Skip to Main Content

Athens, Georgia: R.E.M. Murmur Railroad Trestle (Gone)

Fans still sought out the kudzu-choked railroad trestle that appeared on the cover of R.E.M.'s 1983 debut album "Murmur." Acknowledged by Athens as an important landmark -- since the B-52's Love Shack burnt down.

Directions:
In Dudley Park on the northeast side of the city, off of Athens Perimeter Hwy exit 8. You can either enter the park off of E. Broad St., drive in about a quarter mile, and literally drive under the trestle, or you can drive to the end of the trestle on the west side of S. Poplar St. just north of Oak St.
Hours:
Jan 2022: Trestle is gone.
Status:
Gone

Visitor Tips and News About R.E.M. Murmur Railroad Trestle

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

R.E.M. Murmur Train Trestle

The train trestle has been removed.

[Elizabeth Hardin, 02/03/2022]

The old railroad trestle, a landmark in Athens because of its appearance on R.E.M.'s 1983 "Murmur" album, was taken down because the wood had rotted.

Railroad trestle.

R.E.M. Murmur Railroad Trestle

Across the small street from the diner on the "Automatic for the People" 1992 R.E.M. album back cover is the railroad bridge that was featured on the back cover of the 1983 R.E.M vinyl album "Murmur."

[Yvette Pryor, 06/05/2021]

Murmur trestle.

R.E.M. Murmur Railroad Trestle

Short hike on paved trail!

[HEG, 04/27/2014]

The old train trestle that served as cover art for R.E.M.'s first album is persists as a magnet for the band's pilgrims.

R.E.M. Murmur Railroad Trestle

Not long ago a piece of land was sold to developers outside of Athens, GA. This piece of land happened to have the railroad trestle featured on the back cover of the 1983 R.E.M. album "Murmur". Since R.E.M. is one of Athens "claims to fame," a movement was started from R.E.M. fans to save the trestle, which could only be done by purchasing the land back from developers -- who wanted to tear the trestle down.

On October 2, 2000 the town of Athens voted to save the trestle as an attraction for future generations. This kind of isn't a "roadside" attraction as I hear it involved a short hike to actually reach the trestle, but you may as well visit it. The citizen of Athens, Clarke County GA, and R.E.M. fans worldwide have spent millions to preserve it... so it must be SOMETHING worth seeing.

[Greg Brown, 12/24/2000]

Latest Tips Across Roadside America

Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.

Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!

Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Create and Save Your Own Crazy Road Trip! ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

Georgia Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

JFK's World Famous Twine Ball, Highland, Wisconsin (Mar 18-24, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings