Humpback Covered Bridge in Lexington, Virginia: The Oldest of Its Kind

On a leisurely trip back home from Florida, we drove through the mountains of Virginia and spent the night in Lexington. At a restaurant, we saw a postcard of the Humpback Covered Bridge near Callaghan and decided we had to see it.

This is the state's oldest and most famous covered bridge. Built back in 1835 of hand-hewn oak timbers and locust pines, it has a graceful arched floor and roof.

The 100-foot bridge is open only to foot traffic, and it is fascinating to walk through it. For another perspective, you can kick off your shoes, wade into Dunlap Creek and look up at the ancient timbers.

Callaghan is in western Virginia. From Lexington, located at the junction of I-64 and I-81, take I-64 about 45 miles west to Exit 10 at Callaghan. You can see the bridge from the interstate.

Then take U.S. 60 east; in about 1 mile, take a right on Rumsey Road — you can't miss it from there.

For more information, call the Greater Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce at 1-540-962-2178 or check out www.virginiadot.org.