A troll guards the bridge over the Laplatte River

LaPlatte Nature Park in Shelburne is a beautiful hike with a touch of fantasy. There is a troll bridge across the Laplatte River. If you're lucky, a mustachioed troll sitting in a nearby tree will let you pass.

The Laplatte River Bridge is located in the Laplatte Nature Park in Shelburne. This suspension bridge crosses the Laplatte River with a span width of 68 feet (20.4 m).

The bridge owes its existence to a Shelburne resident who walked to work every day through the Laplatte Nature Park. 

Joplin built about a dozen bridges over a seven-year period to cross the Laplatte River, some as simple as a single log with a handrail. Most of these primitive bridges are washed away, and one was demolished because it was built on city land without permission. 

Therefore, Joplin began to build a permanent bridge with the permission of the city administration. He also wanted to create a landmark that would be interesting to cross. Immense gratitude to Joplin, the City of Shelburne, and the hundreds of volunteers who made this bridge possible.