Covered bridge draws romantics, builders, families

The 54-foot-long Pisgah Covered Bridge crosses the West Fork Branch of the Little River in the Uwarrie National Forest.

"I think this is the only one we've seen in North Carolina," said Phil Mobley, who travels with his wife, Carol, to see covered bridges.

Kimberly Keys and Brett Hoogkamp came to the bridge to take their engagement photos. Carol Mobley thought a covered bridge was a good choice for the occasion.

"They're romantic," she said.

Vernon Meyrick and Wes Key got inspired when visiting the Pisgah Covered Bridge 20 years ago. They created blueprints in their minds, then spent a week building a half-scale replica over a brook in Meyrick's backyard.

"Vernon, he likes his bridge all right," Key said.

The replica of the Pigsah Covered Bridge still stands. "If you're going to build something, you might as well build it so it will stay there," Key said.

Gina Rogers packed her children into the car and brought them out to see the Pisgah Covered Bridge.

For people who regularly cross over concrete overpasses, there's something special about a covered bridge, she said.

"I think it's important to see historic things, keep the kids active and show them history," Rogers said.