The Bridge To Nowhere In North Carolina Chockoyotte Aqueduct

In the middle of the still woodsy parts of the Roanoke Rapids / Weldon neck of the Tar Heel State wanderers on a certain trail will stumble upon a stunning bridge to nowhere in North Carolina. For those who have yet to discover the Roanoke Canal Trail, you’re in for a striking and completely unexpected surprise.

It’s commonly referred to by the locals in the know as the Chockoyotte Aqueduct. But this waterway presents much more than just an artificial canal in the middle of the woods.

Google Maps

Beneath its bright green grassy surface lies a spectacular arched bridge made of hand-cut stones.

Google/Michael Goff

It’s found most easily while hiking the Roanoke Canal Trail leading from the lake all the way over to Highway 301.

Google/Robert Hunter

Typically at least a three-hour hike each way, this trail actually offers a shorter version. Visitors interested in jumping ahead to a starting point near to the bridge to nowhere can hop on the trail where the number three is seen at the Riverside Parking Lot on the map here. This cuts quite a bit of time off the hike.

AllTrails

But if you have time, the entire trail (which takes just over six hours out and back) will not disappoint.

Google/Timothy Warren

Along the way, you’ll find the ruins of many notable structures along with kiosks containing pertinent information taking the guesswork out of what purpose each ruin actually served in history.

AllTrails/Shane W

And of course, there’s always that beautiful Chockoyotte Aqueduct bridge where you can sit for a while and contemplate life, love, and anything really.

Google/JulieBird

The Chockoyotte Aqueduct canal and bridge were first constructed between 1819 and 1823. The bridge was revitalized and expanded upon between 1890 and 1904.

Google/Douglas Miller

The Roanoke Canal and Museum (currently closed for COVID) is a wonderful spot to learn more about this bridge to nowhere in North Carolina. Until the facility reopens, the website is also a great resource. And you can learn more about the 14.9-mile hike from our friends at AllTrails.com.