For many, a trip to the White Mountains isn't complete without seeing a covered bridge.
With so many to choose from, this is one of the best places in New England to enjoy these historical gems.
From Fryeburg, Maine, to Jackson, New Hampshire, you'll find these iconic pieces of New England history, each with its own story. Why were these bridges roofed in the first place? Some say it was to shield the heavy timbers from rain and snow. Others remember them as “courting bridges,” offering young couples a bit of privacy.
Aerial view of Conway, NH featuring The Saco River Covered Bridge and Swift River Covered Bridge. (Credit: Wiseguy Creative)
Today, many of the Valley’s covered bridges are still in use. Spend a day touring the covered bridges throughout the area and stop along the way to grab coffee, lunch or sit down for dinner in one of the towns that give the Valley its charm.
Saco River Covered Bridge, Conway, NH
This bridge over the Saco River is 235 feet long and is called a two-span covered bridge. Built in 1890 by Charles Broughton and his son Frank (who also built the Jackson Covered Bridge) for $4,000, this was the third bridge on this site. It was reconstructed in 1987 by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. Next to the bridge is Davis Park, a town park with a beach on the river that is popular with swimmers in the summer.
Swift River Covered Bridge, Conway, NH
Nearby, you’ll find the 130-foot Swift River Covered Bridge. The original bridge on this site was swept downstream during a flood in the spring of 1869, along with the neighboring Saco River Bridge. In true Yankee fashion, Jacob Berry and his son rebuilt it the following year using salvaged lumber from earlier bridges. In 1991, the bridge was restored for pedestrian traffic and now serves as a peaceful stop, featuring picnic tables inside to sit and enjoy the river views.
Albany Covered Bridge
Six miles west of Conway, off the Kancamagus Highway and sometimes known as the “Lovers Bridge,” this 120-footer over the Swift River was built in 1858. It is the second bridge built on this spot, after the first one was destroyed by a storm in 1857 before it could be completed. The bridge was rebuilt by Amzi Russell and Leander S. Morton, who agreed to complete the job for $1,300 less than what was paid because the first attempt was unsuccessful. Come add your name to the thousands of visitors who have passed through in its lifetime.
Bartlett Covered Bridge
In Bartlett, NH, about 4.5 miles east of Bartlett Village on Route 302 in Glen, this 183-foot bridge has been closed to traffic since 1939. In 1965, the bridge and land around it were sold to Isabelle Casinelli, who built a gift shop inside it. The Covered Bridge Shoppe is still open today, where visitors can enjoy one of the most unique shopping experiences in New England.
Jackson "Honeymoon" Bridge
In scenic Jackson, NH, this covered bridge is located just off Route 16 at the entrance to Jackson Village. The Jackson bridge was built in 1876 by Charles Broghton and his son, Frank. It spans 121 feet across the Wildcat River. A covered walkway was added in 1930 and runs along its length. Today, it is the site for one of the most scenic photo opportunities in Mt. Washington Valley.
Wentworth Covered Bridge
Just north of the Honeymoon Bridge, you'll find a smaller covered bridge on the Wentworth Golf Course in Jackson. In winter, look for XC skiers on the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation trails coming through it.
Hemlock Covered Bridge, Fryeburg
Built in 1857, this bridge is a 116-foot Paddleford truss strengthened with laminated wooden arches. It was built on granite abutments since it was located in a floodplain. The bridge was reinforced to carry local traffic in 1988. Hemlock Bridge was designated as a Maine Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 2002. The bridge is located northeast of Fryeburg, Maine, on Hemlock Bridge Road and spans the Saco River.
