20 Amazing Covered Bridges in Vermont For Your Bucket List!

Wondering which are the most amazing covered bridges in Vermont?

Well, you have got to the right place. I am just back from a slow road trip in Vermont where I could chase the amazing covered bridges, and now I am here to share all the details on how you are also can do your own exploration.

Vermont’s Covered Bridges date from 1820, with most constructed during the mid and late 19th century. Just try to imagine that 100 years ago there were more than 600 covered bridges in Vermont. An interesting fact is that Vermont has the highest density of bridges in the United States.

Today, there are still over 100 covered bridges left that fortunately we can visit, photograph, and explore the history behind them.

In this article, you will discover the 20 best-covered bridges in Vermont. Some of the best are listed first, then we have a few great covered bridges based on the Vermont town they are in or near. And finally, we detail the Mad River Valley Covered Bridge Loop, a loop where you can see seven bridges in less than a day!

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best covered bridges in Vermont
Woodstock, Vermont

Best Way to Visit the Covered Bridges in Vermont

With more than 100 covered bridges in Vermont, I am sure you are not planning to visit all of them. So, how to plan on visiting, and what covered bridges should you visit during your amazing time at the Green Mountain State?

To make it easy, you will need to choose if you want to follow a route to the most beautiful covered bridges in Vermont. Or, if you are around a specific area make a list of the bridges you want to visit, such as the Woodstock or Stowe area which offers a great opportunity to visit the covered bridges.

If you are short on time, I highly recommend going on the Mad Valley Loop where you can catch several covered bridges in only one day. Check my complete Vermont Road Trip Itinerary for the best route.

Note that the driving can be sometimes off-road, you will pass dense forest, and depending on the weather, you may need to have a 4×4 vehicle.

Lastly, if you need to rent a car for your Vermont road trip. You can get 15% off your rental car when you book through this site. I use and recommend Discover Cars because it is the most reliable rental car source, and it allows you to compare the prices of different places.

The Most Beautiful Covered Bridges in Vermont

First, let’s look at some of the most beautiful covered bridges in Vermont. Many people visit these bridges, and for good reason since they are some of the prettiest and most unique bridges in Vermont. You should not miss these bridges as you travel through Vermont!

1. Middle Covered Bridge – Woodstock, VT

  • Location: Mountain Avenue, Woodstock VT – within view of the village green
  • History: Built in 1969, by Milton Graton to replace an 1877 iron bridge
  • Status: It is not open for cars and pedestrian access

Let’s start this list of the Most Beautiful Covered Bridges in Vermont with my personal preference ;-)!

The Middle Covered Bridge was built in 1969, and it was the first new public covered bridge built in the state in 80 years. There was a bridge in its place for 100 years before this one was built, but it was destroyed and rebuilt. Part of the Middle Covered Bridge burnt down in 1974 and had to be rebuilt.

Likely the most photographed bridge in Woodstock, the 139-foot-long Middle Covered Bridge is a breathtaking sight to behold no matter the season! The bridge has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973. It has been renovated multiple times since it was built to keep the unique covered bridge standing.

While you are in the area, make sure you check the awesome things to do in Woodstock, VT – you will fall in love with this town!

Covered bridges in Vermont
This is my personal choice for covered bridges in Vermont

2. Taftsville Covered Bridge

  • Location: Covered Bridge Road, Woodstock VT – just off Route 4
  • History: Completed in 1836, it is one of the oldest covered bridges in the nation, and the longest on our list, spanning 189 feet.
  • Status: Open for traffic

Next on my list is the Taftsville Covered Bridge. It’s one of the prettiest covered bridges in Vermont, thanks to its vibrant red color. The bridge is also strong, as it has survived a hurricane and damage to its roof when a truck too tall tried to clear the bridge.  

The red color can be seen from under a fresh blanket of snow in the winter, which is a great site to see. Woodstock is one of the best places in Vermont to visit in the winter. And there are lots of other good Vermont Winter Getaways to visit when you’re in the state.

Covered bridges in Vermont
Covered bridges in Vermont

3. Quechee Covered Bridge – Quechee, VT

  • Location: Waterman Hill Road, Quechee VT – where it meets Quechee Main Street just off Route 4
  • History:  it was constructed as a railway bridge in 1911 and converted to a roadway bridge in 1930
  • Status: Open to traffic and it has a separate pedestrian walkway, making it safe

If you are planning to visit the most beautiful covered bridges in Vermont, I have good news for you. The Quechee Covered Bridge is located only a 5-minute drive from the Taftsville Bridge on Waterman Hill Road, just off Interstate Route 4, and it is located at the entrance of the village of Quechee.

The bridge itself may not be as impressive as the other ones on this list, but what makes this one of the most beautiful bridges in Vermont is the surrounding – what is the reason you cannot miss this bridge! When you stand on the bridge, you can look to the West for stunning views of the Ottauquechee River over an old mill dam and waterfall with historical brick buildings.

Here you will find ample parking that offers many spots to pull over and snap a picture of this postcard-perfect spot.

Quechee Covered Bridge is one of the most beautiful in Vermont

4. Creamery – Brattleboro, VT

  • Location: 9 Guilford St, Brattleboro, VT
  • History: Built in 1879, it is Brattleboro’s last surviving 19th-century covered bridge
  • Status: Close to traffic but open for pedestrians

This was the first covered bridge I visited in Vermont, and in my opinion, one of the most beautiful! The Creamery Bridge so-called after the old Brattleboro Creamery which stood beyond the bridge is Brattleboro’s last surviving 19th-century covered bridge.

The bridge, which only allows pedestrian traffic, is 80 feet long and 19 feet wide, with a 15-foot roadway; the attached sidewalk is 5.5 feet wide. The sidewalk attached to the side of the bridge was added in 1920, and it offers some pretty views of the Whetstone Brook below.

The bridge was built from spruce lumber in 1879 and it had been used by vehicles until it was closed to vehicle traffic in 2010.  It now only allows traffic from cyclists, joggers, and other pedestrians. 

Covered bridges in Vermont

5. Cornish-Windsor – Windsor, VT

  • Location:  Cornish, NH and Windsor, VT
  • History: Built in 1866
  • Status: It is not open for pedestrian access

The Cornish-Windsor is the longest covered bridge in Vermont at 449 feet long. It used to be the longest bridge in the country until 2008 when a longer one was built in Ohio.

The bridge connects Cornish, New Hampshire, and Windsor, Vermont, so this is the perfect place to cross the border if you are taking a road trip between the two states.

From 1866 through 1943, this covered bridge operated as a toll bridge. An interesting fact about the bridge is that it was plenty long enough to earn the name “kissin’ bridge”, a vernacular of covered bridges referring to the brief moment of relative privacy while crossing.


6. West Dummerston – West Dummerston VT

  • Location: R2891 W River Rd, Dummerston, VT 05301.
  • History: Built 1872; rehabilitated in 1998
  • Status: Open to Traffic with one lane

The West Dummerston Covered Bridge is the second-longest on our list of covered bridges in Vermont. But, it is the longest covered bridge that is fully in Vermont since the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge is partially in New Hampshire on the border between the two states.

You can find the West Dummerston Covered Bridge in the southeast part of the state. The bridge is special because it is one of the only bridges left standing by well-known architect Caleb Lamson.

West Dummerston is one of the most beautiful covered bridges in Vermont

7. Pulp Mill Covered Bridge – Middlebury, VT

  • Location: Weybridge, VT 05753
  • History: Built 1853; Piers added 1979; Rehabilitated 1991; Rehabilitated 2012
  • Status: Open to Traffic

This is an unusual bridge due to its spotty history, this structure is nonetheless significant as one of only a few double-barreled covered bridges remaining in the country. Heavily modified over its life, it’s actually questionable what design elements are original for this structure.

The bridge is the only one that still carries regular traffic, so it has been restructured and has structural reinforcements added to be safer. There is a pedestrian walkway on the side of the bridge to keep visitors safe when they visit.


8. Holmes Creek – Charlotte, VT

  • Location: 1473 Lake Rd, Charlotte, VT 05445
  • History: Built 1898 by Leonard Sherman; rehabilitated in 1994
  • Status: Open to traffic

The Holmes Creek Bridge, also called the Lakeshore Covered Bridge, is a one-lane wooden covered bridge that crosses Holmes Creek in Charlotte, Vermont on Lake Road

This bridge made the list of the most beautiful covered bridges in Vermont because it is unique, with only one lane. Also, the wooden structure makes it fit in well with the nature surrounding it. From the bridge, you can see beautiful views of Lake Champlain.

It’s one of the shortest covered bridges in Vermont. You will notice some damage on the top of the arch since it gets hit by many trucks and other vehicles that are too tall.


Covered Bridges near Stowe, Vermont

There are so many amazing things to do in Stowe. Here is also a town full of and surrounded by some of Vermont’s best-covered bridges is Stowe! There are many covered bridges in the area, but below are some of my favorites.

Things to do in Stowe Vt in Winter

9. Power House Covered Bridge

  • Location: 373 VT-100C, Johnson, VT 05656
  • History: The bridge was built in 1870, several decades before the eponymous power plant was built upriver
  • Status: Open for traffic

The first bridge you should see in Stowe is the Power House Covered Bridge, also known as the School Street Covered Bridge, and it crosses the Gihon River.

It’s actually one of the newest covered bridges in Vermont. It was originally built in 1870, but it collapsed in 2000 when there was a lot of snow, and it was too heavy for the bridge. Then, it was rebuilt much stronger in 2002.


Covered Bridges in Vermont

10. Scribner Covered Bridge

  • Location: Rocky Road – Johnson, VT 05656
  • History: Built in 1919 and In 1960 the bridge was reconstructed with steel beams supporting the roadway
  • Status: Open for pedestrians

Another covered bridge in Stowe is the Scribner Covered Bridge, 47.8 feet long, and also known as the Mudgett Covered Bridge, is one of the simplest covered bridges in Vermont as far as looks go.

 It is a covered bridge that carries Rocky Road across the Gihon River in Johnson, Vermont. It used to be a normal bridge with no cover, but one was added in the late 19th century when covered bridges were popular.

Scribner Covered Bridge Vermont

11. Giles W. Dewey Memorial Bridge, Stowe VT

  • Location: Stowe, VT 05672
  • History: Built-in 1916 and restored in 2000
  • Status: Open for traffic and pedestrians

The Giles W Dewey Memorial Bridge has located only a short walk from the downtown Stowe, just in the north of Vermont on the Mountain Road. This bridge is dedicated to Giles W. Dewey (1916-2000) a local politician, and farmer, who contributed fully to a huge variety of public services: the Community Church, Rotary, the Masons, Eastern Star, overseer of the poor, and local and state politics.

This bridge is very unique, as the covered part of the bridge is just above the pedestrian walkway. To visit this bridge, you can park and take a walk towards the river to wander around and take some pictures, as the scenery in this area is really beautiful.


12. Gold Brook aka Emily’s Bridge

  • Location: Covered Bridge Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
  • History: Built-in 1844 to carry what came to be known as Covered Bridge Road over Gold Brook
  • Status: One lane bridge opens for traffic

The Gold Brook Covered Bridge is the final covered bridge to visit in Stowe, Vermont. It is a unique bridge because it is the only one built in the 19th century using Howe trusses, which are vertical.

It is also called Emily’s bridge because the legend goes that there was a young woman sometime between 1849-1949 named Emily who was jilted by a lover, and so she then died at the site of this bridge and haunts it to this day. There are lights or people see apparitions or they hear sounds.

There’s a lot more to do in the area than just seeing the covered bridges of Vermont. Spend more time doing one of the awesome things in Stowe, Vermont!


Mad River Valley Covered Bridge Loop

Want an easy way to see some of the beautiful VT-covered bridges? Doing a loop is one of the best ways to do this. The Mad River Valley Covered Bridge Loop is a great way to see some of the best-covered bridges in Vermont, especially if you are short on time.

The drive is very scenic, and besides the covered bridges, you will be able to explore the landscape of forests, mountains, and hillside farms, as you take in the culture and community of Vermont. To take full advantage of this stunning area, choose to rent a cabin for an authentic experience.

By going in the order listed, with no specific starting point, you will see seven of the best-covered bridges in Vermont on the Mad River Valley Loop. The loop is 40 miles, and with no stops, the drive would take an hour and fifteen minutes. But, since you want to stop and see the bridges, you should plan to spend at least half a day doing the loop.

13. Waitsfield Covered Bridge

  • Location: Bridge St, Waitsfield, VT 05673
  • History: Originally constructed in 1833, it is one of Vermont’s oldest covered bridges
  • Status: Open for traffic and pedestrians

First up on the loop is the Waitsfield Covered Bridge, also known as the Great Eddy or the Big Eddy. It is one of the oldest covered bridges in Vermont. The historic Waitsfield Covered Bridge in Vermont’s Mad River Valley looks as though it was plucked from a postcard. I also consider this my personal prettiest covered bridge in Vermont.

Lots of people enjoy jumping off the bridge into the 12-foot water below. Although common, it is dangerous, so be careful if you decide to jump. also, while visiting this bridge, you should watch as people fish from the banks of the Mad River, children play in the water, and cars pass through the bridge.


14. Pine Brook

  • Location: 1283 N Rd, Waitsfield, VT 05673
  • History: Built in 1872 and in 1976, major repairs were completed
  • Status: Open for traffic

Isn’t this covered bridge so pretty!?

The second bridge on the loop is the Pine Brook Covered Bridge, also called the Wilder Covered Bridge. This bridge is wooden, which means it gets damaged easier than many bridges, so you may notice some wood cracking.

Constructed in 1872, the two-span Kingpost truss bridge is one of two surviving 19th-century covered crossings in the town. It is also one of two covered Kingpost trusses in the state.


15. Upper Cox Brook

  • Location: Cox Brook Rd, Northfield, VT 05663
  • History: Built in 1872
  • Status: Open for traffic

Next up is Upper Cox Brook Covered Bridge. The covered bridge is unique because it has siding that lifts up awning-style.

The siding keeps the inside dry from the rain and other wet weather. And there are openings at the top of the sidewalls that help air circulate in case the inside of the bridge does get wet.

This is my favorite covered bridge in the Mad Valley because of its location, you can see farms and cross a railway. Just adding to the charm of the pretty covered bridge!


16. Northfield Falls Covered Bridge

  • Location: Cox Brook Rd, Northfield, VT 05663
  • History: It was built in 1872 of Town lattice truss construction, a type widely used on many early timber bridges and later in building construction
  • Status: Open for traffic

Northfield Falls Covered Bridge is in the town of the same name, right by Upper Cox Brook Covered Bridge. The bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places, which was added just over a century after it was built. The bridge is recognizable because of its bright red color.

Seeing covered bridges in Vermont, especially the colorful ones, is a great winter activity. But, there are also plenty of other fun things to do in Vermont in the winter.


17. Gifford Bridge – Randolph, VT

  • Location: Hyde Rd, Randolph Center, VT 05061
  • History: 1904 with further rehabilitation was done on the bridge in 2011
  • Status: Open for pedestrians

The Gifford Bridge is constructed with a multiple-kingpost, half-height truss, indicating that it, like the nearby Johnson Bridge, was originally an open span. This bridge crosses the second branch of the White River and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

It is one of two bridges in the state that was uncovered when first built, its trusses boxed for shelter


18. Slaughterhouse Covered Bridge

  • Location: Slaughterhouse Rd, Northfield, VT 05663
  • History: Bulit in 1872 It is unique in Northfield, Vermont in that it alone has rounded portals
  • Status: Open for traffic

The Slaughterhouse Covered Bridge is also in the town of Northfield Falls, only a few minutes away from the two previously covered bridges. There used to be a slaughterhouse nearby which is where the name comes from.

The location is on a dead-end road in a rural and the scenery around this area is absolutely stunning. You can take a walk by the Dog River and enjoy some quiet time, a nice hike and for sure to take tons of great pictures of this pretty covered bridge and the scenery around it!


19. Stony Brook (Moseley Covered Bridge)

  • Location: Stony Brook Rd, Northfield, VT 05663
  • History: constructed in 1899 and modified with the addition of steel girders in 1971
  • Status: Open for traffic

The next bridge is the Stony Brook Covered Bridge, also known as the Moseley Covered Bridge.

The bridge is in a more secluded area but is also one of the most unique bridges since there are only two remaining 19th-century king post truss bridges. Many of them have been destroyed. And if you get to visit the beautiful covered bridge you will be amazed to see that the bridge is in excellent condition, surrounded by forest on a quiet country road.

Stony brook is an amazing covered bridge in Vermont

20. Warren Covered Bridge

  • Location: 19 Fuller Hill Rd, Warren, VT 05674
  • History: Built by Walter Bagley from 1879-to 80, it features a single span supported by queen-post trusses
  • Status: Open for traffic

The final bridge in the Mad River Valley Covered Bridge Loop is the Warren Covered Bridge.

This bridge is part of Vermont’s Warren Village Historic Residential District, a 19th-century mill town. The town and the bridge have been preserved and restored over time, so you may want to spend more time here enjoying the town too. There are amazing cafes, restaurants, and inns for you to explore, making it a great getaway during your vacation in Vermont.

Warren is one of the best Covered bridges in Vermont and at the end of the Mad Valley

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Covered Bridges in Vermont Recap

The Most Beautiful Covered Bridges in Vermont

  • Middle Covered Bridge – Woodstock, VT
  • Taftsville Covered Bridge
  • Quechee Covered Bridge – Quechee, VT
  • Creamery – Brattleboro, VT
  • Cornish-Windsor – Windsor, VT
  • West Dummerston – West Dummerston, VT
  • Pulp Mill Covered Bridge – Middlebury, VT
  • Holmes Creek – Charlotte, VT

Covered Bridges near Stowe, Vermont

  • Power House Covered Bridge
  • Scribner Covered Bridge
  • Giles W. Dewey Memorial Bridge, Stowe, VT
  • Gold Brook aka Emily’s Bridge

Mad River Valley Covered Bridge Loop

  • Waitsfield Covered Bridge
  • Pine Brook
  • Upper Cox Brook
  • Northfield Falls Covered Bridge
  • Gifford Bridge – Randolph, VT
  • Slaughterhouse Covered Bridge
  • Stony Brook (Moseley Covered Bridge)
  • Warren Covered Bridge
Boutique Hotels in Vermont
Boutique Hotels in Vermont

Best Covered Bridges in Vermont Conclusion

With this, we conclude this amazing list of the Best Covered Bridges in Vermont that you need to add to your bucket list! The covered Bridges in Vermont are historical landmarks and they are all unique.

Vermont is well known for its maple syrup, Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, and farm-fresh food. But, one of the best parts of exploring the State is discovering all of the best-covered bridges in Vermont. The state has more than 100 covered bridges, and Vermont actually has the most covered bridges per square mile of all the US states.

Vermont is a great destination, offering plenty of things to do all year round. If you haven’t yet, I would strongly suggest you add Vermont to your Dream Destinations bucket list – you can thank me later!

If you have any questions or anything I am missing from this list, please let me know in the comments below.

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Covered Bridges in Vermont Pinterest

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