Find Hotels Near Linn Cove Viaduct Sugar Mountain

The Linn Cove Viaduct in Sugar Mountain is a remarkable engineering feat which allows people to traverse one of the most rugged parts of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Spanning a total length of 7,200 feet and winding around Grandfather Mountain, this impressive concrete bridge was built in 1983 using an innovative technique known as “segmental bridge construction”. This method allowed for the bridge to be constructed on site rather than being pre-fabricated, making it the world’s first successful application of this technique.

Linn Cove Viaduct climbs more than 1,500 feet in elevation as it winds along Grandfather Mountain, making it one of the most scenic drives in America. As you drive across the viaduct, you will be surrounded by lush forests and incredible views of Granite Dome and Linville Gorge below. The bridge features 12 elegant inverted arch spans which gradually ascend from south to north, allowing for an incredibly smooth ride. The south end of the bridge is supported by three massive piers while the north end is supported by a single pier that rests directly upon the mountain ridge itself.

In total, there are 437 precast concrete segments which make up this amazing structure. The segments were designed and made offsite at a special manufacturing facility located near Blowing Rock before being trucked to their final destination over five miles away. Once they arrived on location, they were slowly lifted into place and carefully bolted together with precision accuracy—a process which took almost six years to complete!

Today, Linn Cove Viaduct stands as an iconic symbol of modern civil engineering marvels and serves as an important reminder about how much our technology has evolved over time. Along with its unmatched natural beauty, this picturesque highway allows travelers from all over to take part in one of North Carolina’s most unique experiences—a journey across Sugar Mountain’s Linn Cove Viaduct!