With more than 100 covered bridges located throughout the state, Vermont has the densest concentration of covered bridges in America. These historic structures date back to the 1800s and were originally built to protect the bridge from the elements. Today, Vermont covered bridges are among the state’s most popular attractions and are wonderful places to visit and photograph. The next time you visit the Green Mountains, check out a covered bridge map and enjoy a scenic driving tour of these iconic landmarks. Here are a few of our favorite covered bridges in Vermont:
Your Guide to the Best Covered Bridges in Vermont
1. The Kissing Bridge
The Vermont Country Store in Rockingham, VT, is famous for its covered “Kissing Bridge”. The name comes from an old tradition from the horse-and-buggy days, when boys and girls would meet in the quiet covered bridges to kiss. People used to call all covered bridges “kissing bridges”, and the name stuck to the one located next to the Vermont Country Store. Couples who visit the store are welcome to stroll through the bridge and keep the tradition going.
2. Windsor-Cornish Covered Bridge
Spanning the Connecticut River between Cornish, NH, and Windsor, VT, the 449-foot Windsor-Cornish Covered Bridge is the longest wooden covered bridge in the country. It was originally built in 1866 after three other bridges were destroyed by floods. The Windsor-Cornish suffered damage by flood water and ice in 1977 and was repaired a total of three times. The bridge is now featured on the Town Bicentennial Medal and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
3. Pulp Mill Covered Bridge
The Pulp Mill Covered Bridge is a 195-foot wooden bridge that crosses Otter Creek between Middlebury and Weybridge, Vermont. Built around 1820, it’s the oldest covered bridge in VT and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This bridge is also one of only seven double-barreled covered bridges in the country and has two lanes that still carry regular traffic.
4. West Dummerston Covered Bridge
This historic bridge in Dummerston, VT, was built in 1872 by master builder Caleb Lamson. The West Dummerston Covered Bridge is the longest covered bridge entirely in the state of Vermont and spans 280 feet over the West River. Its structure is particularly beautiful and features town lattice trusses and diamond-shaped openings to admit additional light. This bridge was also listed on the National Register of historic places in 1973.
5. Brown Covered Bridge
Built by Nicholas Powers in 1880, the historic Brown Bridge in Shrewsbury, VT is a must-see. It’s an 118-foot long covered bridge that carries Upper Cold River Road over the Cold River. The Brown Bridge is believed to be the only standing covered bridge in the United States with a slate roof and is one of only 110 surviving town lattice truss bridges built before 1955.
Explore Vermont Covered Bridges with GetAway Vacations
When planning your trip to the Green Mountain State, be sure to book your stay with GetAway Vacations! Our gorgeous Killington vacation rentals have everything you need for an unforgettable getaway, including fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, spacious living areas, and more. They’re also a short drive from all of the Vermont bridges mentioned above. We can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!
For more information on the best things to do in Vermont, including participating in the Vermont Covered Bridges Half Marathon in Woodstock, request a copy of our free Killington vacation guide.
Photo Credit: Songquan Deng | Thinkstock
