Wiggly Bridge
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4.3(53)yelp
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Overview
The Spruce Street Suspension Bridge, colloquially known as the Wiggly Bridge, is a historic 375 ft (114 m) long footbridge in the Bankers Hill neighborhood of San Diego, California. It was built in 1912 by Edwin M. Capps. It can hold a maximum of 327,900 lb (148,700 kg) and crosses Kate Sessions Canyon.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration30-45 minutes
Best TimeProudly celebrated as 'the smallest suspension bridge in America,' this hidden architectural gem can be viewed externally 24/7 year-round. The magic window is May through October, particularly in the late afternoon from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM during active tidal flows. Sunlight strikes the miniature wooden-and-iron pedestrian deck as it arches over the rushing creek channel, accentuating its playful flex when crossed.
Getting ThereTucked into the coastal woods right off Route 103 near Ledges Road in York, Maine. To drive, leave the Maine Turnpike (I-95) at Exit 7, merge onto US-1 South, and make an immediate left onto ME-103 East, driving for 1.5 miles to spot the trailhead opening at Steedman Woods on the left; a tiny gravel roadside pull-off holds only a few free parking spots. No municipal bus routes serve this narrow historic lane.
Travel Tips
- Touted as the world's smallest suspension bridge, the deck experiences significant kinetic resonance and sway when parsed by multiple pedestrians; high-impact jumping or diving from the span invokes immediate criminal endangerment fines.
- The landmark lacks standard structural parking lot configurations, relying on under 10 unpaved roadside cutouts along high-speed Route 103; parking wheels over the white fog line results in immediate towing at owner's expense.
- The bridge junctions with low-lying coastal forest trails directly vulnerable to macrotidal backwater surges; peak spring tides routinely submerge the dirt approaches under seawater, requiring careful advance tide chart cross-referencing.
Reviews
Positive
- Dubbed the 'smallest suspension bridge in the world.' The compact green steel structure spans a tidal river, looking incredibly cute and fun.
- Walking across rewards you with a fun, wiggly bouncing sensation over the shifting tides. A fantastic, free roadside stop to check out.
- Crossing the bridge leads straight into the lush Steedman Woods trails. The wooded paths are quiet and cool, offering a relaxing escape.
- The surroundings are free of commercial tourist-trap traps, preserving an authentic, quiet local neighborhood feel. Guests self-queue politely.
Heads up
- The biggest flaw is transport and parking! There is no dedicated lot, and only 2-3 tiny curbside spots exist. Finding a space relies on pure luck.
- The attraction is tiny; the bridge is only dozens of feet long. If you don't hike the woods, it's a two-minute look. Driving far causes a big letdown.
- Because the path is narrow, bouncy, and preceded by rough stone steps, it is completely inaccessible to wheelchairs and hazardous for strollers.
- It offers absolutely no public amenities. No restrooms, no trash cans, and no onsite staff. It relies entirely on visitors' self-sufficiency.