Some of America’s oldest covered bridges are nearly 200 years old, and you can still walk or drive across many of them today. One in New York dates to 1825, while another in Pennsylvania continues to carry vehicles through a narrow wooden passage.
These bridges were built long before modern highways, using timber arches and clever truss designs to support everything from horse-drawn wagons to everyday traffic. Their roofs helped protect the wooden structures from the weather, allowing some to survive for generations.
Today, some remain working road crossings, others welcome pedestrians, and one has even been converted into a gift shop. From small rural bridges to a 450-foot crossing connecting two states, these historic landmarks offer a fascinating look at early American engineering.
1. Hyde Hall Covered Bridge, Cooperstown, New York
New York State Parks calls this little crossing the oldest existing covered bridge in America. It dates to 1825 and spans Shadow Brook inside Glimmerglass State Park.
The bridge sat on the route to Hyde Hall, a grand country mansion built by George Clarke. The house is a historic site today, so you can pair the bridge with a look at an early 1800s estate.
Inside, a Burr arch supports the structure. That design combines a wooden arch with a truss for extra strength, a common trick of the era.
Cars are not allowed, which keeps the visit relaxed. The walk from parking is short and shaded by trees.
Plan a summer stop if you can, since the park also offers swimming and camping on Otsego Lake. Park entry fees may apply in season.
Address: 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY 13326
2. Hassenplug Covered Bridge, Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania
How often do you get to drive a car through something traditionally dated to 1825? On North Fourth Street in Mifflinburg, that is just a regular commute.
Hassenplug Covered Bridge is considered Pennsylvania’s oldest covered bridge. It stretches about 80 feet over Buffalo Creek in Union County.
A Burr arch truss carries the load. The bridge received major restoration work in 2022, which helped keep it open for traffic.
Drive slowly, since the lane is narrow and local drivers use it daily. If you want photos, park nearby and walk back rather than stopping on the bridge.
Mifflinburg itself makes a pleasant add-on. The town has a historic downtown and the Mifflinburg Buggy Museum, which fits nicely with a day spent on old-fashioned transportation.
Address: North Fourth Street, Mifflinburg, PA 17844
3. Roberts Covered Bridge, Eaton, Ohio
Two doors are better than one, at least on this Ohio landmark. Roberts Bridge is a double-barreled covered bridge, with two passages sitting side by side.
Built in 1829, it is Ohio’s oldest surviving covered bridge. Double-barreled designs are rare in the United States, so it gets attention from bridge fans.
The structure originally crossed Seven Mile Creek. It was moved in 1991 after an arson fire damaged it in 1986, and restored at its current park setting near Crystal Lake.
It no longer carries road traffic. Instead, you can walk through and study the twin openings up close.
Eaton holds a festival celebrating the bridge in some years, so check local listings. Otherwise, a quiet visit works just fine with a picnic nearby.
Address: 1 N Beech Street, Eaton, OH 45320
4. Haverhill-Bath Covered Bridge, Woodsville, New Hampshire
Two towns share credit for this crossing, which links Bath and Haverhill over the Ammonoosuc River. It has stood there since 1829.
That date makes it a strong candidate for New Hampshire’s oldest covered bridge. The frame uses a Town lattice truss, a crisscross pattern of planks patented by architect Ithiel Town.
For many decades it carried cars and trucks. Traffic was moved to a new bridge in 1999.
Locals then raised money and restored the old span. It reopened to pedestrians in 2008, giving walkers the lane drivers once had.
Look for the lattice pattern along the inside walls. It is easy to spot and helps explain how so many small boards share the weight together.
Address: Route 135, Woodsville, NH 03785
5. Rishel Covered Bridge, Montandon, Pennsylvania
Farm fields surround this red span, and the quiet road keeps it low-key. Rishel Covered Bridge crosses Chillisquaque Creek in rural Northumberland County.
Completed in 1830, it ranks among Pennsylvania’s earliest surviving covered bridges. It measures roughly 121 feet long.
The Burr arch design shows up again here, tying it to Hassenplug just a short drive away. Seeing both on one trip is an easy way to compare two early examples.
Cars may still use it, so watch for oncoming traffic before entering. The single lane means one direction goes at a time.
Bring a map or download directions ahead, as cell service can fade on back roads. Spring and fall bring pleasant views of the surrounding farmland for photos.
Address: Rishel Covered Bridge Road, Montandon, PA 17850
6. Bath Covered Bridge, Bath, New Hampshire
Floods and fire wiped out several earlier bridges at this spot. The town kept rebuilding, and the current version arrived in 1832.
Bath Covered Bridge stretches about 374 feet over the Ammonoosuc River. That is a lot of timber for a small New England village.
It sits right near the village center. You can see it next to the historic Brick Store, which has operated for generations.
Both vehicles and pedestrians use the bridge. A sidewalk runs along it, so you can cross on foot safely.
The bridge closed for a major rehabilitation project and reopened in 2014. With Haverhill-Bath and Swiftwater nearby, Bath makes an easy base for a three-bridge afternoon.
Address: Lisbon Road, Bath, NH 03740
7. West Swanzey Covered Bridge, West Swanzey, New Hampshire
Local builder Zadoc Taft put this bridge up in 1832. Nearly two centuries later, his work still spans the Ashuelot River.
The bridge is often called the Thompson Covered Bridge. It uses a Town lattice truss and has a separate covered walkway on one side.
That side passage once kept walkers out of the way of wagons. Today the whole bridge belongs to people on foot.
Cars stopped crossing in 1990. A rehabilitation project later strengthened the structure for the long haul.
Swanzey has several other covered bridges in the area. A short loop through town lets you see more than one without long drives.
Address: Main Street, West Swanzey, NH 03469
8. Taftsville Covered Bridge, Woodstock, Vermont
Tropical Storm Irene tore through Vermont in 2011 and badly damaged this red bridge. Repairs followed, and it reopened in 2013.
Built in 1836, Taftsville Covered Bridge crosses the Ottauquechee River. It is one of Vermont’s oldest covered bridges.
Its builder used a mix of truss and arch elements, making the framing unusual. The span also sits beside a small dam, which gives photographers plenty to work with.
The little village of Taftsville sits right at the bridge. The Taftsville Country Store is nearby if you want a snack.
Woodstock’s downtown is only a few miles west. Fall foliage season brings bright color to the river valley, so plan ahead for busy roads.
Address: River Road, Woodstock, VT 05091
9. West Cornwall Covered Bridge, West Cornwall, Connecticut
Red paint, a wide river, and a small village make this Connecticut bridge a favorite for postcards. It spans the Housatonic River in West Cornwall.
The bridge dates to the 1800s, often listed as 1864. It uses a Town lattice truss, with steel support added later to handle modern loads.
Cars still drive through. Route 128 runs across it, connecting the village with Sharon on the other side.
The span is about 242 feet long. Watch for walkers, since many people stop to take pictures at each end.
Small shops sit near the bridge, and the river is popular with paddlers and anglers. The Litchfield Hills scenery makes the drive in worthwhile.
Address: Route 128, West Cornwall, CT 06796
10. Perrine’s Covered Bridge, Rosendale, New York
Trucks rush along the New York State Thruway just steps away. Meanwhile, a wooden bridge from 1844 sits quietly over the Wallkill River.
Perrine’s Covered Bridge is about 138 feet long. It uses a Burr arch truss, like several earlier bridges on this list.
The name comes from the Perrine family, who ran a nearby inn. The road once served travelers heading through Ulster County.
Today only pedestrians may cross. A small parking area is available off Route 213.
The contrast is the fun part. One minute you are looking at hand-built timber, and the next you notice cars on an interstate in plain view.
Address: Route 213, Rosendale, NY 12472
11. Swiftwater Covered Bridge, Bath, New Hampshire
Floods kept knocking out bridges at this spot on the Wild Ammonoosuc River. The present structure went up in 1849 and has held on ever since.
Swiftwater Covered Bridge sits in a village section of Bath. It measures about 174 feet and uses a Paddleford truss with arches.
Logging once shaped this stretch of river. Workers floated logs downstream toward mills during the 1800s.
The bridge was rehabilitated in the late 1990s. Vehicles can still use it, though signs give height and weight limits.
Rocks and pools sit just below the bridge. Take care near the water, as currents can be strong after rain.
Address: Porter Road, Bath, NH 03740
12. Bartlett Covered Bridge, Bartlett, New Hampshire
Shopping inside a covered bridge sounds like a joke, yet here it is. The Bartlett Covered Bridge now holds the Covered Bridge Shoppe.
The bridge was built around 1850 over the Saco River. It carried travelers until 1939, when a new road bypassed it.
Later owners restored it and opened a gift shop inside. You can browse crafts and gifts while standing on historic beams.
Its truss is a Paddleford design with arches. Look up while you shop to see the timber framing overhead.
The shop is seasonal, so check hours before driving over. North Conway and other White Mountains towns sit nearby on Route 302.
Address: 1279 Route 302, Bartlett, NH 03812
13. Pulp Mill Covered Bridge, Middlebury, Vermont
Most covered bridges squeeze traffic into a single lane. Pulp Mill Covered Bridge has two lanes plus a walkway for pedestrians.
It crosses Otter Creek between Middlebury and Weybridge. Library of Congress records document the present structure to 1853 and 1854, though an earlier crossing came first.
Double-lane covered bridges are rare in the country. This one remains open to vehicles, which makes it even more unusual.
The name comes from a paper pulp mill that once operated nearby. Steel supports were added later to strengthen the old frame.
Middlebury College and the town center are a short drive away. Pair the bridge with a stroll through downtown Middlebury.
Address: Seymour Street Extension, Middlebury, VT 05753
14. Bement Covered Bridge, Bradford, New Hampshire
At about 60 feet long, Bement Covered Bridge is short and sweet. It still does its job carrying cars over the Warner River.
The bridge was built around 1854. Its framing uses a Long truss, a design patented by Stephen Long, an Army engineer and explorer.
A major restoration finished in 2021. That work let the bridge reopen to traffic on Bradford Center Road.
The setting is a quiet road in Bradford. You will not find big crowds or souvenir stands here.
Drive through slowly and enjoy the moment. It is a nice reminder that small towns can keep historic structures working.
Address: Bradford Center Road, Bradford, NH 03221
15. Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge, Cornish, New Hampshire, and Windsor, Vermont
Start a drive in New Hampshire and finish it in Vermont, all under one wooden roof. The Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge makes that possible.
Completed in 1866, it stretches about 450 feet across the Connecticut River. It is the longest wooden covered bridge in the United States that still carries cars.
Giant Town lattice trusses support the two spans. The American Society of Civil Engineers named it a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
The bridge was restored in 1989 and again repaired in later years. Speed is limited, so take your time crossing.
Mount Ascutney rises behind the river on the Vermont side. Parking areas at each end let you stop for photos.
Address: Bridge Street, Cornish, NH 03745
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