Covered bridges once dotted the American landscape by the thousands, serving as vital crossings and charming landmarks.
In the 19th century, more than 12,000 of these timber structures spanned rivers and streams, their roofs and siding protecting the wood from harsh weather. Today, fewer than 1,000 remain, treasured for their rustic beauty and historical significance.
These bridges offer more than just passage; they provide a glimpse into a bygone era of craftsmanship and rural life.
From the iconic spans in Madison County Iowa to the unique humpback design in Virginia, each bridge tells a story of engineering ingenuity and cultural heritage.
Exploring the most famous covered bridges reveals a fascinating blend of history and scenic charm worth discovering on any road trip.
1. West Dummerston Covered Bridge
Standing 280 feet long, the West Dummerston Covered Bridge is Vermont’s longest fully covered bridge.
Built in 1872 by master builder Caleb Lamson, it is his only surviving work and listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973.
Crossing the West River in southern Vermont, it’s one of five 19th-century bridges remaining in the town.
With its vivid red exterior and lush surroundings, it offers picturesque views from parking and riverbank stairs, making it a favorite among photographers and visitors alike.
2. Campbell’s Covered Bridge
Campbell’s Covered Bridge, built in 1909 by Charles Irwin Willis, is South Carolina’s last remaining covered bridge. Spanning Beaverdam Creek in Greenville County, this 35-foot Howe truss bridge significantly cut travel time in the early 20th century.
Painted bright red and constructed of wood and iron, it was named after local gristmill owner Lafayette Campbell.
Now owned by Greenville County and located on public parkland, the bridge has been closed to vehicle traffic since 1980 but remains a treasured historical landmark.
3. Hartland Covered Bridge
The Hartland Covered Bridge in Vermont is unique for having two parallel bridges over the Ottauquechee River along Mill Road.
The historic eastern bridge, built in 1870, is a 123-foot single-span town lattice truss and one of only two surviving 19th-century covered bridges in Hartland.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, it offers picturesque views with a nearby power plant inducing a gushing waterfall beneath.
A modern bridge built in 2001 stands beside it, while small parking on the connecting island allows visitors to quickly stop for photos.
4. Wawona Covered Bridge
The Wawona Covered Bridge, built in 1857 and covered in 1879, spans 165 feet across the South Fork of the Merced River in Yosemite National Park.
Once the only route into the park via Old Wawona Road, it played a vital role in early Yosemite exploration.
This historic wooden lattice truss bridge remains a well-preserved landmark, showcasing 19th-century engineering and offering visitors a glimpse into the park’s rich history. It stands as a charming symbol of Yosemite’s enduring natural and cultural heritage.
5. Silk Covered Bridge
The Silk Covered Bridge, built in 1872, is a classic example of 19th-century timber craftsmanship. Spanning the Black River in Vermont, it uses a robust Town lattice truss design to ensure durability against harsh weather.
This 220-foot bridge has long served as a vital connection for local communities while attracting visitors for its rustic charm. Its red exterior stands out against the surrounding greenery, making it a favorite subject for photographers.
The bridge is well maintained, reflecting the ongoing commitment to preserving America’s covered bridge heritage.
6. Pulp Mill Covered Bridge
Known as the Paper Mill Covered Bridge, this iconic Vermont structure spans Otter Creek, connecting Middlebury and Weybridge.
Built with a modified Burr arch design featuring laminated arches and king post trusses around 1860, it’s one of only seven double-barreled, two-lane covered bridges nationwide.
Remarkably, it’s one of two in Vermont with this design and the only covered bridge in the state that still carries regular traffic. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974, it remains a unique blend of historic charm and practical use.
7. Brown Covered Bridge
The Brown Covered Bridge, built in 1880, spans the Ottauquechee River in Vermont and showcases the classic Town lattice truss design.
Measuring 114 feet, this wooden bridge served local rural traffic for over a century. Preserved by dedicated community efforts, it remains a beloved symbol of 19th-century engineering.
Surrounded by lush foliage, the bridge offers picturesque views and serves as a quiet reminder of America’s covered bridge heritage.
Its red-painted exterior and rustic charm make it a must-see destination for enthusiasts and photographers alike.
8. Hammond Covered Bridge
Built in 1842, the Hammond Covered Bridge in Pittsford, Vermont, showcases the Town lattice truss design.
After a 1927 flood carried it over 15 miles downstream, the intact bridge was returned to its original site, earning its nickname as the “bridge that went on a voyage.”
This 19th-century wooden bridge remains a remarkable feat of engineering and a beloved historic landmark, reflecting Vermont’s rich covered bridge heritage.
9. West Montrose Covered Bridge
Known as the “Kissing Bridge,” the West Montrose Covered Bridge in Ontario is the oldest covered bridge in the province, built in 1881. Spanning 205 feet over the Grand River, it features a classic Burr arch truss design.
The bridge’s wooden shingles and hand-hewn timbers showcase exceptional craftsmanship. Still open to light vehicular traffic, it draws visitors for its scenic rural setting and historical significance.
Maintained by local communities, it stands as a cherished symbol of Canada’s covered bridge heritage.
10. Gold Brook Covered Bridge
Standing as one of Vermont’s most photographed bridges, the Gold Brook Covered Bridge, built in 1880, is renowned for its picturesque setting and charming architecture.
This 48-foot wooden bridge features a classic Town lattice truss design, providing both structural strength and aesthetic appeal.
In a lush forest near Stowe, its moss-covered roof and weathered wood create a timeless scene, often enveloped in mist or autumn colors.
Visitors treasure its peaceful ambiance and photogenic qualities, making it a must-see landmark among America’s historic covered bridges.
Alicia Richards