These 3 Beautiful Covered Bridges in Delaware Will Remind You of a Simpler Time

There’s something about a covered bridge in Delaware that stirs up a yearning for times gone by. There are only around 1,500 authentic covered bridges remaining in the entire world, most of them in the United States. The National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges lists three authentic Delaware covered bridges remaining today, and if you find yourself wondering “Where are covered bridges near me,” you’ll find them all in charming New Castle County. While they’re perhaps most popular to visit in the fall when surrounded by foliage, we’ve got to say, they’re beautiful at any time of year. Check out the covered bridges in Delaware:

James Walsch / Flickr

The original Smith Bridge was built in 1839 and was a single span that crossed over Brandywine Creek, near Winterthur. It measured 154 feet long.

Ken / Flickr

Unfortunately, the original bridge was destroyed in an instance of arson on Mischief Night in 1961. The bridge was rebuilt, but the original repairs made by the Department of Transportation did not include a covered span.

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Smith's Bridge Covered Bridge, Smithbridge Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA

Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

In 2002, a restoration project was completed. It cost over $1.2 million, but brought this magical structure back to life, now with modern improvements. The stone abutments from the original covered bridge remain. This is the longest covered bridge in Delaware.

If you aren't able to make it to the bridge in person right now, check out this great video from Youtube user runthebiz:

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Doug Kerr / Flickr

You'll find the Wooddale Bridge southeast of Yorklyn; it spans Red Clay Creek. This beautiful Delaware covered bridge dates back to 1850. Improvements to the bridge's original structure were made between 1939 and 1981.

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Wooddale Covered Bridge, 7 Delaware 4, Wilmington, DE 19804, USA

Doug Kerr / Flickr

Flooding from Tropical Storm Henri wiped out the bridge in 2003. The initial replacement in 2003 was only a typical steel bridge, but in 2008, a lattice truss covered bridge reconstruction was completed. The bridge lies along the Red Clay Scenic Byway, one of the most scenic roads in Delaware.

Check out this video of the Wooddale Covered Bridge from Youtube user thelonearranger1:

Chris Foster / Flickr

The Ashland Covered Bridge also spans Red Clay Creek and looks nearly identical to the Wooddale Covered Bridge, thanks to its similar construction of lattice trussing.

Ken / Flickr

Built in the 1860s, the Ashland Covered Bridge is approximately 52 feet long. It's located near the Delaware Nature Society's Ashland Nature Center, home to a butterfly house that makes for a great family day trip.

Ashland Covered Bridge, 3540 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707, USA

Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

Over the last few decades, the Ashland Covered Bridge has experienced damage on multiple occasions due to overly tall trucks attempting to cross. It also suffered damage during Hurricane Ida in 2021.

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Hopkins Heartland, 30249 Fisher Rd, Lewes, DE 19958, USA

Lauren Bacco/Google Reviews

This one is among the most notable. The Hopkins Heartland Bridge in Lewes is part of an absolutely magnificent farm wedding venue. It's such a beautiful place and the bridge is perfect for photos. You can get more information from the Hopkins Heartland website.

And, if you can’t get your fill of covered bridges in Delaware, hop across the border to Pennsylvania, which has the most covered bridges in the U.S.!

If you’re looking to stay in the New Castle area overnight, we highly recommend it – it’s such a charming county! Make sure to check out Vrbo to find all the best vacation rental homes in New Castle County, DE.