Covered Bridges of New Hampshire

Covered bridges were an important part of New Hampshire's history, and many of these historic structures can still be found throughout the state today. These bridges were typically built in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and were designed to protect the wooden trusses and decking from the weather. This allowed the bridges to last longer. Today, the covered bridges are an iconic reminder of the practicality of New Englanders and they blend in perfectly with the natural landscape.

One of the most famous covered bridges in New Hampshire is the Cornish-Windsor Bridge, which spans the Connecticut River and connects the towns of Cornish, New Hampshire, and Windsor, Vermont. The bridge was built in 1866, and at the time, it was the longest covered bridge in the world. It is still in use today, and is a popular tourist attraction.

Other notable covered bridges in New Hampshire include the Bartlett Bridge in Bartlett, the West Swanzey Bridge in Swanzey, and the Sandwich Notch Bridge in Sandwich. These bridges are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and are considered important cultural and historical landmarks.

While many of New Hampshire's covered bridges have been lost to time, those that remain are a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the people who built them. These historic structures are a reminder of the hard work and determination of those who came before us, and are a beloved part of New Hampshire's rich history.

Recommended Trips: If you are in Bretton Woods area and want to see a covered bridge, we recommend a trip to the town of Littleton, NH where you can take in a quaint New England town and walk across the “Riverwalk Covered Bridge.” If you are looking for a more historic covered bridge, we recommend heading out to Bartlett, NH to see the “Bartlett Bridge” that spans the Saco River. The drive to Bartlett is very scenic as you head through Crawford Notch heading from Bretton Woods along route 302.