Covered bridges are a quintessential scene in Vermont and while they physically connect two distinct areas, they also separate the old from the new. After all, you can’t exactly drive an 18-wheeler over one of these classic and historic structures. Vermont’s covered bridges were designed to have roofs for many reasons. The first, and perhaps the most important, was to protect the structure from the elements, as it was much easier to replace roofs than roads. Also, the wall coverings were welcomed by farmers because the sides helped cattle over the bridge, as the sight of the rushing water made them hesitate. Sides and roofs also made the structures stronger and more durable. The design and construction of these covered bridges embody the sentiment: They don’t make them like that anymore! Vermont’s covered bridges play an important role in Vermont’s history, and here are some of the best covered bridges in Vermont:
This covered bridge in Vermont is better known as Emily's Bridge and is said to be haunted. The legend says that a girl named Emily was meeting her boyfriend there to run away and elope, and when he never showed up she hung herself from the rafters.
2. Brown Covered Bridge, Clarendon
Brown Covered Bridge, 5290 Cold River Rd, Shrewsbury, VT 05738, USA
This is the only bridge of Vermont's 18 National Historic Landmarks (National Register of Historic Places). Built in 1880 by Nicholas Powers, it remains today as one of the finest and least-altered examples of a Town lattice truss covered bridge in the United States, and it's one of the oldest covered bridges in the country.
Advertisement
3. Silk Covered Bridge, Bennington
Silk Road Covered Bridge, Silk Rd, Bennington, VT 05201, USA
This red beauty spans the Wallomsac River and is 88 feet long, 14.25 feet wide and 10 feet high at the truss. It is one of three in close proximity which cross the river.
4. Hammond Covered Bridge, Pittsford
Hammond Covered Bridge, Kendall Hill Rd, Pittsford, VT 05763, USA
Spanning over the Williams River, Woralls Bridge was built around 1868, and is one of two surviving 19th-century covered bridges in the town of Rockingham.
7. Gorham Covered Bridge, Pittsford
Gorham Bridge, 256 Gorham Bridge Rd, Florence, VT 05744, USA
Connecting Pittsford and Proctor over Otter Creek, this lattice truss bridge was built in 1841 by Abraham Owen and famous bridgewright, Nicholas Powers.
Advertisement
8. West Dummerston Covered Bridge, Dummerston
West Dummerston Covered Bridge, W Dummerston Covered Bridge, Dummerston, VT 05301, USA
Built in 1872, this 280 foot bridge is the longest covered bridge entirely within the state of Vermont. Bedell Covered bridge is longer, but connects in New Hampshire. With views like that, it's certainly one of the most scenic covered bridges in Vermont.
9. Kidder Covered Bridge, Grafton
Kidder Covered Bridge, 99 Water St #53, Grafton, VT 05146, USA
Between vehicles and hurricanes, this stalwart bridge in Vermont has taken a lot of damage over the decades, and has been considered for closure for years. The 44-foot bridge was originally built in 1919 and has been repaired many times since then, most recently in 2011 after being badly damaged from Hurricane Irene.
The Halpin Covered Bridge is also called the High Covered Bridge and for good reason - it's the highest covered bridge above a waterway in the state. Originally used for a marble quarry (this could explain the high clearance) it connects Middlebury to New Haven.
12. Arlington Green Covered Bridge, Arlington
Arlington Covered Bridge, Covered Bridge Rd, Arlington, VT 05250, USA
When you think of classic Vermont covered bridges, this is it. Constructed out of spruce in 1879, this 80-foot bridge with a covered sidewalk is a wonderful place for classic Vermont photos. The bridge is now closed to through traffic.
A great view of the inside of this 1870 Town lattice bridge in Arlington. It is worth a hike down the steep embankment to check out the bridge from below.
The original Mill Bridge was built in 1883 and destroyed in 1999 by heavy Spring flooding and ice. A replica was created in 2000, and serves as a wonderful reminder of how covered bridges played an important role in Vermont's history.
With over 100 Vermont covered bridges to choose from, we would love to year from YOU! What are some other covered bridges in Vermont that you would like to see featured? Let us know!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
More to Explore
Vermont Covered Bridges
Jackie Ann|July 04, 2022
What are the best outdoor adventures in Vermont?
Vermont is full of epic outdoor adventures just waiting for you. Some great options include:
Some of the best adventures can be found when you step away from the beaten path, and Vermont has plenty of unique attractions to keep you on your toes. When you want to experience the unique side of Vermont, pay a visit to one of the unique museums in Vermont that showcase a different side of Vermont history like the perfectly preserved Plymouth Notch or the Dog Chapel in St. Johnsbury.
What is the most naturally beautiful town in Vermont?
There are so many beautiful towns in Vermont, it’s hard to pick a favorite, but Grafton is certainly top of the list. This picturesque town is home to many historic buildings, charming streets, restaurants, and lovely views including one of the most scenic covered bridges in Vermont. Of course, cheese lovers would have a blast exploring Cabot, headquarters for that famously delicious cheese.
