Photo by James Kirkikis / Shutterstock
From the flowing rivers of South Carolina to the glistening creeks in Maine, these covered bridges are picture-perfect.
Fall foliage photographers love a beautiful covered bridge. In fact, they are emblematic of iconic Americana as less than ten percent of the original number of covered bridges stand today. A covered bridge is a timber-truss bridge with a roof, decking and always covered. The purpose of the roofing is purely functional; it’s to protect the bridge, which lasts no more than about 20 years if it’s not protected from the rain and beating down on it. Covered bridges over narrow rivers and creeks allowed horse-drawn carriages to literally get to the other side; before the early 1800s, the horses would take to the water. A covered bridge can last a century or more. Today, some 1,600 covered bridges remain in the world today. That’s why we find them so enchanting and romantic to see. Enjoy this round-up of some of our faves.
Photo by Michael Warwick / Shutterstock
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WEDDLE BRIDGE | Sweet Home, Oregon
This wooden covered bridge originally spanned Thomas Creek near Scio but was replaced by a concrete bridge in 1980. When it was scheduled to be destroyed in 1987, the locals fought to save the bridge by staging protests which resulted in saving the bridge and getting renovations made. Similar in design to other covered bridges along Thomas Creek, the Weddle Bridge featured a Howe truss, segmented portal arches, large side openings, and white board and battan siding.
Photo by Kenneth Keifer / Shutterstock
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CAMPBELL’S COVERED BRIDGE | Landrum, SC
For those who want to travel a little further south, this bridge is a great option for one to check out. It’s just 38 feet long, and it goes across Beaverdam Creek. It’s made from Pinewood that’s colored cherry red and named for a former gristmill owner who used to live in the area. During the fall, the changing leaves make a lovely backdrop for this beautiful covered bridge. Go ahead and pack a leaf-peeping picnic.
Photo by John McCormick / Shutterstock
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FALLSBURG BRIDGE | Lowell, Michigan
Built in 1871, this bridge is located in the Fallasburg Historical District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and along with Whites Bridge, Langley Covered Bridge and Zehnder’s Holz Brucke, it is only one of four Michigan covered bridges open to vehicle traffic. The bridge uses the Brown truss system, a through truss consisting of diagonal beams and vertical tension beams, patented by Josiah Brown. The bridge has warning signs on each portal: “$5 fine for riding or driving on this bridge faster than a walk.”
Photo by Paul Brady / Shutterstock
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WEST CORNWALL COVERED BRIDGE | Cornwall, CT
Located near Housatonic Meadows State Park, which is a popular location for residents and tourists due to being part of the Appalachian Trail, this bridge was designed by Ithiel Town. Town was a native of Connecticut, and the red wooden bridge is located close to 10,000 acres of lovely foliage with opportunities for hiking and camping and enjoying the beauty of the river.
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Photo by Michael Warwick / Shutterstock
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HOFFMAN BRIDGE | Crabtree Creek, Oregon
The Hoffman Bridge is a covered bridge near Crabtree in Linn County in the U.S. state of Oregon. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places as Crabtree Creek-Hoffman Covered Bridge in 1987. The bridge crosses Crabtree Creek about one mile northeast of Crabtree, and it’s stunning cross-tress design is one we love.
Photo by Kenneth Keifer / Shutterstock
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CATARACT FALLS COVERED BRIDGE | Owen County, Indiana
The Cataract Falls Covered Bridge is among the most notable on our list. It’s a covered bridge that spans Mill Creek in Owen County, Indiana. Built in 1876 by the Smith Bridge company, the bridge was one of the most photographed and most known covered bridges in the country. It’s the last standing bridge in Owen County. Today, the bridge is only open to pedestrians, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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