Covered bridges in the fall in the Northeastern United States.

Located in the Northeast, New England boasts some of the most spectacular and beautiful autumn scenery in the United States. Each year, as autumn arrives and temperatures begin to drop, tourists flock to this region to admire the lush green trees transforming into vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red. Amidst this breathtaking landscape, covered bridges stand out. No one knows the true purpose of these covers. Perhaps they protect the wooden bridges from decay and the harsh winter winds, or alleviate the fear of animals crossing the river, but these bridges, dating back to the 19th century, contribute to the incredibly romantic atmosphere of the Northeast during autumn.

Covered bridges in Maine

In the state of Maine, there were once as many as 120 covered bridges, but now only nine remain in use. In the eastern part of the state, near the border with New Hampshire, is the Lovejoy Bridge, the shortest covered bridge at just 21 meters. Built in 1868, this trapezoidal structure features white and red painted entrances, adding color to the bridge's appearance. To fully appreciate the natural scenery, many Americans and tourists drive to the Lovejoy Bridge and then travel 32 kilometers south to reach another covered bridge, the Sunday River Bridge.

The Sunday River Bridge was built in 1872. Also known as the Artists' Bridge because it spans the Sunday River, it's one of the most photographed spots in Main. In the summer, it's also an ideal location for swimming and camping.

From Sunday River Bridge, travel south for about 64 kilometers to reach another famous covered bridge in Maine: Hemlock Bridge. This 33-meter-long structure was built in 1857 and is the oldest bridge in the state.

Covered bridges in New Hampshire

There are a total of 54 covered bridges in New Hampshire, and residents could spend weeks driving around the state to see them all. The most notable is the Swift River Bridge, a 35-minute drive from the Hemlock Bridge. This beautiful bridge, painted a vibrant red, is 40 meters long and has a remarkable history. Nineteen years after its construction, in 1869, the bridge was swept away by the Swift River and drifted downstream into the Saco River. The Swift River Bridge was subsequently rebuilt using fragments of itself and another bridge located directly on the Saco River.

Sixty-four kilometers east of Swift River lies the striking covered bridge known as the Sentinel Pine Bridge. Built in the 19th century, the Sentinel Pine Bridge is located within Franconia Notch State Park and is used exclusively by hikers on the Flume Gorge trail. Named after a 27-meter-tall pine tree that once stood there, the bridge was constructed to protect the remains of the tree that was blown away in a 1938 storm.

Alternatively, if you don't enjoy hiking but are in the area surrounding Franconia Notch State Park, head to Flume Bridge, just minutes from Sentinel Pine Bridge. Built in 1871, this 15-meter-long bridge over the Pemigewasset River offers romantic views and is accessible by car.

A little over 45 minutes to the east, on the border between New Hampshire and Vermont, is the Bath Haverhill Bridge, built in 1829 over the Ammonoosuc River. It is the oldest covered bridge in use in the state, and people can still drive across it.

Covered bridges in Vermont

Vermont has 104 covered bridges—too many for a visitor to see in a short vacation. You can find some of the most beautiful and historically significant bridges in the state to admire, starting in the town of Woodstock, an hour southwest of the Bath Haverhill Bridge.

Several beautiful covered bridges can be found in Woodstock, so you might consider visiting three bridges at once. The famous Taftsville Bridge and Middle Bridge are located right in the town, and you can walk, bike, or drive to see them. The 136-meter-long Lincoln Bridge spanning the Ottauquechee River in West Woodstock is also less than a 10-minute drive away.

Located approximately 32 km west of Woodstock is the Cornish Windsor Bridge. It is the longest covered wooden bridge in the United States, measuring 137 meters in length, and is designated a National Historic Site.

Head south toward Massachusetts and stop at the town of Grafton, about a 45-minute drive from the Cornish Windsor Bridge, and you'll find Kidder Hill Bridge. Built in 1867, the bridge spans the 20-meter-long River Saxton.

Covered bridges in Massachusetts

Massachusetts once had over 100 covered wooden bridges. Today, the number of such bridges is much smaller, and most have been renovated to preserve the heritage of this unique architectural style.

Massachusetts' most famous covered bridge is the Arthur A. Smith Bridge in Colrain, near the Vermont-Massachusetts border. The 30-meter-long, red bridge dates back to 1870 and spans the North River; however, you cannot drive across it as it is for pedestrians only.

Just 20 minutes to the southwest is the Bissell Bridge, completed in 1951 and spanning Mill Brook. The Bissell Bridge is pedestrian-only, however, there is parking nearby so you can easily explore the bridge and the surrounding natural scenery on foot.

From Bissell Bridge, drive 95 km south toward Connecticut to check in at Upper Sheffield Bridge. The bridge was built in 1999 to replace the original 1832 bridge which was destroyed in a fire. Upper Sheffield Bridge spans the Housatonic River and is for pedestrians only.

Covered bridges in Connecticut

Not many wooden covered bridges remain in Connecticut, but those that do exist exude a charming, old-world appeal. Start with Cornwall Bridge, 32 kilometers south of Upper Sheffield Bridge in Massachusetts. This 73-meter-long, bright red covered structure was built in 1841 over the Housatonic River and was open to traffic as part of Route 128.

Approximately 15 km south lies Kent Falls State Park, home to the Kent Falls covered bridge. A 20th-century creation, the bridge features colorful windows set within a stunning natural landscape. The Kent Falls bridge is pedestrian-only and measures 11 meters in length. Above the bridge is Kent Falls, adding to the rich natural scenery of the area.

Drive a little over 15 minutes south to reach Bulls Bridge in Gaylordsville. This wooden structure, built in 1842, isn't as colorful as its two predecessors, but it still possesses a distinctive old-world charm. The bridge is 33 meters long, spans the Housatonic River, and is open to all types of vehicles.

Covered bridges in Rhode Island

There are very few covered bridges left in Rhode Island. The most famous of them is the Swamp Meadow Bridge. A little over two hours' drive from the Bulls Bridge in Connecticut, you'll find a bridge that's a replica of 19th-century architecture. This wooden structure, built in 1994 by volunteers, is also the only covered bridge on a public road in Rhode Island.

Minh Chi