6 Covered Bridges to Experience Vermont’s Rivers By

1. Poland Covered Bridge

Source: Vermont River Conservancy

The Poland Covered Bridge features a paddling access site located just across the river from the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. With so many recreation options available from this site, there will surely be something for everyone. Walk or drive over the historic covered bridge, paddle down the Lamoille, or walk or ride by on your bike. 

2. Columbia Covered Bridge

Source: Vermont River Conservancy

Columbia Covered Bridge, which is about 5 miles from Colebrook, New Hampshire along the Connecticut River, is another of our paddling access sites. Enjoy a paddle along the river to view the bridge. If you’re looking to stay in the area overnight, this site is not too far from our Nulhegan Hut and Trails, or you could choose to tent camp right on the river’s edge at one of the many nearby paddlers’ campsites.

3. Sanborn Covered Bridge

Source: Preservation Trust of Vermont

Sanborn Covered Bridge in Lyndon is soon to be one of our protected access sites! We are working with the town of Lyndon to protect access and habitat along the section of river that this covered bridge is on. Once fully restored, the bridge will be a place to bring the community together and increase access to natural areas. Visit the town of Lyndon’s website to learn more about this bridge restoration project.

4. Northfield Covered Bridges

Cox Brook Bridge in 1969. Source: Vermont State Archives and Records Administration

Hit the Dog River Jacuzzi before heading into the home of Darn Tough Socks for a meal and a brew at Good Measure Pub and Brewery. Northfield is a good stop for covered bridge enthusiasts as there are still four in the town. You can visit all four bridges since they are in such a close radius. Check them out on Google Maps! 

5. Island Pond Footbridge 

Island Pond Footbridge. Source: Dan Brock via Vermont Covered Bridge Society

Though not a traditional covered bridge, Island Pond Footbridge is an excellent place to stretch your legs on the way to the Nulhegan Hut and Trails. After walking up and/or down the steps that make up the footbridge, make a stop for groceries and a sandwich at Kingdom Market or a meal at either Jessie’s Little Kitchen or Hobo’s Cafe. Make sure to see the Sanborn Covered Bridge on the drive to Nulhegan as well! 

6. Creamery Covered Bridge

Source: Vermont State Archives and Records Administration

The Creamery Covered Bridge in Brattleboro is located on Whetstone Brook. Although this bridge is no longer open to traffic, there is still a footpath crossing it, and a trail that connects to it from Living Memorial Park, which has a variety of recreation options. Walk across the bridge and take in the scenery before heading to the Vermont Country Deli and Market. This bridge is close to our Dave Weaver Field Easement, an open field that is conserved to allow for flood control.  Our new Whetstone River Access is opening soon just down the road as well!