Bridgeport

Specs
Type:	Parks, Landmarks, Hiking
Distance:	Local
Area:	Bridgeport
Ages:	All Ages
Cost:	Free
Information:	www.southyubariverstatepark.org

The longest single-span wooden covered bridge in America is just down the road from us in Bridgeport. This part of the South Yuba River State Park is one of the best local places to take your kids for an inexpensive summer afternoon.

The bridge itself is of course a fun attraction, but there is also a trail on the opposite side (not good for early walkers, strollers or kids who might need to be carried) that goes all the way down to Lake Englebright. If you aren't up for a long hike, you can just go down below the bridge; there's a swimming hole and a small beach there where you can cool down on a hot summer day (but beware, at certain times of the year the river moves fast and even in the summer you should put your little ones in life jackets).

Bridgeport features several annual events, including gold panning demonstrations on from Memorial Day to Labor Day, which also includes a history station staffed by docents who are well-educated in the bridge's history as well as the histories of the local buildings, wagons, and the pioneers who once lived in the area.