My recent motorcycle mapping explorations skipped back and forth across the border of Virginia and West Virginia. In my travels I came across Sinking Creek Covered Bridge near Newport, Virginia, and as it was a good time to take a pause to catch up on my notes I stopped and snapped a few photos.

Sinking Creek Covered Bridge circa 1916 near Newport, Virginia

It’s not often I stop for photos as I am usually trying to get in as many miles as I can while the daylight permits. On this past trip I covered almost 1700 miles in 3 days, nearly all of it on two lane roads. I ride hard. I rode long. I only pause to take notes and reference my routes.

Sinking Creek Covered Bridge is located on SR 601 – (Clover Hollow Road) and it’s well marked from SR 42 (Bluegrass Trail). The bridge was built in 1916, then abandoned when a concrete bridge was built over Sinking Creek nearby. The landowner refused to accept the bridge and for years it’s ownership was in limbo. in 1955, Giles County claimed it and now “owns” and maintains it though there are no official documents recording the transfer of title.

The bridge spans 70 feet and was almost lost to a flood not long ago.

On the side of the bridge opposite the photo above, there’s a stone lined passageway for farm animals to cross the creek. The bridge is closed to vehicle traffic but open to the public to enjoy.

The bridge is now open for foot traffic only. It would be a tight fit in a modern vehicle regardless.

The back roads are full of sights like this and I am often treated to them in my travels. I should probably stop more often to record them, but time is precious and I have miles to go before I sleep. When they coincide with great motorcycle rides I add them to my motorcycle pocket maps. There’s a pretty good chance this one will make the grade.

America Rides Maps

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Wayne Busch - Cartographer