8 Hidden Covered Bridges in Vermont That Look Magical in Autumn

Vermont’s landscape transforms into a painter’s palette each autumn, with fiery reds, golden yellows, and deep oranges creating breathtaking scenery.

Among these colorful displays, the state’s historic covered bridges stand as timeless treasures, framing nature’s artwork in ways that seem almost magical.

While famous bridges draw crowds, these eight lesser-known covered crossings offer peaceful spots to experience Vermont’s fall splendor without the tourist hustle.

1. Silk Road Covered Bridge in Bennington: A Quiet Gem from 1840

Built in 1840 during America’s covered bridge golden age, this historic crossing spans the Walloomsac River with quiet dignity. Local craftsmen used traditional timber framing methods with hand-hewn beams that have withstood nearly two centuries of Vermont seasons.

Surrounded by sugar maples that burst into vibrant oranges and reds by mid-October, the bridge’s weathered wooden exterior creates a perfect contrast against autumn’s palette. Unlike its more famous neighbors, you’ll rarely encounter more than a handful of visitors here.

The adjacent dirt road leads to a small clearing perfect for picnicking, while the shallow riverbanks below offer peaceful spots for reflection. Morning visits often reward photographers with mist rising from the water, creating ethereal scenes as sunlight filters through the foliage.

2. Kidder Hill Bridge in Grafton: A Hidden Spot Surrounded by Woods

Tucked away on a less-traveled back road, Kidder Hill Bridge remains one of Vermont’s best-kept secrets. The small single-span structure, rebuilt in 1999 following historical specifications, stands as a faithful recreation of the 1870 original that once served local farmers.

What makes this bridge extraordinary in autumn is its intimate setting. Completely enveloped by dense woodland, visitors experience a tunnel-like effect as golden light filters through yellow beech and birch leaves. The narrow stream below reflects the colorful canopy, creating mirror images that double the visual impact.

Local residents often leave a guest book inside for visitors to sign. The nearby stone walls and remnants of old farm foundations add historical context to your visit, revealing glimpses of Vermont’s agricultural past.

3. Creamery Covered Bridge in Brattleboro: A Local Landmark Since 1879

Standing proudly since 1879, the Creamery Covered Bridge remains one of southern Vermont’s most charming historical structures. Though technically not hidden to locals, many travelers miss this gem while rushing between tourist destinations. Its distinctive red exterior houses an 80-foot lattice truss design that showcases 19th-century engineering ingenuity.

Fall transforms this bridge into a photographer’s paradise. The surrounding valley fills with crimson and amber hues while the nearby brook bubbles over moss-covered rocks. Fallen leaves collect along the bridge’s weathered planks, creating natural confetti that crackles underfoot.

Originally serving the local dairy industry (hence its name), the bridge now welcomes visitors with interpretive panels explaining its construction and significance. A small parking area and picnic tables make this an ideal spot for morning coffee while watching the sun illuminate the autumn landscape.

4. Coburn Covered Bridge in East Montpelier: Over the Winooski River

Spanning the gentle curves of the Winooski River, Coburn Bridge offers a glimpse into Vermont’s past rarely seen by casual visitors. Constructed in 1851, this 75-foot Town lattice truss bridge features original hand-forged iron hardware still visible in its wooden joints.

Autumn cloaks the surrounding hillsides in spectacular color, with the bridge framing perfect views upstream and downstream. Sugar maples dominate the landscape, their fiery foliage reflecting in the river’s surface below. The sound of water flowing over river rocks creates a soothing soundtrack for leaf-peepers.

Family farms dot the surrounding countryside, adding pastoral charm with grazing livestock and weathered barns. Early morning visits often reveal light fog hovering over the water, creating dreamy scenes as the bridge emerges from the mist. The nearby dirt pulloff accommodates only a few cars, ensuring you’ll likely have this magical spot to yourself.

5. Paper Mill Village Bridge in Bennington: Historic Red Span in the Valley

Nestled in a valley where early settlers once operated paper mills, this vibrant red bridge creates a striking contrast against autumn’s golden backdrop. Built in 1889 to connect the village to nearby lumber sources, the 125-foot structure features a rare combination of multiple truss designs that engineering enthusiasts appreciate.

October transforms the surrounding landscape into a symphony of color. Ancient sycamores along the riverbank shed copper-colored leaves that dance in swirling eddies beneath the bridge. The nearby mill pond, now a serene wildlife habitat, mirrors the colorful hillsides in its still waters.

Visitors can explore the foundations of the original paper mill just yards from the bridge. Stone remnants tell the story of Vermont’s industrial heritage amid nature’s seasonal display. The bridge’s interior, with its complex wooden latticework, creates fascinating light patterns when sunbeams filter through in late afternoon.

6. Pine Brook Covered Bridge in Waitsfield: One of Vermont’s Oldest Crossings

Dating back to 1836, Pine Brook Bridge ranks among Vermont’s most venerable wooden spans still in use. Unlike showier bridges that attract crowds, this humble crossing maintains its working status, connecting local farms across a tributary of the Mad River.

Fall’s magic transforms the surrounding maple grove into a cathedral of color. The bridge’s weathered gray boards, darkened by nearly two centuries of Vermont weather, provide perfect framing for photographs of the brook below. Sunlight filtering through yellow and orange leaves creates dappled patterns on the water that seem to dance with the current.

Remarkably preserved original timber pegs and diagonal bracing showcase the craftsmanship of Vermont’s early builders. Visitors can spot the initials of generations of locals carved into the interior beams, a tradition dating back decades. The bridge’s location in a small valley creates a microclimate where fall colors often peak slightly earlier than surrounding areas.

7. Hammond Covered Bridge in Pittsford: Scenic Setting Along Otter Creek

Gracefully spanning the widest section of Otter Creek, Hammond Bridge stretches 139 feet across waters that once powered nearby mills and factories. Constructed in 1842 and restored lovingly in the 1990s, this Town lattice truss design represents classic New England craftsmanship at its finest.

Autumn elevates this already picturesque location to something truly special. The bridge’s dark wooden exterior stands in bold relief against the surrounding sugar maples and ash trees. Their brilliant oranges and yellows reflect perfectly in the slow-moving creek, creating mirror images that photographers treasure.

A favorite among local artists, the site features natural stone outcroppings perfect for sitting while sketching or painting. The bridge’s interior remains remarkably draft-free even on blustery fall days, making it a cozy spot to pause and listen to the rustling leaves. Nearby historic markers explain how the bridge served as a crucial link for marble transport from local quarries during Vermont’s industrial heyday.

8. Halpin Covered Bridge in Middlebury: A Small but Charming Find

Though modest in size at just 66 feet long, what Halpin Bridge lacks in grandeur it makes up for in undisturbed charm. Built in 1864 during the Civil War era, this little-known crossing represents a simpler design than its more elaborate contemporaries, focusing on function over decorative elements.

October transforms this hidden gem into a magical setting. The narrow creek below winds through a small ravine lined with birch trees whose pale trunks contrast beautifully with their golden leaves. The bridge’s simple gabled roof collects colorful leaf confetti that local winds deposit throughout the season.

Few tourists venture to this out-of-the-way location, making it perfect for those seeking solitude amid fall’s splendor. The approach features a century-old stone wall partially covered in emerald moss, adding texture to autumn photographs. Morning visitors often spot deer coming to drink from the creek, completing the quintessential Vermont scene.