Vermont has more covered bridges per square mile than any other state in America. More than 100 historic covered bridges — some dating to the early 19th century — still stand in Vermont, carrying traffic across the state's rivers and streams and serving as some of the most photographed structures in New England.

The covered bridge is one of the most distinctly American architectural forms — a practical solution to the problem of protecting wooden bridge timbers from the weather, developed in the early 19th century and refined over decades of use. Vermont's covered bridges are the finest surviving examples of this tradition, and exploring them is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the state's rural landscape.

The covered bridge's distinctive design was not primarily aesthetic — it was practical. Wooden bridge timbers exposed to the weather would rot within 10–15 years. By covering the bridge with a roof and sides, builders could protect the timbers from rain and snow, extending the bridge's life to 100 years or more.

The covering also served a secondary purpose: it prevented horses from being frightened by the sight of the water below, making the crossing easier for horse-drawn vehicles.

Windsor County in southeastern Vermont has the highest concentration of covered bridges in the state — more than 20 historic bridges in a relatively small area. The county's beautiful countryside, its historic villages, and its excellent covered bridges make it one of the finest destinations for covered bridge enthusiasts.

Taftsville Covered Bridge (Woodstock) — one of the most photographed covered bridges in Vermont, spanning the Ottauquechee River near Woodstock. The bridge was built in 1836 and is one of the oldest covered bridges in Vermont.

Middle Bridge (Woodstock) — a beautiful covered bridge in the heart of Woodstock village, spanning the Ottauquechee River. The bridge is one of the most accessible in Vermont, located just steps from the village green.

Quechee Covered Bridge (Quechee) — a beautiful bridge near the Quechee Gorge, with excellent views of the gorge and the surrounding hills.

Addison County in western Vermont has several excellent covered bridges in a beautiful landscape of farms, orchards, and Lake Champlain views.

Pulp Mill Bridge (Middlebury) — a beautiful two-lane covered bridge near Middlebury, one of the few remaining two-lane covered bridges in Vermont.

Halpin Bridge (Middlebury) — a beautiful single-lane bridge in a pastoral setting near Middlebury.

Lamoille County in north-central Vermont has several excellent covered bridges in a beautiful mountain landscape.

Poland Bridge (Johnson) — a beautiful bridge in a pastoral setting near Johnson.

Scribner Bridge (Hyde Park) — a beautiful bridge spanning the Lamoille River near Hyde Park.

Windham County in southern Vermont has several excellent covered bridges in a beautiful landscape of hills and valleys.

Scott Bridge (Townshend) — the longest covered bridge in Vermont (277 feet), spanning the West River near Townshend. The bridge is a National Historic Landmark.

Williamsville Bridge (Newfane) — a beautiful bridge in the charming village of Williamsville.

A self-guided tour of Windsor County's covered bridges, connecting more than 15 historic bridges in a beautiful rural landscape. The tour can be completed in a full day, with stops at Woodstock, Quechee, and the surrounding countryside.

Starting Point: Woodstock village
Distance: About 60 miles
Time: Full day

A tour of the covered bridges in the Mad River Valley, connecting several historic bridges in a beautiful mountain landscape.

Starting Point: Waitsfield
Distance: About 30 miles
Time: Half day

Vermont's covered bridges are among the most photogenic structures in America. Here are some tips for photographing them:

Best Light: Early morning and late afternoon light is the most flattering for covered bridge photography. The warm, directional light of the golden hour brings out the texture of the wood and creates beautiful shadows.

Composition: Include the surrounding landscape in your composition — the river, the trees, and the hills provide context and depth. A low angle, looking up at the bridge, can create a dramatic perspective.

Fall Foliage: The combination of covered bridges and fall foliage is one of the most iconic Vermont images. Plan your visit for early to mid-October for the best combination of foliage and bridge photography.

Reflections: Many of Vermont's covered bridges span rivers with calm pools that provide beautiful reflections. Look for reflection opportunities, particularly in the early morning when the water is calm.

Vermont's covered bridges were built primarily between 1820 and 1900, during the era when wooden bridge construction was the standard. The bridges were built by local craftsmen using locally-sourced timber, and each bridge reflects the skills and traditions of its builders.

The Town Lattice Truss — the most common structural system used in Vermont's covered bridges, developed by Ithiel Town in 1820. The lattice truss uses a series of diagonal planks to distribute the load across the bridge, creating a strong, efficient structure.

The Burr Arch Truss — another common structural system, combining a multiple kingpost truss with a long arch to create a very strong structure. The Scott Bridge in Townshend uses this system.

Preservation: Vermont's covered bridges are maintained by the Vermont Agency of Transportation and local communities. Several bridges have been restored in recent years, using traditional materials and techniques to preserve their historic character.

Access: Most of Vermont's covered bridges are accessible by car, though some are on unpaved roads. A standard passenger car can reach most bridges; a few require a high-clearance vehicle.

Swimming: Many of Vermont's covered bridges span rivers with excellent swimming holes. The combination of a covered bridge and a swimming hole is one of the quintessential Vermont summer experiences.

Respect the Bridges: Vermont's covered bridges are historic structures that require careful maintenance. Please respect the bridges — don't carve your name in the wood, don't drive over the weight limit, and don't park on the bridge.

For more Vermont adventures, see our Vermont Small Towns Guide, Vermont Fall Foliage Guide, Vermont Hiking Guide, and Vermont Farm-to-Table Food Guide.