Swinging Bridge Day Hike

Wawona - Yosemite National Park

The Swinging Bridge over the South Fork Merced River near Wawona can be reached by short hikes from two different trailheads or included as part of a larger 4.8-mile loop. The bouncy suspension bridge is fun to cross and in late summer when water levels are safe, nearby swimming holes are a great place to cool off.

Swinging Bridge Trailheads

The Forest Drive Trailhead is 2 miles up from the store at the end of the road just beyond the Seventh Day Adventist Camp. Parking and a vault toilet are at the trailhead.

The Chilnualna Falls Road Trailhead is at the end of the road just beyond the Chilnualna Falls trailhead. No facilities are provided there.

The Big Trees Lodge Store is on Forest Drive near Highway 41. Besides the store, restrooms and water are available there.

Swinging Bridge Trails

1. Forest Drive Trailhead: A parking lot trailhead is only a ⅓-mile walk from the swinging bridge. Follow the wide trail upstream through the forest, bearing to the left where the path splits.

2. Chilnualna Falls Road Trailhead: From a trailhead parking lot, hike about ¾-mile along a slight downhill grade to the swinging bridge.

3. Swinging Bridge Loop Trail: Park at the Big Trees Lodge Store and make a 4.8-mile loop by hiking 2 miles up Forest Drive to the trailhead and then another ⅓-mile to the bridge. Once across the bridge, turn downstream on a trail that becomes a dirt road and then becomes Chilnualna Falls Road.

Follow Chilnualna Falls Road back to the Yosemite History Center. A covered pedestrian bridge in the history center leads back across the river to the Big Trees Lodge Store. Much of this hike is on paved roads through lightly developed areas.