The Golden Gate Bridge towers over the water — its highest point is 746 feet. While it’s not the tallest bridge in the U.S., its Art Deco columns, Art Deco detailing, and lustrous International Orange coloration make it easily seen through San Francisco’s iconic fog.  

Notable Achievement: The Great Depression was ongoing when the bridge was completed in 1937, which helped prove the American spirit and ingenuity in a rough spot.  

Chesapeake Bay Bridge, Maryland

Most Thrilling High Bridges in America
Image Credit: Jeff Miller/Wikimedia Commons

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge, also dubbed one of the scariest bridges to cross in the U.S. by Sky News, is 186 feet above the bay’s waters. Nearly 4.3 miles long and with dizzying height, length, and windy weather, just driving across it is thrill enough for the most seasoned driver.  

However, if you need help getting across, a driver service can also take your car to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views.  

Brooklyn Bridge, New York

Image Credit: Dietmar Rabich/Wikimedia Commons

Iconic as a symbol of engineering innovation, its 276-foot suspension bridge over the East River joins Manhattan and Brooklyn. Inaugurated in 1883, it was the world’s first steel-wire suspension bridge.  

One of NYC’s most enduring landmarks, its Gothic stone towers feature spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline.   

Mackinac Bridge, Michigan

Most Thrilling High Bridges in America
Image Credit: abarndweller/Wikimedia Commons

The Mackinac Bridge is over 26,372 feet long and 200 feet tall, connecting Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Known as the “Mighty Mac,” it’s the 25th longest suspension bridge in the world.  

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The winds can make this drive feel like an adventure,” said one visitor, referencing the bridge’s infamous gusty conditions.  

Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Florida

Most Thrilling High Bridges in America
Image Credit: Joseph Gage/Wikimedia Commons

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge stretches across Tampa Bay and is 190 feet high. Thanks to its sleek design and distinctive yellow cables, it’s earned a reputation as one of the most beautiful bridges in America.  

Spend a day at one of the fishing piers constructed from the pieces of the original bridge, which fell in 1980 when a freighter crashed into it, causing the collapse.  

Bixby Creek Bridge, California 

Most Thrilling High Bridges in America
Image Credit: ian mcwilliams/Wikimedia Commons

While not the tallest bridge on this list at 260 feet, the Bixby Creek Bridge has jaw-dropping coastal views along California’s Pacific Coast Highway. It is one of the most photographed bridges in America. The concrete arch was built in 1932 and perfectly frames the spectacular cliffs and the crashing waves below.  

Pro Tip: A sunset visit is recommended to capture fantastic photos of this masterpiece of architecture.  

Penobscot Narrows Bridge, Maine

Most Thrilling High Bridges in America
Image Credit: Bruce C. Cooper/Wikimedia Commons

This cable-stayed bridge over the Penobscot River is 420 feet tall, structurally beautiful, and one of the few bridges in the world with an observatory at the top of its western pylon. 

Visitors can absorb panoramic views of Maine’s coastline and ocean spray from its tower; even on a precise day, the peaks of Mt. Katahdin are visible.  

The Experience: Visitors to the observatory can enjoy the pristine beauty of the Maine landscape from a unique perspective.  

Although these bridges are functional structures, they are also works of art and feats of engineering that awe. Each of these high bridges boasts excitement and loveliness.  

That is why, if heights tickle your fancy, why not take a road trip to visit some of these architectural wonders? Be sure to bring your camera, as you’ll want to photograph them.  

Disclaimer This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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