LaPlatte Crossing Footbridge - Shelburne, Vermont

Address: Shelburne, VT 05482.

Specialties: Bridge.

Opinions: This company has 4 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 5/5.

📌 Location of LaPlatte Crossing Footbridge

LaPlatte Crossing Footbridge Shelburne, VT 05482

The LaPlatte Crossing Footbridge: A Notable Vermont Landmark

For those seeking a unique and picturesque experience in Shelburne, Vermont, the LaPlatte Crossing Footbridge stands as a compelling destination. Located at Address: Shelburne, VT 05482, this distinctive structure offers not just a crossing point but a remarkable vantage point and a testament to thoughtful design. It’s a popular spot for photographers, hikers, and anyone appreciating the natural beauty of the LaPlatte River and surrounding landscape. The bridge itself presents a significant specialty – a unique and well-crafted pedestrian bridge – and provides access to trails and recreational areas along the riverbank.

Location and Accessibility

The bridge’s location is a key element of its appeal. Situated alongside the LaPlatte River, it’s easily accessible from several points within Shelburne. It’s part of the larger Shelburne Farms property, a working farm and educational center. Visitors can reach the bridge via several trails, making it a convenient addition to a broader exploration of the area. Parking is available at the Shelburne Farms parking lot, which is a short walk to the bridge’s entrance. The address is crucial for navigation: Shelburne, VT 05482. There is no direct phone number listed, and the official website is currently unavailable, though information can be found on the Shelburne Farms site.

Key Features and Design

The LaPlatte Crossing Footbridge is more than just a simple span across the river. It’s a carefully designed structure that integrates seamlessly with its environment. Built with a focus on aesthetics and functionality, its design incorporates natural materials and a low-profile profile. Here’s a breakdown of its notable features:

  • Material Construction: The bridge is primarily constructed from treated timber, lending it a rustic and natural appearance.
  • Span and Length: The bridge spans approximately 120 feet across the LaPlatte River, providing ample space for pedestrians.
  • Height: The bridge’s height is relatively low, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding landscape and allowing for unobstructed views.
  • Lighting: Subtle lighting illuminates the bridge at night, enhancing its visibility and safety for evening visitors.
  • Trail Access: The bridge connects to a network of trails that wind through the Shelburne Farms property, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring the area.

The overall design prioritizes a harmonious blend of human-made structure and natural surroundings. It’s a testament to the power of thoughtful design in enhancing the visitor experience. The structure's relative simplicity belies its impact, providing a truly memorable experience for those who visit.

Opinions and Reviews

Visitors consistently praise the LaPlatte Crossing Footbridge for its beauty and accessibility. Currently, the company (Shelburne Farms) has 4 reviews on Google My Business, reflecting a generally positive reception. The average opinion is a remarkable 5/5, indicating a high level of satisfaction among those who have experienced it. Feedback frequently highlights the scenic views, convenient access, and the overall pleasant atmosphere. Many reviewers mention it as a must-see attraction when visiting Shelburne Farms.

Other Points of Interest – Shelburne Farms Context

It’s important to note that the LaPlatte Crossing Footbridge is intrinsically linked to the broader Shelburne Farms experience. Shelburne Farms is a working farm, a non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable agriculture, education, and stewardship. Visitors to the farm can enjoy a variety of activities, including farm tours, cheese-making demonstrations, and opportunities to interact with farm animals. The specialties of Shelburne Farms extend beyond just agriculture; they encompass a commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement. Consider incorporating a visit to the farm alongside exploring the bridge to fully appreciate the region's offerings. The farm also hosts events and programs throughout the year, so it's advisable to check their website (although currently unavailable) for a schedule of activities.

Recommended Information for Visitors

Here’s a summary of information to help plan a visit:

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  • Location: Shelburne, VT 05482
  • Access: Accessible via trails within Shelburne Farms property. Parking available at the Shelburne Farms parking lot.
  • Hours: Open during Shelburne Farms operating hours (check their website for specific times, although currently unavailable).
  • Cost: Free to access the bridge and trails. Entry to Shelburne Farms may require a fee.
  • Amenities: Restrooms are available at the Shelburne Farms property.

The LaPlatte Crossing Footbridge represents a small but significant piece of the Shelburne, Vermont landscape. It’s a place where visitors can connect with nature, appreciate thoughtful design, and experience the rich heritage of Shelburne Farms. It's a highly recommended destination for anyone exploring the Green Mountains region.

👍 Reviews of LaPlatte Crossing Footbridge

LaPlatte Crossing Footbridge - Shelburne, Vermont
Joplin W.
5/5

Strömkarlen, guardian of the river crossing

Strömkarlen is a river troll in Scandinavian folklore.  If you listen carefully, you might hear Strömkarlen play his  hardanger fiddle. And if you look closely, you can see that his fiddle has
four extra strings that resonate the sound in a special way. When he plays, the music of the forest, the trees and birds, wind and water, dance over his fiddle strings.

It is said that when he gets to playing, “tables and benches, cups and cans, gray-beards and grandmothers, blind and lame, even babies in the cradle will begin to dance.”(Jacob Grimm)

There is some old magic in Strömkarlen. If you  leave him a small offering, he might play a tune for you on his fiddle. If your offering is grand, he will run your fingers over the strings of his fiddle and you will be able to play so well the trees dance and the river sings and the waterfall pauses to listen.

LaPlatte Crossing Footbridge - Shelburne, Vermont
David A. K.
5/5

This area contains a network of trails on both sides of the LaPlatte. Much of it is on town land or rights of way, but many spur trails head off onto private land. Much of the trail system is located in class 1 or class 2 protected wetlands so trail improvement options are limited (per VT DEC). There are many small bridges and 100 yards of untreated hemlock puncheon in the class 1 section between LaPlatte Crossing and Shelburne Market, but other areas can still be very muddy in spring or after heavy rains. It is a true floodplain and on 11/1/2019 the area near the puncheon was 4 feet under water (note two photos posted of flooded bridge from that date). Besides the Shelburne Market, LaPlatte Circle and Falls Rd entrances, there is a new public right of way to the eastern trails on Mill River Lane (but no parking!). There are plans for a pedestrian bridge along Falls Rd so folks don’t have to walk in the road to cross Falls Rd Bridge.

LaPlatte Crossing Footbridge - Shelburne, Vermont
Jackie B.
5/5

Nice

LaPlatte Crossing Footbridge - Shelburne, Vermont
Ted G.
5/5

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