Vermont covered bridge towns in summer greenery

Vermont’s covered-bridge towns shine brightest in summer, when historic spans meet vibrant green landscapes. These timeless wooden bridges, once built to protect roadways from harsh winters, now serve as living testaments to the state’s history and charm. Small towns tucked in valleys and along winding rivers use them as community icons, drawing visitors who crave a mix of heritage and scenery.

In the warmest months, you’ll find them framed by thick maples, open meadows, and glistening streams. Travelers stop to snap photos, linger in village cafés, and stroll across shaded planks that creak underfoot. Each town feels like a storybook, and each bridge like a chapter, inviting you deeper into Vermont’s culture.

These bridges are more than crossings; they’re gateways into summer memories. So grab your map and let’s set out on a covered-bridge adventure through the Green Mountain State.

Why Vermont treasures its covered bridges

Vermont has around 100 covered bridges still standing, more per square mile than any other U.S. state.

Most were built between 1820 and 1900, using designs like the Burr arch and kingpost truss to withstand both weight and weather. Their covered tops extended the life of the timber, but today, they extend Vermont’s cultural identity.

In summer, their rustic red, brown, and white boards contrast beautifully with green mountainsides and wildflower fields. Towns celebrate these structures not only as travel icons but also as gathering places and heritage landmarks.

Each bridge is a piece of living history framed by fresh summer air.

Taftsville and Woodstock charm

The Taftsville Covered Bridge, built in 1836, is one of the oldest surviving spans in Vermont.

Stretching over the Ottauquechee River, its soft red paint glows against the leafy green valley. A walking path nearby lets you pause, take photos, and listen to the river rushing beneath.

Just a few miles away sits Woodstock, a postcard-perfect village with another covered treasure, the Middle Bridge. Locals decorate it with flower boxes in summer, making it a colorful stop right in town.

Together, Taftsville and Woodstock create a storybook scene you’ll never forget.

Waitsfield’s Great Eddy Bridge

Waitsfield’s Great Eddy Bridge dates back to 1833 and is Vermont’s oldest operating covered bridge.

Its Burr-arch truss stretches gracefully across the Mad River, where swimmers and kayakers flock in warm weather. Stand on its wooden floorboards and you’ll catch sweeping river views framed by tall green trees.

The bridge is central to community life, linking Waitsfield’s small shops and cafés. In summer, families picnic by the riverbanks, and kids leap into the water below. It’s a place where history and summer fun flow together.

Stowe’s legendary Emily’s Bridge

Emily’s Bridge in Stowe, built in 1844, carries more than traffic; it carries a ghost story.

Known formally as Gold Brook Bridge, it’s tied to the tale of a jilted bride named Emily whose spirit is said to linger here. Visitors come both for the historic Howe-truss structure and for the thrill of local lore.

In daylight, the bridge feels cozy under leafy branches, perfect for a quick stop along a scenic drive. At dusk, the whispers of its legend make it one of Vermont’s most talked-about bridges. It’s history with a hint of mystery, wrapped in summer greenery.

Montgomery’s covered-bridge capital

Montgomery, in northern Vermont, boasts six covered bridges within just a few miles.

These include Creamery Bridge, Comstock Bridge, and Longley Bridge, each framed by forested mountain backdrops. Driving here feels like stepping into a painting of rural New England.

The bridges were mostly built by the Jewett brothers in the late 1800s, whose craftsmanship still holds today. In summer, wildflowers and rolling farmland surround the roads, making the journey as charming as the destinations.

Montgomery is truly Vermont’s covered-bridge capital.

Bennington County’s road-trip route

Bennington County offers a cluster of five historic bridges, perfect for a summer afternoon drive.

The Silk Road Bridge, built in 1840, stretches over the Walloomsac River and is often photographed against lush hillsides. Nearby Paper Mill Bridge, rebuilt in 2000 on the site of its 19th-century original, adds to the loop.

Don’t miss the Arlington Green Covered Bridge, where Norman Rockwell once lived nearby and found inspiration. This county is ideal for travelers who want short drives paired with multiple bridge stops. It’s a compact road trip bursting with Vermont scenery.

Middlebury’s double-barreled treasure

The Pulp Mill Covered Bridge near Middlebury is Vermont’s oldest, dating to around 1820.

Its rare double-barreled design allows two lanes of traffic, while a pedestrian walkway lets visitors stroll across safely. In summer, the Otter Creek sparkles beneath it, reflecting the long wooden trusses.

Middlebury itself is a lively college town, meaning you can pair a bridge visit with boutique shopping and riverside dining. History meets modern community here, making it more than just a roadside stop. It’s a bridge that proves Vermont’s past still carries the present.

Lyndon’s fight to preserve Miller’s Run Bridge

Miller’s Run Bridge in Lyndon, built in 1878, has survived but faces modern threats.

Oversized trucks often hit the structure despite flashing warnings, forcing repairs that strain the community. Locals are working with officials to find ways to protect it, from steel reinforcements to better signage.

In summer, though, it’s still a picturesque stop, spanning a shaded creek surrounded by greenery. The bridge’s survival shows how Vermonters value tradition even when modern pressures weigh in.

Protecting these bridges is as much about identity as it is about wood and nails.

Tips for your summer covered-bridge tour

Plan your trip to hit the bridges in the morning or late afternoon light for the best photos.

The golden glow pairs beautifully with the wooden trusses and leafy surroundings. Pack a picnic, because many bridges, like those in Northfield or Bennington, have nearby parks and riverbanks.

Stop in local cafés and general stores along the way to add flavor to your journey. These towns thrive on visitors who come for the bridges but stay for the warm community feel. Your summer tour should be as much about people as it is about planks and posts.

TL;DR

• Vermont has around 100 covered bridges, more per square mile than any other state.
• Taftsville and Woodstock showcase some of the oldest and most photographed spans.
• Waitsfield’s Great Eddy and Stowe’s Emily’s Bridge add history, fun, and folklore.
• Bennington County and Montgomery each offer clusters perfect for road trips.
• Middlebury’s Pulp Mill Bridge is Vermont’s oldest and most unique double-lane span.
• Lyndon Miller’s Run faces modern threats but remains a community treasure.
• Plan for golden-hour visits, riverside picnics, and local shops to enrich your trip.

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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.