The public is invited to a free History Hike Sunday, 2 p.m. at the York Hill Boat Access.
The directed hike will explore the river crossings ó bridges, fords, and ferries ó and historic roads in the northern portion of the Trading Ford area.
Within this area are the remains of the first bridge over the Yadkin River and the first covered bridge in North Carolina (1818), and five standing early 20th century bridges (1906-1957). These bridges were preceded by a ford used by Confederate troops manning Fort York and the ferry where Jefferson Davis crossed the river as the Confederacy fell in the closing days of the War Between the States.
A network of roadbeds remain from the 18th through the early 20th century.
This section of the Yadkin River, Fort York, and all bridge sites except I-85 have been determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
The hike is sponsored by the Trading Ford Historic District Preservation Association. This will be an easy hike over level ground, about 2/3 of a mile long.
In case of rain, the hike will be held on Sunday, April 27.
The York Hill Boat Access is on the banks of the Yadkin River in Davidson County, just off the Old Salisbury Road and U.S. 29/Interstate 85 Exit 82 Southbound, across the river from the old NC Finishing Co.
For more information, go online to www.trading-ford.org or call 704-633-3125.