Ultimate Vermont Covered Bridges Guide: Where to Go, What to See & When to Visit – Episode 202

Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

Did you know Vermont is home to nearly 100 covered bridges — more than any other state per square mile? These charming structures aren’t just beautiful backdrops for photos — they’re living pieces of history, craftsmanship, and Vermont culture.

To help you plan the perfect road trip, we’ve rounded up the best tips shared by Beth Limmer Brown, president of the Vermont Covered Bridge Society to make your Vermont covered bridge adventure unforgettable.

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Whether you’re planning a fall road trip, a family weekend getaway, or a photography adventure, this Vermont travel guide will help you see the best bridges and experience Vermont like a local.

1. Know the History Behind the Bridges

Covered bridges were built in Vermont primarily during the 1800s as a way to cross streams, rivers, and gullies using the most available material: timber. 

Builders covered the trusses to protect them from the elements (snow, rain, and wind) giving these bridges longevity. Without that protection, the timber would deteriorate more quickly.

While exploring Vermont’s covered bridges, spot the different trusses. 

Different builders used different truss systems, each with its own look and engineering style. 

Fun Fact: Vermont once had over 550 covered bridges, but floods, storms, and fires have reduced that number to just under 100 today.

2. Use the Vermont Covered Bridge Society Website

Before your trip, visit vermontbridges.org.

Here you’ll find:

• A complete list of Vermont’s covered bridges
  
• GPS coordinates for easy navigation
  
• A checklist of all 100 bridges (perfect for collectors!)
  
• Information about lost bridges and reconstruction projects
  

3. Get a Covered Bridge Journal

If you want a memorable souvenir, the Vermont Covered Bridge Society has created regional journals featuring:

• Full-color photos of each bridge
  
• Details like year built, builder, truss type, and length
  
• A blank page to record your own memories or sketches
  
• Recommended routes to see bridges by county
  

To order a covered bridge journal, email vermontcoveredbridgesociety@gmail.com.

4. Plan a Route Around Scenic Favorites

Some of Vermont’s covered bridges are especially photogenic.

Beth recommends:

• West Arlington Covered Bridge (West Arlington) – Vermont’s most photographed bridge, with a white chapel backdrop and ties to Norman Rockwell.
  
• Taftsville Covered Bridge (East Woodstock) – Bright red and perfectly placed by a waterfall.
  
• Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge (Cornish) – The longest historic wooden covered bridge in the U.S., connecting Vermont and New Hampshire.
  

5. Don’t Skip the Hidden Gems

For a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience:

• Green River Covered Bridge (Guilford) – Once doubled as the hamlet’s post office.
  
• Cooley Covered Bridge (Pittsford) – Built in 1849, one of four bridges you can visit in town.
  
• A.M. Foster Covered Bridge (Cabot area) – Privately owned, with spectacular views of both the Adirondacks and the White Mountains.
  

6. Visit Year-Round for Different Vibes

Covered bridges are beautiful no matter the season:

• Fall: Peak foliage and classic Vermont views.
  
• Spring: Blooming trees and quiet roads.
  
• Winter: A cozy, snow-covered postcard scene.
  

7. Practice Bridge Safety & Etiquette

Many of Vermont’s covered bridges are still open to traffic, so safety matters.

• Pull over safely and avoid blocking the road.
  
• Stay alert: cars might not see you immediately as they adjust to the dark interior.
  
• Wear bright or reflective clothing if visiting at dusk or after dark.
  
• Keep visits short (10–15 minutes) if parking is limited.
  

8. Plan for Vehicle Clearance

Some bridges have low clearances (as low as 8 feet).

If you’re traveling in an RV or with a trailer, check height restrictions in advance to avoid any inconveniences.

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9. Pair Covered Bridges With Other Vermont Attractions

Vermont covered bridges are easy to weave into your itinerary.

You’ll often pass one on your way to other attractions like breweries, farms, or state parks. Build in time to stop, explore, and snap photos along the way.

Here are some of our favorites cities and towns to visit in Vermont: 

• Things to do in Burlington, Vermont
• Things to do in Manchester, Vermont
• Rokeby Museum (for Underground Railroad History)
• Things To See on the Vermont African American Heritage Trail 

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10. Capture the Memories

Bring a camera (or your phone) to capture videos and photos — and make it a project to collect photos of each bridge you visit. Use the journal mentioned earlier to jot down details like who you were with, what the weather was like, or even sketch the scene. These make great keepsakes!

FAQs

1. How many covered bridges are in Vermont?

There are currently 98 covered bridges in Vermont. Did you know that Vermont once had 500+ covered bridges, many of which were lost to floods and fires.

2. When is the best time to see Vermont’s covered bridges?

Fall is our favorite season to visit Vermont (followed by summer) and see covered bridges. The fall foliage is absolutely spectacular, but anytime is a great time to see them.