There is something undeniably magical about a covered bridge. Maybe it is the creak of old wooden boards, the way sunlight filters through the beams, or the stories you can almost feel echoing through the structure.
Vermont is home to more than 100 covered bridges, the highest number per square mile in the United States. These bridges are not just charming photo ops. They are living pieces of history that connect past and present, spanning rivers, generations, and traditions.
Here are some of the most beautiful, historic, and must-see covered bridges in Vermont, organized by region to help you plan the perfect scenic road trip.
Northern Vermont
🕯️ Emily’s Bridge (Stowe)
Location: Gold Brook Road, just outside downtown Stowe
Why Visit: It is Vermont’s most famous haunted bridge. Locals say the ghost of a heartbroken young woman named Emily lingers here, making it a popular stop for ghost hunters and curious travelers. Beyond the legend, it is a lovely spot for moody fall photos.
🏞️ Grist Mill Bridge (Jeffersonville)
Location: Near Route 108, close to Smugglers’ Notch
Why Visit: Surrounded by the scenery of the Lamoille River Valley, this bridge makes a great quick stop during a Smugglers’ Notch drive. It is a quiet, classic bridge tucked beside a restored mill.
🌲 Comstock Bridge and Others (Montgomery)
Location: Montgomery and West Hill Road
Why Visit: Montgomery is known as the “Covered Bridge Capital of Vermont.” It has six historic bridges still standing, all within a short drive of each other. Perfect for a half-day tour of rustic roads and timeless scenery.
Covered Bridges, Open Hearts
Montgomery Town Motto
Central Vermont
📸 Middle Covered Bridge (Woodstock)
Location: Downtown Woodstock
Why Visit: This is one of the most photographed covered bridges in the state. It spans the Ottauquechee River right in town and is easy to walk across. Bonus: you can grab a coffee or shop local right after snapping your photo.
🍁 Lincoln Gap Covered Bridge (Warren)
Location: Lincoln Gap Road
Why Visit: This little bridge in the Mad River Valley is pure Vermont. Framed by dense forest and just minutes from Sugarbush and Warren Falls, it is perfect for a fall foliage drive.
Southern Vermont
🧀 Creamery Bridge (Brattleboro)
Location: Route 9 on the west side of Brattleboro
Why Visit: Located right off a busy road but surrounded by green space, this bridge is easy to access and incredibly photogenic. A picnic area nearby makes it a great quick stop.
🛠️ Bartonsville Bridge (Rockingham)
Location: Bartonsville Road off Route 103
Why Visit: Originally built in 1870, this bridge was swept away during Hurricane Irene in 2011. The town rallied to rebuild it piece by piece, and the new version opened in 2012. It is a story of community resilience with a scenic reward.
Bonus Bridges Worth the Detour
🎓 Henry Covered Bridge (Bennington)
Location: River Road
Why Visit: Bennington has three covered bridges within a short distance. Henry Bridge is the most iconic, spanning the Walloomsac River and surrounded by rolling hills and red barns.
🏡 Taftsville Covered Bridge (Woodstock Area)
Location: Along Route 4
Why Visit: Built in 1836, this is one of the oldest surviving covered bridges in Vermont and is still in active use. Its bright red color and multiple window slats make it a favorite for photographers.
Plan Your Covered Bridge Tour
Want to see them all? You can download the Vermont Covered Bridge Map from the state’s tourism website or create your own route using Google Maps. Autumn is the peak season for bridge-hopping, but these historic structures are beautiful any time of year.
Pack snacks, a camera, and maybe a flannel or two. Vermont’s covered bridges aren’t just sights to see — they are stories to discover.
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