Pumpkin Hollow Bridge — Attraction in Exeter

As a Local Guide, I'm always looking for those little spots that tell a bigger story, and this is definitely one of them. Don't just speed over the Pumpkin Hollow Bridge on your way into the parks—pull over for a few minutes. It's so much more than just a way to cross the stunning Kaweah River!

The Views are Incredible! This is where you'll get that perfect "Welcome to the Sierras" photo. The bridge provides a fantastic vantage point over the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River as it tumbles over granite boulders. The water is often crystal clear, and the sound of it rushing below is instantly relaxing. Look downstream, and you get that classic California landscape: the winding river, the oak-studded golden hills, and the promise of the High Sierra just beyond. The bridge is conveniently located right by the well-known Gateway Restaurant & Lodge and is just a stone's throw from other local gift shops and galleries in Three Rivers, making it an easy and rewarding stop.

A Cool Piece of History, Set in Concrete This isn't just any old bridge. Built in 1922, this 205-foot-long reinforced concrete arch bridge is a true historic landmark that represents a major leap in engineering for its time. Before this and the Generals Highway, getting to the Giant Forest meant taking the treacherous and slow Colony Mill Road. This bridge was a critical piece of the modern highway that finally made the giant sequoias accessible to everyone. If you're a history buff, find the original 1922 bronze plaque on the concrete abutment. It lists the county supervisors and engineers who built it—a real throwback and a testament to the civic pride of that era.

Local Guide Tip: Pay attention to the architecture. The bridge’s clean, functional, and modern concrete design is a deliberate choice. It provides a fantastic architectural contrast to the intentionally "rustic" style of the stone-and-timber bridges you'll see once you're officially inside the National Park boundaries. It’s a great visual cue that you're transitioning from the state highway system to the unique, nature-integrated landscape the Park Service masterfully created.

It's the perfect spot to stretch your legs for 10-15 minutes before continuing your journey. You're only about 5 miles from the Ash Mountain entrance to Sequoia National Park from here! Parking can be found nearby, but be mindful of traffic. And while the signs are clear about no diving or fishing, there's no rule against soaking in the history and the view. A highly...

Beautiful scenery around. This was a great drive. This is a historic bridge. Roads are well maintained and when we were there it was Spring season and the Kaweah river was in full flow. Superb atmosphere. Mountains and the river flowing through them was such a bliss. We would love to visit again. Highly...

Pumpkin Hallow Bridge is straight out of a fairytale! Beautiful rocks, trees, and river. There’s lots to explore, but be careful going off trail as there is no path and it gets very dark...