Burnt Mill Bridge

The Local Swimming Hole

Ask any Fentress County local where they cool off in the summer, and there’s a good chance they’ll mention Burnt Mill Bridge. Located on the Clear Fork River in the Big South Fork area near Robbins, Tennessee, this beloved spot is where generations of local families have come to swim, wade, picnic, and simply enjoy a perfect summer afternoon beside one of the most beautiful mountain rivers in the region.

The Swimming

The Clear Fork River at Burnt Mill Bridge is clear and cold — refreshingly so on a hot Tennessee summer day. The bridge itself creates a natural gathering point, with deep pools for swimming and shallower sections for wading and skipping rocks. The banks are lined with smooth river rocks and shaded by a canopy of riverside trees, making it a comfortable spot to spend several hours.

This is a natural, undeveloped swimming area — no lifeguards, no facilities beyond what nature provides. Swim at your own discretion and watch children carefully near the deeper pools.

Burnt Mill Loop Trail

For hikers, the Burnt Mill Bridge Trailhead is the starting point for the Burnt Mill Loop, a moderate 4-mile trail that follows the river, climbs through hardwood forest, and returns to the bridge via a different route. The trail passes several scenic river views and is a pleasant half-day hike that combines nicely with a swim at the end.

Getting There

Burnt Mill Bridge is located near Robbins, Tennessee, in the southern section of Big South Fork. Take Highway 52 from Jamestown and look for Burnt Mill Bridge Road. The approach road is gravel — navigable by most vehicles.