Covered bridges had their heyday back in the 19th century, but they remain a cherished symbol of Americana. With more than 100 still standing, Vermont has the highest density of covered bridges in the United States. Our real estate agents recommend including these spectacular covered bridges on your sightseeing bucket list. 

• Taftsville Covered Bridge - U.S. Route 4, Taftsville, VA
  Dating back to 1836, the Taftsville Covered Bridge is the oldest in Vermont and one of the oldest in New England. The crimson red exterior is eye-catching, and also complements the tree-filled landscape surrounding the bridge. A picture window provides a stunning view of the Ottaquechee River, which includes a dam-created waterfall. Before or after your visit, make a stop at the nearby Taftsville Country Store and shop the delightful assortment of Vermont specialty foods, wines, and gifts.
  
  
• Cornish-Windsor Bridge - Bridge St., Windsor, VT
  At a length of approximately 449 feet, the Cornish-Windsor Bridge was the longest covered bridge in the United States until 2008, when it was eclipsed by Ohio's Smolen-Gulf Bridge. It does remain the longest covered bridge to carry automobile traffic. The Cornish-Windsor spans the Connecticut River and straddles the border between Vermont and New Hampshire. At one time, the beautiful structure had the romantic nickname of "the kissing bridge" since sweethearts traveling through had plenty of time and privacy to share a smooch or two. 
  
  
• Northfield Covered Bridges - Northfield, VT
  Maximize your viewing time with a trip to the charming village of Northfield. With five covered bridges in the area, Northfield boasts the second-highest concentration in the state. The Upper Cox, Lower Cox, and Northfield Falls Bridges are all within a quarter-mile of each other. As an added bonus, the Northfield Falls Bridge can be seen from the Lower Cox Bridge, making this spot the only place in Vermont where one covered bridge is within sight of another. The Slaughterhouse Bridge and the Stony Brook Covered Bridge complete the quintet of historic bridges in Northfield.
  
  
• Fisher Covered Railroad Bridge - Wolcott, VT
  Not all covered bridges are for automobiles, horses, and pedestrians. The Fisher Covered Railroad Bridge is the last covered bridge in Vermont used exclusively for rail travel. In 1974, the bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and it was ultimately abandoned by the railroad in 1994. The Fisher and its surrounding grounds have since been repurposed as a park. With its unusual design and location across the Lamoille River, the Fisher offers great opportunities for photographs.
  
  
• Great Eddy Covered Bridge - Bridge St., Waitsfield, VT
  As the oldest operating covered bridge in Vermont, first built in 1833, the Great Eddy Covered Bridge continues to handle steady traffic. While the bridge has undergone maintenance, including a rebuild of the pedestrian walkway, it retains most of its original structure, showing remarkable durability over years of constant use. Also known as the Village Bridge, the Great Eddy's location by the welcoming waters of the Mad River makes it a popular summer hangout for local teens. 
  
  
• Spade Farm Covered Bridge - U.S. Route 7, Ferrisburg, VT
  Once known as the Old Hollow Covered Bridge, the Spade Farm Covered Bridge was scheduled to be replaced by an updated bridge in 1958. Local farmer Sam Spade received permission to move the bridge to his property, which is how it gained its new name. The bridge now crosses a pond and is used only for pedestrians. Today the bridge remains privately owned, although a number of period advertisements on the sides create a link to its storied past.
  
  
• Middle Covered Bridge - Mountain Ave., Woodstock, VT
  The Middle Covered Bridge, which crosses the Ottaquechee River near the quaint town of Woodstock, has the distinction of being the first public covered bridge built in the state since 1889. Despite its "newness," the bridge has the picture-postcard look of classic structures. The materials were pulled across the river by a team of oxen named Ben and Jo. Builder Milton Graton and his sons then constructed the bridge following traditional methods, including wooden pegs instead of nails. The lovely lattice design lets light into the bridge while providing views to the surrounding area.
  
  
• Shelburne Museum Covered Bridge - Shelburne Museum,  6000 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, VT 05482
  It's only appropriate that the Shelburne Museum Covered Bridge has a place of honor at an institution that commemorates American history, art, and design. This rare two-lane bridge, built in 1845, originally crossed the Lamoille River near the Vermont town of Cambridge. In 1949, when the bridge was slated for replacement, the Shelburne Museum stepped up and had it moved to their grounds, where it spans a man-made pond. For years, the bridge served as the museum's entrance until the automobile traffic took its toll, but visitors can still walk across it, admiring the impressive arch-truss that was a new technique at the time.

Life in Vermont is an appealing mix of past, present, and future. If you're buying or selling a home in the area, contact us at The Masiello Group for experienced help.