Here are some photos of outdoor bridges with covering. They are located in the United States and Canada so you will need a map to find them all.
The purpose of covering is to shield the trusses and deck from the outdoor elements and make it last longer.
Most of these are over 100 years old as many were built from 1825 – 1900.
New England covered bridge during Fall foliage season
Inside Sachs covered bridge near Gettysburg Pennsylvania
Hannah Covered Bridge in Linn County Oregon
New York State
Covered bridge located in northern New Hampshire
Gold Brook in Stowe Vermont
Frankemuth, Michigan
Bridge over the Walloomsac River in Bennington, Vermont
Taftsville Covered Bridge in Quechee Vermont.
Goldbrook Covered Bridge in Stowe, Vermont
Bridgeton, Indiana
Ashuelot Covered Bridge
The longest wooden covered bridge in the world located in Hartland, New Brunswick, Canada
Centennial Park in Plymouth Indiana
Dummerston covered bridge is 267 long and 22 wide
Arlington Covered Bridge in Vermont
Built in 1852, the Arlington Covered Bridge is a single-span Town lattice truss bridge with a length of approximately 80 feet (24 meters) and a width of around 17.5 feet (5.3 meters). The Town lattice truss design consists of diagonal wooden beams crisscrossing to form a lattice pattern, with each intersection secured by wooden pegs called trunnels or tree nails.
This covered bridge is an important part of Vermont’s architectural heritage and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973. The bridge was restored in 1988 to preserve its historic character and ensure its structural integrity.
Vermont covered bridge surrounded by colorful fall foliage
McVetty-McKenzie covered bridge made of wood and dating from 1893 is located in Gould, Lingwick, Estrie, Quebec Canada
Fitzsimmons Creek covered wooden bridge, Whistler, BC, Canada
This pedestrian bridge spans Fitzsimmons Creek, connecting Whistler Village with the Upper Village and Blackcomb Mountain base area. The bridge is a popular crossing point for tourists and locals alike, providing easy access to the shops, restaurants, and other attractions in both villages.
The Fitzsimmons Creek Bridge is not a historic bridge; it was built in the early 1990s as part of the development of Whistler Village. The bridge features a timber construction with a covered design, reminiscent of traditional North American covered bridges. Here is a picture:
Pedestrian bridge over the kicking horse river
Red Wooden Covered Bridge on a Forest Road in Fundy National Park, New Brunswick, Canada
Fundy National Park is well-known for its dramatic coastline along the Bay of Fundy, which features the world’s highest tides, as well as its lush Acadian forests, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.
While the park is home to several wooden bridges, the Red Wooden Covered Bridge is particularly notable for its picturesque setting on a forest road. This pedestrian bridge spans a small creek or river and is surrounded by the park’s dense woodlands, making it an ideal spot for photography and quiet contemplation.
Berks County, Pennsylvania
Things to know
- The oldest surviving covered bridge in the world is the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) in Lucerne, Switzerland, which was constructed in 1333.
- The United States has more than 800 surviving covered bridges, with the majority found in the eastern states. Pennsylvania has the highest number of covered bridges, followed by Ohio and Indiana.
- The longest covered bridge in the United States is the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge, which spans the Connecticut River between Vermont and New Hampshire. It measures 449 feet in length.
- Covered bridges are often referred to as “kissing bridges,” stemming from the idea that the enclosed space provided privacy for courting couples to share a kiss as they crossed the bridge.
- The construction of covered bridges declined in the 20th century with the advent of modern materials and engineering techniques that allowed for more durable and long-lasting bridges without the need for a protective covering.
Walkersville covered bridge, 1903, West Virginia
The bridge was built in 1903 and spans West Fork River. It is one of only a few remaining covered bridges in the state and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1981.
The bridge is a single-span, modified Long truss bridge with a length of approximately 39 feet (12 meters) and a width of around 12 feet (3.7 meters). The Long truss design consists of diagonal wooden beams that are connected by vertical posts and counterbraces, forming a lattice-like structure. The wooden roof and siding protect the bridge’s structural components from the elements, contributing to its longevity. Here is a photo:
Ada Michigan
Ada Michigan
Lantermans Mill in Mill Creek Park in Youngstown Ohio. Built in 1989.
Woodstock, Vermont
Infographic
Q: Are there covered bridges in the eastern part of the United States? Or are they simply a figment of my imagination, like a mythical unicorn riding a rainbow?
A: Fear not, for covered bridges in the eastern part of the United States are not mythical creatures like rainbow-riding unicorns. In fact, they are quite real and abundant in this region! From the charming countryside of New England to the rolling hills of Pennsylvania and beyond, you’ll find a treasure trove of covered bridges waiting to be discovered. So, put on your explorer’s hat and prepare to embark on a whimsical journey through time and rustic beauty.
Q: Can I expect to find covered bridges that magically dispense maple syrup and hot pancakes in the morning, turning my bridge crossing into a delicious breakfast adventure?
A: Oh, what a delightful idea! While covered bridges won’t serve you maple syrup and hot pancakes as you cross, they do offer a fantastic backdrop for enjoying a breakfast picnic. Picture yourself perched on a nearby bench, savoring a stack of fluffy pancakes while basking in the warm morning sun, all while surrounded by the rustic charm of a covered bridge. It may not be a magic breakfast dispenser, but it’s a magical experience in its own right.
Q: Are there covered bridges in the eastern part of the United States that secretly transform into dance floors, where spontaneous parties erupt with locals twirling to the tunes of fiddles and banjos?
A: Oh, wouldn’t that be a sight to behold! While covered bridges won’t spontaneously turn into dance floors, they do possess a certain charm that might inspire some impromptu twirling and toe-tapping. You might even stumble upon a local festival or event where live music fills the air and spirited dancing takes place nearby. So, dust off your dancing shoes, embrace the jovial atmosphere, and who knows, you might just find yourself part of a delightful foot-stomping celebration!
Q: Can I expect covered bridges in the eastern part of the United States to come alive at night, with magical fireflies illuminating their intricate wooden structures like tiny fairy lights?
A: Oh, the enchantment of fireflies lighting up the night sky! While covered bridges won’t come alive in the literal sense, their scenic locations often make them perfect spots for firefly sightings during the warm summer evenings. As twilight settles in, you might witness the magical dance of these luminous creatures, turning the area surrounding the bridge into a mesmerizing display of natural beauty. So, take a seat, enjoy the show, and let the twinkling fireflies create their own magical atmosphere.
