The bridge was originally built as a trolley span to move freight and passengers between Shelburne Falls and Colrain.
It was abandoned by the trolley company in 1927 before being repurposed by local visionaries.
The bridge is entirely maintained by volunteers and funded through donations rather than tax dollars.
The garden is divided into specific planting sections that are cared for by individual volunteer 'gardeners'.
The original concrete arches of the 1908 structure were preserved during the 2020s renovation project.
The Bridge of Flowers is a former 1908 trolley bridge that was converted into a botanical garden in 1929. Spanning 400 feet across the Deerfield River, it connects the towns of Shelburne and Buckland. The garden is maintained by the Shelburne Falls Area Women's Club and features over 500 varieties of annuals and perennials. Because it no longer supports vehicular traffic, the bridge functions exclusively as a pedestrian walkway. The structure underwent an extensive structural restoration between 2022 and 2024 to replace concrete and stabilize the masonry. The planting design follows a seasonal rotation, ensuring blooms from spring through late autumn. It is the only bridge of its kind in the world that serves as a dedicated flower garden.
The center of the bridge looking back toward the Shelburne Falls side to capture the river and the arches.
Walk the full length of the bridge to observe the differing flora on the Shelburne vs. Buckland sides.
Bring a camera with a macro lens, as the density of the planting allows for intimate floral photography.
Visit during the weekday to avoid weekend crowds, as the path is narrow.
Do not attempt to cross with bicycles or scooters, as they are prohibited on the bridge surface.
Open seasonally from spring through late autumn; closed during winter months.
Walking on the flower beds is strictly prohibited; stay on the paved path.
