The Thoreau Falls Trail bridge was located deep in the 45,000-acre Pemigewasset Wilderness, at North Fork junction, along the Thoreau Falls Trail. It crossed the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River; it was damaged during Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, and became a safety concern. Designated wilderness areas are governed under the National Wilderness Preservation System and the Wilderness Act of 1964. Both have strict guidelines when it comes to man-made structures, and permanent improvements are not allowed within these areas. Under the Wilderness Act, this bridge was considered a permanent man-made structure. It was dismantled (and not rebuilt) in 2019.