 Casselman River Bridge State Park |
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Casselman River Bridge State Park |
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Casselman River Bridge State Park is a 4-acre parcel located east of Grantsville in Garrett County on U.S. Route 40. It is a popular area for fly fishermen, photographers and history enthusiasts. Erected in 1813, and still standing as a picturesque relic of Maryland's early transportation history, the Casselman River Bridge, with its 80 foot span, was the longest single span stone arch bridge in the world during the era of the National Road.The arch caused skeptics to predict the bridge's collapse once construction was complete and the supporting timbers were removed. The skeptics were wrong, however, as the bridge stood, serving as an important link on the National Road from 1813 to 1933. At the foot of the bridge stands the "Spruce Forest Artisan Village" which is comprised of historic building moved to the site from various locations in Western Maryland and restored. "Spruce Village" holds an annual Quilt Festival each July. Adjacent to "Spruce Village" are the Penn Alps Restaurant, an historic structure that dates to 1818, and Stanton's Mill, a working grist mill originally established in 1797.
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Visitors please note that the US 40 Alt.(National Pike) bridge over the Casselman River will be closed from May 28, 2008 until September 12, 2008. This means that Casselman River Bridge State Park will not be accessible to visitors traveling west on US 40 Alt. toward Grantsville. Casselman River Bridge State Park can best be accessed during this period by using Exit 19 on I-68. Visitors should then travel north on MD 495 and then east on US 40 Alt. to access the park. The original stone arch bridge at the park will be open to horse and buggy traffic during this time which may give photo opportunities reminiscent of 1800's, when the bridge was a major conduit for travelers on the National Road.
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Click here for special trout management fishing areas in Western Maryland.
Pet information: Pets are permitted anywhere in the park as long as they are on a leash and under control of the owner, and not disturbing other park visitors.
Casselman River Bridge is not handicapped accessible. For further information please contact our office at (301) 895-5453. For additional accessible amenities in Maryland State Forests and Parks, visit the Accessibility For All section of this website.
Casselman River Bridge State Park
c/o
New Germany State Park
349 Headquarters Lane
Grantsville, MD 21536
(301) 895-5453
Funding for Maryland's State and local parks and conservation areas is provided through The Department of Natural Resources' Program Open Space. Established in 1969, Program Open Space symbolizes Maryland's long term commitment to conserving natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities.
Updated on May 28, 2008
