Getting here...
Access point #1 (CLOSED FOR THE SEASON), Ferris Provincial Park: 474 County Rd. 8, Campbellford, Ontario (park fees apply).
Access point #2, adjacent to Locks 11/12: 15 Trent Dr, Campbellford, Ontario. Use this entrance in the winter months (44.2926 N, 77.8011 W)
Access point #3, Rotary Hall Entrance: 227 Sasktoon Ave., Campbellford, Ontario. Take the short hike along the water towards the Suspension Bridge.
What should you visit?
The Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge is open daily year round. Located within Ferris Provincial Park, is a great destination for an easy hike and picturesque views. This great, family-oriented, natural adventure hovers 30′ above the Ranney Gorge just south of the falls. As you make your way across the 300-foot-long bridge, you will feel it sway slightly below your feet.
Located right beside locks 11 & 12 at the south end of Campbellford, the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge is on the Trans Canada Trail and within easy walking distance from the locks and into downtown Campbellford.
After you cross the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge, you will have assess to the trail system located inside of Ferris Provincial Park. The trails are open year round for visitors to enjoy for hiking, cross-country skiing, cycling or just to spend some quality time enjoying the panoramic views.
For more ideas after visiting the bridge, read Northumberland Tourism’s Suspension Bridge Thrills blog.
History
The idea of a suspension bridge spanning the gorge as a way to improve viability and enhancing Ferris Park was discussed and The Rotary Club of Campbellford embraced the idea.
Support for the bridge grew and became a reality when the Engineers of 8 Wing CFB Trenton agreed to construct the bridge as a training project. Ground for this huge undertaking was first broke on September 3, 2002.
The 8th Wing CFB Trenton completed their assignment on December 18th, 2003. Without their commitment this grand tourist attraction would not have been possible.
The Grand Opening and Dedication of the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge was held on Wednesday, June 23, 2004.
Quick Facts
- Ground breaking ceremony: September 3, 2002
- Completion date: December 18, 2004
- Built by the Canadian Armed Forces, 8 Wing Trenton (81 AEF)
- A.J. Braun supplied a total of approx. 55,000 lbs of steel for the bridge structure
- Total weight the bridge can hold is 75,000lbs
- height of the Bridge above water varies between 30 and 35 ft. depending on the water levels
- Length of the bridge is 92 m or 301 ft. abutment to abutment (98 m or 321.5 ft. including abutments)
- Sag or deflection from abutments to the middle is 2.4 m to 7.9 ft.
- Total cost of the project was $465,115.00
- Only pedestrian bridge of its kind in Ontario
- Connects the Rotary Trail to numerous trails in Ferris Provincial Park
- Now a part of The Great Trail (formally the Trans Canada Trail)