BRIDGES TO CROSS

Bridges to Cross . . . If you wish to experience the breathtaking panoramas of the mountainous Ai-Petri region on the southeastern coast of Crimea, you must first brave the wooden bridges that tower over vast ravines.     Stomach-jolting: You have to have nerves of steel to risk death or serious injury when you take on one of the world's most dangerous trails — Mount Hua in China. It features stomach-churning drops, vertical ascents, steep staircases and narrow walkways . . . with only a small chain to cling onto.   One way of getting across the Hunza River in the Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan is by the rickety Hussaini bridge, which consists of various pieces of wood strapped horizontally.     A long way to go: at 557 feet in length the Trift Bridge in Switzerland is the longest pedestrian-only suspension bridge in the Alps.       While the Titlis Cliff Walk in Switzerland hangs 9842 feet above sea level and offers mountainous views — and sweaty palms — for those willing to travel across it.     Completed in 2004, the Langkawi Sky Bridge is built on top of the Machinchang mountain in Malaysia and hangs at about 328 feet above the ground. The walkway can accommodate up to 250 people at the same time and swings out over the landscape to give visitors a unique look at the landscape.   There are three vine bridges in Shikoku — the smallest of Japan's four main islands — which are constructed using slats of wood placed between 7 and 12 inches apart, and secured in place with two single vines. Definitely not recommended for those who prefer solid ground.   Suspended above the massive and foreboding ravines in Daedunsan Provincial Park in South Korea, the bridges and ladder-like walkways make for an adrenaline-filled experience for visitors.     While it may look like one of the more secure bridges in the collection, the Millau Viaduct in France is so high it is often above the clouds. In fact, at its highest point, the bridge is taller than the Eiffel Tower!   Hold on tight: Visitors can journey through the jagged needle-like pinnacles of the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park via wooden bridges with little support on each side.     You won't want to stumble while walking across the Devil's Bridge in Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Area outside Sedona, Arizona. It has sheer drops either side of its arched structure.     If you want to experience the rocky St. Gervasio gorges in Piedmont, Italy, one way is to go through it — via the tiny Tibetan bridge.   Don't look down: At 1,053 feet above ground, the Royal Gorge Suspension bridge in Colorado is America's highest suspension bridge.   Spanning nearly a mile across the Taungthaman Lake in Myanmar, the U-Bein Bridge is a rickety platform made of teakwood. The bridge is held together on both sides with 1,086 pillars that come up out of the water, and it looks like it could do with some extra support in many places.   If you are heavy footed, you may wish to find an alternative way across the rivers in Vietnam. "Monkey Bridges" are made up of one large log for your feet, and another smaller one for your hands.   Originally the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in Northern Ireland only had one handrail. Thankfully today there are more robust safety features in place, but it is still a scary experience for those who gaze down on the rocks below.   The Qeswachaka Bridge in Peru is an Inca rope bridge placed over canyons, gorges and rivers and is a handwoven bridge made out of a local grass called Qoya. Every year local villagers re-make the bridge — before it deteriorates through wear and use.     This viewing platform at the Aiguille Du Midi mountain in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc more than earns its place on the list with its terrifying 9,200 foot drop.