“Bridge to Nowhere”

Bridge to Nowhere over Little Pine Island Bayou

NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

Quick Facts

Location:

Saratoga, TX

Amenities

2 listed

Pets Allowed, Scenic View/Photo Spot

This abandoned bridge, unofficially called the “Bridge to Nowhere” by locals, spans Little Pine Island Bayou. While vehicles can’t cross the bridge anymore, you can still walk across it.

It is not known when the bridge was built, but it likely carried loggers and oil workers across the bayou. After timber and oil production slowed, companies moved on to the next profitable piece of land, leaving behind empty bridges and roads.

Little Pine Island Bayou flows slowly beneath the bridge. On its journey to the Gulf of Mexico, this water will flow into Pine Island Bayou near Bevil Oaks. Pine Island Bayou then flows into the Neches River north of Beaumont. Finally, the Neches pours into Sabine Lake near Port Arthur, where the Sabine River carries it out to the Gulf of Mexico.

Along the bayou, dwarf palmettos add a jungle-like quality to the scenery. One of a handful of palmettos native to Texas, this variety is very tolerant of shade and freezing temperatures.

Walk the Old Road

Feeling adventurous? You can cross the Bridge to Nowhere on foot and follow the old road through the palmettos. The path ends after ½ mile at a pipeline right-of way.

• Uneven pavement—Watch your step on the Bridge to Nowhere.
• Watch out for snakes.
• Hunting is allowed here from October 1 to February 28. Wear orange if you enter the woods during hunting season.