Like Vermont, Massachusetts Also Has Historic Covered Bridges

My wife and I love to explore the main streets and back roads of New England. One of our favorite subjects is old New England historic covered bridges.

When you think of covered bridges, you probably think of Vermont, and with good reason. The Green Mountain State certainly has its share of classic covered bridges, but so does Massachusetts.

Finding covered bridges is much easier in the digital age. You do a simple online search for covered bridges in a given area of interest and plot a day's drive using your phone's GPS.

It makes for a great Sunday adventure, particularly during leaf-peeping season.

OnlyInYourState.com says, "Old wooden covered bridges are neck-and-neck with painted red barns when it comes to classic New England charm."

The site says, "Contrary to what you might think, covered bridges were not constructed to shelter travelers from the elements." Instead, "The roofs and siding were actually built to protect the structures from the harsh New England weather and ensure they'd last as long as possible."

OnlyInYourState.com lists 13 covered bridges in Massachusetts with photographs that "will remind you of a simpler time."

The list includes Groton Street Covered Bridge in Pepperell, Old Ironsides Covered Bridge in Rutland, Covered Bridge at Governor's Academy in Byfield, Gilbertville Covered Bridge in Hardwick, Burkville Covered Bridge in Conway, and the old Covered Bridge at Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge.

Get our free mobile app

The list also includes the Goodrich Covered Bridge in Westfield, Arthur A. Smith Covered Bridge in Lyonsville, Sheffield Covered Bridge in Sheffield, Tanner Bridge in Sandisfield, Moore State Park Bridge in Paxton, Bissel Covered Bridge in Charlemont and Conway Covered Bridge in Conway.

OnlyInYourState.com says, "Not all New England wooden bridges were covered, and only a few original covered bridges remain.

Visit-Massachusetts.com provides a history of covered bridges in the Bay State.

Trailspotting.com offers a map of covered bridges in Massachusetts and information on hiking in the area of the bridges.

Not be left out, New Hampshire has some wonderful old covered bridges as well.