Getting here...
Access point #1, 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)
What should you visit?
The Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge is open daily year round. Located within Ferris Provincial Park, it is a great destination for an easy hike and picturesque views. This 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 access to the trail system located inside Ferris Provincial Park. The trails are open year-round for visitors to enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing, cycling, or just spending some quality time enjoying the panoramic views.
For more ideas on activities to do 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 enhance 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 broken 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
- A.J. Braun supplied a total of 55,000 pounds of steel for the bridge structure
- The total weight the bridge can hold is 75,000 pounds
- The height of the Bridge above water varies between 30 and 35 feet, depending on the water levels
- The length of the bridge is 92 metres or 301 feet from end to end (or 98 metres or 321.5 feet including abutments)
- The sag or deflection from abutments to the middle is 2.4 metres or 7.9 feet
- The total cost of the project was $465,115
- It is the only pedestrian bridge of its kind in Ontario
- The bridge connects the Rotary Trail to trails in Ferris Provincial Park, and is part of The Great Trail (formally known as the Trans Canada Trail)