Drive Through A Covered Bridge, Then Hike To The Weeks Estate For A Real New Hampshire Adventure

Covered bridges in New Hampshire are not as plentiful as they once were, making each of the five dozen or so that remain in place that much more of a discovery. The Mechanic Street Covered Bridge is one such gem in the northern New Hampshire town of Lancaster. The 94-foot bridge was built in 1862 and is a classic, quaint feature. Lancaster is a gateway to Weeks State Park, less than 5 miles away. The park’s highlight is the 446-acre Weeks Estate, atop Mount Prospect. The early 20th-century property is accessible via driving and/or hiking, depending on the time of the year.

Doug Kerr/flickr

Built in 1862, the Mechanic Street Covered Bridge is a Lancaster landmark. The bridge is downtown, just off Route 3.

Doug Kerr/flickr

As this side view illustrates, the river below creates a setting that visitors like to view from various angles.

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Mechanic Street, Mechanic St, Lancaster, NY 14086, USA

Doug Kerr/flickr

The Inside view shows the intricacies of building a covered bridge in the 19th century.

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Leonard Gonthier/alltrails

The John Wingate Weeks House Museum is open from late May to mid-October. Even when the museum and lookout tower are closed, however, the property is still accessible to hikers.

Superdeluxe Backpack Guy/alltrails

Spectacular views in every direction are available along the Prospect Mountain Trail, also called the Around the Mountain Loop Trail, covering 3 miles.

Susan Badgio/alltrails

The 52-foot-high Lookout Tower stands as a sentinel atop Mount Prospect.

Week's State Park Road, Week's State Park Rd, Lancaster, NH 03584, USA

Jeffrey Krisko/alltrails

The estate within Weeks State Park provides a panoramic view.

The Mechanic Street Covered Bridge reopened to passenger vehicles after being temporarily closed during the summer of 2022, due to damage caused by a box truck. So please heed the size limits! The Auto Road in Weeks State Park is closed to vehicles from Columbus Day in October to Memorial Day in May but hikers can use the road year-round. The trail also is accessible from Reed Road. And while you’re in New Hampshire, here’s a day trip that will take you to nine other covered bridges.