Because the focus of Man Made is the beauty and awe of engineering, a lot of what we put up either harvests nature…or it shoves nature aside entirely. Todays bridge does neither. In fact, it links different areas of nature, and the middle of this bridge offers a beautiful view that I will not post, just to give you motivation to head to Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire to see it for yourself.
Here is the story:
The Sentinel Pine Bridge is an iconic and picturesque wooden footbridge located in Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire. It spans the Pemigewasset River, offering a serene crossing point and connecting visitors to one of the park’s most famous natural attractions, the Flume Gorge. Below is a detailed discussion of the Sentinel Pine Bridge, including its construction, location, and the history of Franconia Notch State Park.
Construction of Sentinel Pine Bridge
The Sentinel Pine Bridge was constructed in 1939 as part of a broader effort to enhance the visitor experience within Franconia Notch State Park. The bridge is named after a massive pine tree, the “Sentinel Pine,” which once stood near the site. This tree was over 100 feet tall and several centuries old. Unfortunately, the Sentinel Pine was uprooted during the hurricane of 1938, one of the most destructive storms in New England’s history.
After the tree fell, it was repurposed as a log bridge, and the current footbridge was built using timber from the tree, preserving the legacy of the Sentinel Pine. The bridge was designed to be in harmony with the natural surroundings, featuring a rustic appearance that blends seamlessly with the park’s landscape. Its construction was a significant achievement of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a public work relief program that provided jobs during the Great Depression.
Location of Sentinel Pine Bridge
The Sentinel Pine Bridge is located within Franconia Notch State Park in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The bridge spans the Flume Brook, a tributary of the Pemigewasset River, at the base of the Flume Gorge—a natural granite gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty.
Franconia Notch is a mountain pass in the White Mountains, which is part of the larger Appalachian Mountain range. The park is situated in Grafton County and is easily accessible via Interstate 93, which runs directly through the Notch.
Full History of Franconia Notch State Park
Establishment and Early History:
Franconia Notch State Park was officially established in 1928, though the region has long been appreciated for its natural beauty. The area was initially developed for tourism in the 19th century, drawing visitors to the White Mountains for their breathtaking scenery. The completion of the Profile House in 1853, a grand hotel catering to tourists, significantly increased the popularity of the area. The hotel operated until it was destroyed by fire in 1923.
The park was created to preserve the unique natural features of the area, including the Flume Gorge, the Basin, and the Old Man of the Mountain, a rock formation that was the symbol of New Hampshire until it collapsed in 2003.
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Era:
During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a crucial role in developing the park. They built many of the trails, bridges, and park structures still in use today, including the Sentinel Pine Bridge. The CCC’s efforts during this time laid the groundwork for the park’s modern infrastructure, helping to preserve its natural beauty while making it more accessible to visitors.
Flume Gorge and Other Attractions:
The Flume Gorge, discovered in 1808 by 93-year-old “Aunt” Jess Guernsey, is one of the park’s most significant natural attractions. The gorge is about 800 feet long, with walls that rise to a height of 70 to 90 feet and are only 12 to 20 feet apart. The Sentinel Pine Bridge provides a stunning view of the gorge and the surrounding forested landscape.
Other notable features in Franconia Notch State Park include the Basin, a deep, circular pool in the Pemigewasset River formed by thousands of years of water erosion; the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, which offers panoramic views of the mountains; and Echo Lake, a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Modern Developments:
Franconia Notch State Park remains one of New Hampshire’s most visited and beloved natural areas. The park is managed by the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation and continues to be a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, skiing, rock climbing, and wildlife observation.
The collapse of the Old Man of the Mountain in 2003 was a significant event in the park’s history, leading to the creation of a memorial at Profile Plaza. Despite this loss, the park continues to attract thousands of visitors each year, drawn by its stunning scenery, historical significance, and the iconic Sentinel Pine Bridge.
