McCarthy Footbridge

Overview

The McCarthy Footbridge crosses the Kennecott River and is the essential gateway into the tiny town of McCarthy and the historic Kennecott mines beyond. From the far side, it’s about 0.6 miles to McCarthy and roughly 5 miles to Kennecott. Expect sweeping views of the river and nearby glacier as you walk across.

Why it’s worth a stop

This isn’t just a crossing—it’s the transition from road trip to on-foot exploration. The bridge delivers big scenery with very little effort, and it’s the logical staging point whether you’re walking, biking, or catching a local shuttle into town.

A bit of history

Before this bridge was built in 1997, visitors crossed the river using a hand‑pulled cable tram. You can still spot remnants of that era near the bridge, a fun bit of context for the Kennecott mining story you’ll encounter up the road.

Logistics you should know

• Park at the end of the McCarthy Road by the bridge and head across on foot (bikes allowed). From there it’s an easy walk to town and the road onward to Kennecott.
• There are no restrooms or running water at the bridge. Vault toilets are along the McCarthy Road at major waysides (e.g., near Mile 17.3, 29.0, 55.2) and at Copper River Campground (Mile 1.6). Bring your own water.
• Cell service is sparse to none here, so make meet‑up plans ahead of time.

Getting here: McCarthy Road snapshot

The approach is a 60‑mile, unpaved McCarthy Road. It can be rough with potholes and occasional old railroad spikes surfacing—drive slowly and cautiously. Allow around two hours each way, fuel up before you start, and carry a full‑size spare with a solid jack.

Best time to visit

For photos, early or late in the day gives softer light on the river and glacier. Summer is when most travelers make this trip, and daylight lasts long—use that to your advantage for a quieter, prettier crossing.