Yesterday’s afternoon dog walk was a new and dramatic experience. I have ridden my bike over this bridge many times, but this is the first time I had a walk on it with Tucker. We parked at Jonas and Anne Catharine Green Park, which sits at the base of the north side of the bridge. After a short stroll through the park, we walked up the steep grassy hill and started on our bridge walk.
There is a nice sidewalk and wide bike lane, so the walk felt safe, but vehicle noise is loud as they pass by, thanks to the small groves that cover the roadway. I am assuming the groves are an anti-slip feature for the bridge for wet and frozen conditions.
The views from the tall bridge are incredible. This bridge replaced a previous one at the same location in 1995. The original bridge (the “Old” Severn River Bridge) was built in 1924, and a small section of it still remains as a fishing pier, located at the park where we started.
The total walk over the bridge and back was 1.8 miles and took 54 minutes, which included a brief rest on a bench at the Scenic Overlook on the south side.
When we returned to the park, I took advantage of the large, clean restroom and had a peaceful sit on the sandy beach. Gazing across the Severn River at the other large bridge, called the “New” Severn River Bridge (or Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge), is a relaxing treat. That large bridge spans the river for Route 50 and was built in 1952.
Our walk across the U.S. Naval Academy Bridge was a great experience, but could also be part of a longer walk into colonial Annapolis and the Naval Academy. It is not uncommon to see large groups of midshipmen jogging across the bridge as part of their fitness routine. Enjoy the view!
Atlas Great Outdoors 