Vermont’s Covered Bridges That Feel Like Stepping Into Another Century

Vermont’s covered bridges aren’t just passageways – they’re time machines! With their weathered wooden beams and rustic charm, these architectural treasures transport visitors straight back to the 1800s. I’ve spent countless weekends exploring these magnificent structures that once served as vital connections between communities. Grab your camera and join me as we wander through Vermont’s most enchanting covered bridges that truly feel like stepping into another century.

1. Taftsville Covered Bridge: The Flame-Red Wonder

Standing proudly since 1836, this vibrant red bridge stretches 189 feet across the Ottauquechee River. I still remember gasping the first time I rounded the corner and spotted its distinctive color against Vermont’s lush greenery.

What makes Taftsville truly special is its multiple windows running along both sides, designed to prevent horses from being spooked by the rushing water below. The interior reveals incredible craftsmanship with massive hand-hewn timber framing.

Having survived the devastating floods of Hurricane Irene in 2011, this resilient structure underwent extensive restoration. Now it stands stronger than ever, carrying both vehicles and the weight of nearly two centuries of history across its sturdy deck.

2. Emily’s Bridge: Where Ghost Stories Come Alive

Though officially named Gold Brook Bridge, locals know this Stowe landmark by its spookier moniker. Legend has it that in the 1800s, a heartbroken young woman named Emily hanged herself from the rafters after being stood up on her wedding day.

Walking through this bridge alone gave me goosebumps! Visitors often report strange scratching sounds, unexplained footsteps, and even ghostly apparitions. Built in 1844, the 50-foot lattice truss design creates eerie shadows when sunlight filters through the aging wooden slats.

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there’s something undeniably atmospheric about this bridge, especially at dusk when the setting sun casts long shadows through its weathered frame. It’s easily Vermont’s most haunted covered bridge – and perhaps its most photographed.

3. Brown Covered Bridge: The Engineering Marvel

If you’ve never seen a double-barreled covered bridge, you’re in for a treat! Also known as Pulp Mill Bridge, this remarkable structure spans the Otter Creek between Middlebury and Weybridge with not one but two separate lanes.

Built in 1820, this architectural wonder features a unique design where two parallel roadways share a roof and central wall. I spent nearly an hour examining the intricate timber framing that has withstood two centuries of Vermont’s harsh winters and spring floods.

The bridge’s name comes from the adjacent pulp mill that once thrived on the creek’s power. Standing as one of the oldest continuously used covered bridges in the United States, it represents an engineering achievement that modern builders still admire today.

4. Arlington Green Covered Bridge: The Postcard Perfect Span

Imagine a bridge so picturesque it could have jumped straight off a vintage postcard! That’s exactly what you’ll find at Arlington Green Covered Bridge, nestled in a scene so idyllic Norman Rockwell himself couldn’t have painted it better.

Constructed in 1852, this 80-foot town lattice design spans the peaceful Battenkill River. What makes this bridge extraordinary is its perfect setting – a white church steeple visible in the distance, rolling green hills, and the crystal-clear river flowing beneath. I’ve visited dozens of times and still can’t resist stopping for another photo.

Hollywood agrees with my assessment – the bridge appeared in the film “The Four Seasons” with Alan Alda. Come in autumn when the surrounding maples burst into fiery colors that reflect magnificently in the water below.

5. Fisher Covered Railroad Bridge: Trains of the Past

Unlike most covered bridges built for horses and buggies, the Fisher Bridge once carried something much heavier – entire trains! As Vermont’s last surviving covered railroad bridge, this unique structure represents a fascinating chapter in transportation history.

Constructed in 1908, the 103-foot span crosses the Black River in Wolcott with massive timber supports designed to handle the weight and vibration of locomotive engines. Walking through, I marveled at the engineering – the trusses are substantially thicker than typical covered bridges, creating an imposing interior space.

Though trains no longer rumble through its wooden confines, Fisher Bridge stands as a monument to Vermont’s railroad era. The interior still bears scorch marks from the sparks of countless steam engines that once passed through, leaving literal marks of history on its timbers.

6. Coburn Covered Bridge: The Hidden Forest Gem

Hidden away on a quiet back road in East Montpelier, Coburn Bridge feels like a secret only locals know about. I nearly drove past it my first time visiting, which would have been a terrible mistake!

Built in 1851, this charming 68-foot span crosses the Winooski River with a classic town lattice design. What makes Coburn special is its relative obscurity – while tourist buses crowd other covered bridges, here you can often have the entire place to yourself. The peaceful setting invites lingering, with perfect spots for picnicking along the riverbank.

Though repairs have been made over the decades, much of the original timber remains, including hand-hewn beams with visible adze marks from 19th-century craftsmen. In winter, when snow dusts its roof and icicles form along its eaves, it transforms into a scene worthy of the finest holiday card.

7. Great Eddy Covered Bridge: The Rushing Water Sentinel

Also known as Big Eddy Bridge, this magnificent structure stands sentinel over one of the most dramatic spots on the Battenkill River. The name comes from the swirling eddy formed beneath it, where the river’s current creates a natural whirlpool effect that mesmerizes visitors.

Constructed in 1829, the 121-foot multiple kingpost truss design makes it one of the oldest covered bridges still in use in Vermont. During spring runoff, standing inside while the river roars beneath creates a thrilling sensory experience – the entire bridge seems to vibrate with the power of the water.

I’ve spent hours fishing from the rocky shores nearby, watching as the bridge’s reflection dances in the swirling waters. Local lore claims that during the Civil War, the bridge served as a hiding spot for escaped slaves traveling the Underground Railroad to Canada.

8. Silk Road Covered Bridge: The Quintessential New England Scene

Though smaller than some of its famous cousins, Silk Road Bridge packs tremendous charm into its 88-foot frame. Nestled in the picturesque town of Bennington, it creates what many consider the quintessential New England scene.

Built in 1840 using the town lattice design patented by architect Ithiel Town, this bridge features distinctive diamond-shaped openings in its side walls. The name comes from the road it serves, which once connected to a prosperous silk mill that operated nearby. During my autumn visit, the surrounding sugar maples created a canopy of gold and crimson that perfectly framed the weathered structure.

What fascinated me most was learning how the bridge’s roof was designed – not just for protection from the elements, but to strengthen the entire structure by binding the trusses together like a rigid box.

9. Gorham Covered Bridge: The Time Capsule

Nestled in the quiet community of Proctor, Gorham Bridge feels virtually unchanged since its construction in 1841. Spanning the Otter Creek with its 114-foot frame, this bridge survived the devastating flood of 1927 that destroyed many of its contemporaries.

What struck me most was the incredible craftsmanship visible in every beam. The multiple kingpost truss design showcases the ingenuity of 19th-century builders working without modern tools or engineering degrees. Inside, the air carries the sweet scent of aged timber that’s weathered nearly two centuries of Vermont seasons.

Though now bypassed by the main road, the bridge remains open to pedestrians seeking a literal walk through history. I spent a peaceful afternoon sketching its reflection in the creek below, marveling at how the structure has remained essentially unchanged while the world around it transformed completely.