Here Are 9 Of The Most Beautiful New Hampshire Covered Bridges To Explore This Fall
By Michelle|Updated on September 01, 2023(Originally published September 27, 2019)
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
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This time of year is the best if you love getting outside and immersing yourself in the fall colors of New Hampshire. There are lots of ways to enjoy the changing seasons. Hikes are great and road trips are fun, too. One of our favorite things to do is to visit the state’s beautiful covered bridges. They’re lovely (and oh-so New Hampshire!) any time of year, but when they’re surrounded by fall foliage they’re truly magnificent. So let’s once again gather into the car for a good old-fashioned fall road trip to see the best covered bridges in New Hampshire! Grab some of your favorite road trip snacks, and don’t forget a pumpkin spice latte, and enjoy the ride.
1. Clark's Trading Post Covered Bridge, Lincoln
Clark's Covered Bridge, Clark's Trading Post, Lincoln, NH 03251, USA
We love the story of this bridge! It was originally built in 1904 to cross the Winooski River in... Vermont. When the rail line stopped being used in 1960, it was relocated to Clark's Trading Post. Today, a tourist steam train goes through it. In fact, you can stop and spend a good amount of time at Clark's Trading Post and enjoy seeing the bears and many other great things to do for the day.
This lovely bridge is also known as the Drewsville Bridge. At just 34.5 feet long, it's one of the shortest in the state. It was built in 1805 which makes it one of the oldest, too. The bridge was originally built to accommodate people traveling along the Boston to Canada turnpike. The Prentiss Bridge may be small but it is a lovely sight to see.
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3. Coombs Covered Bridge, Winchester
Coombs Bridge, 976 Old Westport Rd, Winchester, NH 03470, USA
Some of these bridges are so beautiful you don't need a full explanation of the history! But, since we know you come here to learn new things here you go: the Coombs is about 207 feet and it crosses the Ashuelot River. Of course, it's also on the National Register of Historic Places. Nearby is also a nice little place called the Pisgah State Park which is well worth exploring.
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4. Albany Covered Bridge, Albany
Albany Covered Bridge, Passaconaway Rd, Albany, NH 03818, USA
The Albany Covered Bridge was built in 1858 and it's conveniently located right off the Kanc. That means you can make your visit here into an entire day by also enjoying the journey to reach it. We never miss an opportunity to take the scenic route and spend the day soaking in the beauty on the Kancamangus Highway.
This 96-foot bridge is found just west of Route 10 on North Newport Road, about two miles from of Newport Village. It was built in 1845. Passing through it means crossing over the Croydon Branch of the Sugar River. Despite being the victim of arson in 1993, it was rebuilt right away in 1994. This bridge is so loved by the community that they have even made an annual festival to celebrate the Corbin Covered Bridge.
6. Meriden Covered Bridge, Plainfield
Meriden Covered Bridge, Colby Hill Rd, Plainfield, NH 03781, USA
The Meriden Covered Bridge by James Tasker in 1880. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1963. If you get lucky, you might arrive on a fall day that includes beautiful changing fall foliage but also warm temps. This might give you a chance to enjoy the swimming hole just beneath the bridge.
It might not be the oldest on the list, but it's certainly one of the most beautiful to see. It was built in 1972, but the builders used traditional methods which makes it feel just as authentic as any other. No motorized traffic is allowed, but walking over it means seeing the Contoocook through some gorgeous latticework. This isn't the only bridge that crosses over the Contoocook, make sure to also check out the Contoocook Railroad Bridge.
8. Mount Orne Covered Bridge, Lancaster
Mount Orne Covered Bridge, Lancaster, NH 03584, USA
Visiting this bridge means access to two different states in one day! It crosses the Connecticut River between Lancaster, New Hampshire, and Lunenberg, Vermont. It was built in 1911 and it's on the National Register of Historic Places. The Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge is also a great bridge that crosses from New Hampshire into Vermont. Not only that but this is also the longest wooden bridge in the United States!
Does it get any more classic than this bridge? Also referred to as the "Cold River Bridge," this beauty was built in 1869. That means it's one of the oldest in the area. It spans 81 feet and was built to allow cars to pass over the Cold River. Only foot traffic is allowed today, but that's great for those who want to enjoy the fall weather a bit more meaningfully. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
What do you think about these historical masterpieces? Are these the best covered bridges in New Hampshire? Let us know what your favorite ones are in the comments below.
Another wonderful way to enjoy being outside this time of year is by strolling through these gardens. You can even enjoy a spot of tea!
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More to Explore
Best Covered Bridges In New Hampshire
Chris Dodge|September 01, 2023
What are some of the best covered bridges in New Hampshire?
The best covered bridges in New Hampshire will all be a matter of opinion but here are a few great road trip ideas you can take to see New Hampshire’s finest covered bridges:
