On our road trip through Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts we discovered them – the romantic covered bridges, those roofed wooden bridges that make New England so unique.
Originally built to protect the wood from rain and snow, they now serve as silent witnesses to times gone by—and make beautiful photo opportunities, especially in autumn when the autumn leaves reflect all shades of red and gold.
The most beautiful covered bridges can be found in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. They're ideal for a 5-7-day road trip in the fall, when the leaves glow red and gold. Charming hotels, photo spots, and authentic New England flair await along the way.
👉 You can find more tips in our articles about New England, A 5-day route through New England in autumn here.
Best time to travel & route for your Covered Bridges Road Trip
- Best time to travel: End of September to mid-October – this is the peak of Indian Summer.
- Duration: 5–7 days
- Recommended route: Boston → Connecticut → Woodstock (VT) → Stowe → Lincoln (NH) → Bethel (ME) → back via Massachusetts
👉 Plan your route with the Wanderlog Roadtrip app – There you will find a map of all our bridge stops in New England.
The most beautiful covered bridges in New England
Vermont – The Heart of Covered Bridges
Vermont has over 100 covered bridges, more than any other New England state. The Middle Covered Bridge in Woodstock is particularly beautiful, surrounded by golden autumn foliage.
Another highlight is the Warren Bridge, whose red wood contrasts perfectly with the colors of Indian Summer.
📸 Tip: In Quechee, a covered bridge connects the village with a small waterfall – a perfect spot for photos at sunset.
👉 More information about Vermont can be found in these posts.
New Hampshire – Bridges between mountains and rivers
In New Hampshire, for example, the Cornish-Windsor Bridge is impressive – at 140 meters, it is the longest covered bridge in the USA.
Stowe also beckons with its charming Gold Brook Covered Bridge, affectionately called "Emily's Bridge" by locals. It's even said to hold a ghost story 👻 – ideal for an autumn road trip.
Maine & Massachusetts – pure nostalgia
In Maine, for example, you will find Lowe's Covered Bridge, surrounded by quiet rivers and forests.
Massachusetts offers smaller but equally charming bridges, such as those at Shelburne and Conway. Particularly interesting is the bridge at the Shelburne Museum, built in 1845 and later relocated to the museum in its original form.
Hotels & Accommodation along the route
Anyone who wants to experience the Covered Bridges should definitely take their time – and stay in charming inns, bed and breakfasts, or small boutique hotels. A road trip like this is perfect for slow travelers. Our recommendations:
- 🏡 Woodstock Inn & Resort* – perfectly located to reach several bridges on foot.
- ???? Hanover Inn (NH)* – Classic New England style with river views.
- 🏞️ Inn by the River (Maine)* – wonderful view of the autumn leaves, ideal for photography enthusiasts.
- Discover more hotels along the route here.
(*Affiliate links and advertisement, see note above)
Tip: Book early – especially during Indian Summer, many hotels are fully booked weeks in advance.
The magic of autumn leaves
New England's covered bridges are most impressive in the fall. When the maple trees glow in vibrant red, orange, and gold, the wooden structures seem almost like they're from another era.
In the early morning hours, fog often lies over the rivers – perfect conditions for photos and quiet enjoyment.
A piece of history: Why covered bridges were built
In the late 18th century, wood was the most important building material in America. Because rain and snow caused it to rot quickly, carpenters came up with the idea of roofing their bridges. This led to the creation of the first covered bridges, which, thanks to their construction methods—such as the famous Burr Arch Truss—were remarkably durable.
With industrialization, however, they were replaced by steel bridges. Yet many survived in New England—now lovingly restored and protected as part of America's cultural heritage.
Book your accommodation at the Shelburne Museum* here (advertisement)
Practical tips for your road trip
- Getting there: Boston is a perfect starting point.
- Rental car: An SUV or station wagon is ideal – some bridges are a bit off the beaten track.
- Camera tip: Take photos in the morning or late afternoon – that’s when the light is at its best.
- Map: Download offline maps in advance – reception isn't available everywhere.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Covered Bridges in New England
How many covered bridges are there in New England?
A total of around 180 – most in Vermont (106) and New Hampshire (54).
When is the best time for photos?
Between the end of September and mid-October, when the foliage is at its brightest.
Why are they called “Kissing Bridges”?
Because couples secretly kissed there—protected from prying eyes. 💋
Are all bridges freely accessible?
Yes, almost all of them. Some are on private property, so please be considerate there.
Useful links & sources
- Visit New England
- Vermont—The Green Mountain State
- Covered Bridges of New Hampshire
- National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges (NSPCB)
Conclusion
A road trip to the covered bridges in New England is like a journey back in time—combined with the splendor of autumn colors. Between rushing rivers, old wooden bridges, and charming inns, you'll experience the authentic, cozy New England feeling.
If you love Indian Summer, this is the perfect route – romance, history and pure nature.
Do you like to travel by motorhome?
- Do you want to rent a mobile home? Then you will find information and a selection of booking options.
- Also check our packing list for campers to see whether you have packed everything for your motorhome tour.
- For example, there is a nice RV parking space near Bennington here: Dorset RV Park, 1567 Route 30, Dorset, VT 05251, United States
Do you know this?
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- Ottawa Winterlude hotels
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Sources: Our own on-site research and with support from Discover New England. We are very grateful for this. However, our opinions remain our own.
Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright see captions for the individual photos as well as Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Video: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
