If it’s beautiful covered bridges you’re after during your next trip to New England, you’ve come to the right place. I’m equally as fascinated by them as I am lighthouses, so whenever I’m able to stop and visit one during my travels, I do it. So, welcome to my guide on the best New Hampshire covered bridges!
While Vermont wins for the most covered bridges in New England, New Hampshire also has quite a few, and many of them can be found in popular tourist areas, too. If you’re looking to check out the best ones to see on your road trip, you’ll definitely want to keep reading. And stay tuned until the end for a helpful guide on a covered bridges road trip through the state.
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How Many Covered Bridges Are In New Hampshire?
New Hampshire is home to the second largest number of covered bridges in New England at around 60 as of 2023. That’s a lot of opportunity to see them on your trip! And since they’re scattered all over the state, it’s pretty easy to find one regardless of where you’re heading.
Best Covered Bridges In The White Mountains To Visit
Since many people head straight to the White Mountains when visiting New Hampshire, I’ve created this section on the best covered bridges in this region to help you plan. And great news, some of the best in the state are here, meaning you can also enjoy everything the White Mountains have to offer while looking for the bridges, too 🙂
1. Swift River Covered Bridge
Location: North Conway
Swift River is such a cool covered bridge in New Hampshire to visit because it’s closed off to street traffic, and has picnic tables inside that welcome you to sit and stay a while.
This bridge was originally built in 1850, but it was destroyed in 1869. Heavy rainfalls flooded the river, and quite literally lifted the bridge, and sent it floating down the river, where it crashed into Saco River Covered Bridge. Pieces of the bridge were recovered and some of them were used to reconstruct the bridge in 1890.
Pro Tip: The Saco River Covered Bridge is just a few minutes away. In fact, you may drive across it on your way to Swift River!
2. Flume Covered Bridge
Location: Inside Flume Gorge (entrance fee required) in Franconia Notch State Park
Flume Covered Bridge might be one of the most iconic covered bridges in the state. Its bright red color and picturesque location in the woods just make it so idyllic, and it’s so worth seeing in person.
Built in 1871, this bridge is at the beginning of the Flume Gorge Trail, which is most definitely one of the best things to do in the White Mountains region (so it’s a win-win for sure!). You’ll need to pay an entrance fee to walk the Flume Gorge trail, but no need to pay more than that to enter the park.
To get to the bridge, you’ll walk down a steep switch-back, so good shoes are definitely recommended.
Pro Tip: Take in the views of the bridge from high up before you walk down the switch-back!
3. Sentinel Pine Covered Bridge
Location: Inside Flume Gorge (entrance fee required) in Franconia Notch State Park
Also inside the Flume Gorge area is Sentinel Pine Covered Bridge, so your entrance fee gets you two covered bridges for the price of one (plus, walking through Flume Gorge, which is super fun).
I honestly think Sentinel Bridge is just as beautiful as Flume Covered Bridge, and this one can be found toward the end of the trail. There are a lot of great overlooks near the bridge, too, so be sure to wander a bit to find the best views of the bridge both close-up, and from a distance.
4. Allen Hollis Covered Bridge
Location: Inside Lost River Gorge (entrance fee required), in Lincoln
Inside the very fun Lost River Gorge, you’ll be rewarded with Allen Hollis Covered Bridge toward the end of the walk through the gorge. Even though this one also requires an entrance fee to the gorge, it’s well worth it to discover amazing boulder caves along the way.
While this bridge was built in 1981 and is relatively new compared to the historic covered bridges around the rest of New England, it still feels charming and special to see in person.
5. Albany Covered Bridge
Location: Albany, along The Kancamagus Highway (Route 112)
Along one of the most scenic routes for fall foliage and mountain views in the region, Albany Covered Bridge is one of the best stops you can make on the Kancamagus Highway. It’s also a short walk from the parking area, making it easy to see.
Originally built in 1857, the bridge was damaged a year later in 1858, and rebuilt shortly after. It went through a few structural upgrades in the early 1980s, but overall, still maintains the original look from its rebuild in 1858.
Pro Tip: Even if you park just to see the bridge for a few minutes, you have to have a day-use pass to the White Mountains National Forest displayed on your windshield. If you didn’t get a pass before visiting the bridge, there is an easy-to-use kiosk at the parking lot to quickly pay. There’s also a restroom here.
6. Honeymoon Covered Bridge
Location: Jackson
Another iconic covered bridge in the White Mountains region is Honeymoon Covered Bridge. This bright red bridge allows vehicle traffic to cross Ellis River to get to Jackson Village, where many of the shops and hotels in Jackson are found.
Built in 1876, the bridge was named Honeymoon Bridge (and is sometimes referred to as Kissing Bridge) because people would smooch under it for good luck. I mean, it’s worth a shot, right? 😉 There’s also a pedestrian sidewalk for people to easily cross the bridge, which was added in 1930.
Pro Tip: This bridge actually gets quite a bit of vehicle traffic, but is still easy to visit. Once you cross the bridge from Route 16, you’ll see parking on your left, near Flossie’s General Store.
7. Ellis River Covered Bridge
Location: Jackson, on the Wentworth Golf Course
Ellis River is such a cute little covered bridge to visit in the area, but because of its location on the golf course, it may require a bit more planning to walk across it than just swinging by. But, if you’re able to visit, it’s a great one to add to your list.
During golf season, the best way to see it is to play a round of golf. If golf isn’t your thing, you can actually park close to Honeymoon Covered Bridge, and walk about 5-10 minutes (depending on your pace) to the bridge, which you can see from the road. Lastly in the winter, you can get a cross-country ski or snowshoe pass and cross the bridge that way (which is what I did).
8. Riverwalk Covered Bridge
Location: Littleton
In my personal favorite town in the White Mountains region, you’ll find the Riverwalk Covered Bridge, which has allowed pedestrians to cross the Ammonoosuc River. It’s also right off Main Street in Littleton, making it very easy to visit.
Built in 2004, the bridge is another newer addition to New Hampshire’s covered bridges, but at over 300 feet long, it’s one of the longest! It also offers wonderful views of the river and the old grist mill, which is now Schilling Beer Co.
9. Blair Covered Bridge
Location: Campton
In the southern foothills of the White Mountains, you’ll find the cute little Blair Covered Bridge. And the reason this one is especially worth seeking out is because the Covered Bridge Farm Table restaurant is right there, which is an awesome place to eat in the area!
This bridge also has an interesting backstory. It was originally built in 1829, and was burned down in 1868 by a man who claimed God told him to do it. He was later found innocent of the charges, even after confessing to the crime, because there were no witnesses. The bridge wasn’t rebuilt until 1977.
At 292 feet long, this bridge is also one of the longest in the state.
10. Bartlett Covered Bridge & Gift Shop
Location: Bartlett
For a very unqiue covered bridge experience, you’ll want to be sure to have Bartlett Covered Bridge on your itinerary. Why? Well, because it’s also a gift shop. Yep, the gift shop is on the covered bridge!
I actually stumbled upon this little gem when I was driving from Jackson back to Littleton via Crawford Notch State Park, and pulled over immediately to check it out because it was almost too cool to even believe.
Originally built in 1851, the bridge became independently owned in 1966, and that’s when it became a store. In 1990, it underwent some renovations to upgrade the arches, as well as lighten the overall weight of the bridge to further accommodate the foot traffic and merchandise.
11. Bath-Haverhill Covered Bridge
Location: Bath/Woodsville Village
Only about 30 minutes from Franconia is the beautiful Bath-Haverhill Covered Bridge. Built in 1829, it’s also the oldest covered bridge in New Hampshire that’s still in use. And while it’s undergone some repairs over the years, including in 1980 when it underwent some ice damage, most of the structure remains from the original build.
Pro Tip: Also in Bath, you can visit the Swiftwater Covered Bridge, and Bath Covered Bridge!
12. Groveton Covered Bridge
Location: Groveton
About 40 minutes northeast of Littleton, you’ll find the Groveton Covered Bridge. And even though it’s a bit more secluded than the other bridges on this list, I think it’s well worth a visit. For me, there’s just something really special and beautiful about white covered bridges, especially in New Hampshire when most of them are natural wood or red.
Crossing the Upper Ammonoosuc river, this bridge was built in 1852 and offers really beautiful views of the river, with the mountains in the background.
Pro Tip: This bridge is also only about 10 minutes from Stark Covered Bridge, which is especially magical around Christmas when they hang lights on the bridge, and throughout town.
Here are some posts on the White Mountains that you may find helpful:
More Covered Bridges In New Hampshire To See
Alright, now that you know all about the best covered bridges in the White Mountains region, let’s jump over to the rest of the state. Here are all my favorite New Hampshire covered bridges to visit outside of the White Mountains.
13. Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge
Location: Cornish
The longest covered bridge in New Hampshire, and also all of New England, is the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge. This bridge connects New Hampshire to Windsor, VT (hence, the name 🙂), and is one of the most impressive bridges to see because it’s over 440 feet long.
Prior to the bridge that we have now, there were actually 3 other bridges built in the same place that were all destroyed by flooding. Thankfully, this one remained in tact after it was built in 1866, but it has undergone some repairs for ice and flood damage over the years.
Because of its historical significance, it’s also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
14. Prentiss Covered Bridge
Location: Langdon
At only 26 feet long, the adorable Prentiss Covered Bridge is the shortest in New Hampshire, and likely the shortest in all of New England. For that reason, there’s something really fun and special about seeing this little guy in person.
I haven’t been able to find confirmed dates when Prentiss Covered Bridge was first built – some historians claim it dates as far as back as the 1790s, which would technically make it older than the Bath-Haverhill Covered Bridge. But I’ve also found that many people agree it only dates back as far as the 1870s.
But regardless, the unique size makes it one that should be on your list!
15. Henniker Covered Bridge
Location: Henniker
This bridge looks like it dates back to the early 1800s, but in fact, it was only built in 1972. Pretty cool, right? The lattice design makes this one especially beautiful to photograph.
Located very close to the New England College campus, its main purpose today is to allow students to cross the Contoocook River to access the town and rest of the campus.
Currently, the bridge is closed to vehicle traffic, and is only open to pedestrians.
16. Corbin Covered Bridge
Location: Newport
Crossing Sugar River, the Corbin Covered Bridge is another scenic one to check out during your trip. Originally built in the 1840s, it was sadly destroyed in a fire in the 1990s (especially sad news as it lasted for so long up until that point). It was then rebuilt a few years later, and that’s the structure you’ll see when you visit.
And what I personally like about this covered bridge is that it’s surrounded by beautiful scenery. There’s a park right at the bridge with picnic tables, so it’s a great place to just sit and relax for a few hours. It’s lovely year-round, but fall is especially pretty here!
17. Denman Thompson Covered Bridge
Location: Swanzey
Also known as the West Swanzey Covered Bridge, the Denman Thompson is a beautiful red, lattice-style covered bridge that makes for great photos. It also has a nice little park with benches where you can sit and admire the views, and listen to the sounds of the flowing river.
Fun fact about this bridge: In the early 1970s, only empty school buses were able to cross the bridge due to weight limitations. Before the bus crossed the bridge, students would have to get off the bus, cross the bridge separately, and then re-board the bus on the other side. It wasn’t until the late 1970s when the bridge underwent structural updates that buses full of children were allowed to cross.
18. Old Stage Road Covered Bridge
Location: Hampton
Originally built in 1825 as a convenient way to cross the Taylor River on the Boston to Portsmouth route, the Old Stage Road Covered Bridge was condemned, and also closed to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic in 1998. But thankfully, it was rebuilt in 2009 to the structure we see today.
Now, the bridge is an idyllic structure in a peaceful setting that’s open to pedestrians. There’s a nice small waterfall nearby, and makes for wonderful photos!
19. Packard Hill Covered Bridge
Location: Lebanon
Another gorgeous lattice-style covered bridge in New Hampshire is Packard Hill. And since this one is only a 10-minute drive from Hanover, which is home to a charming town and Dartmouth College, this is a great one to have on your itinerary.
Since the late 1700s, there have been bridges (although, not covered) on this site, and many of them have undergone either reconstruction or repairs since then. But the structure you see today was built in 1991, and is surrounded by peaceful walking paths and beautiful scenery.
Location Tip: Not only in this bridge close to Hanover, it’s also only about 30 minutes from the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge.
20. Ashuelot Covered Bridge
Location: Winchester
In southern New Hampshire very close to the Vermont border, you’ll find the beautiful Ashuelot Covered Bridge. The contrast between the white painted wood and red roof makes this one especially photogenic. Add in the lattice style truss, and you’ve got yourself a postcard-worthy moment.
Ashuelot Covered Bridge was built in 1864, and it’s great for visitors because there’s a pedestrian walkway on both sides, allowing you to take in all the different views of the Ashuelot River. This bridge is also right along the scenic Ashuelot Rail Trail, making it an easy stop if you’re taking a bike ride in the area.
21. Wentworth Covered Bridge
Location: Wentworth
Sometimes referred to as Friendship Bridge, Wentworth Covered Bridge is the focal point of Wentworth Village, making it easy to enjoy when visiting. Crossing the Baker River, there are beautiful mountain views to be had from this pedestrian-only bridge.
This bridge is a newer addition to New Hampshire, as it was only constructed in 2016 to replace a condemned bridge that was built years prior.
New Hampshire Covered Bridges Road Trip Tour
If you’re looking to plan a pretty awesome covered bridges driving tour or road trip through New Hampshire, I’ve put together a quick little itinerary to help you plan. This won’t take you to all the covered bridges in the state, but it factors in the prettiest bridges and the best towns to visit, to create a well-rounded road trip that showcases the best of New Hampshire.
A few things about road-trippin’ through New Hampshire to find covered bridges:
- If you only have 1-2 days, I think the White Mountains is your best bet for epic things to do AND covered bridges. There are so many covered bridges in that region, and all are close to amazing things to do like Franconia Notch State Park, cute towns and The Cog. My personal favorite town to stay in is Littleton, but North Conway and Jackson are also great (especially in the winter).
- If sticking to the southern region of the state works better for your itinerary, Keene is a great home base, as it’s less than 2 hours from about 7-8 covered bridges on this list.
- 4 days (basically, a long weekend) would be perfect for this kind of trip to see the bridges in both the White Mountains and southern region, but you could also easily adapt this into a 2-7 day trip if you wanted to tack on lots of fun activities. It just depends on your schedule 🙂
Begin in the Eastern White Mountains, staying in Jackson or North Conway
In this region, you can see Honeymoon, Swift River, Bartlett, and Ellis Covered Bridges. Here are some other fun things to check out between touring the bridges:
- The cute shops in North Conway and Jackson.
- Side-excursion to Bretton Woods to ride The Cog.
- Nestlenook Farms for sleigh rides and ice skating if visiting in the winter.
- Waterfalls in Jackson.
- North Conway Scenic Railroad.
Drive to the Western White Mountains, staying in Littleton
Drive the Kancamagus Highway to see Albany Covered Bridge on your way to this region (the drive is only about an hour without stops). In this area, you can see Riverwalk, Flume, Sentinel, Allen Hollis, and Bath-Haverhill Covered Bridges. Littleton is my favorite town in this area to stay in because it has a great Main Street, an awesome brewery, sits along a nice river, and also has a covered bridge right in town.
If you’re only exploring the White Mountains region, you can also take a 40-60 minute drive (depending on where you’re staying) to Groveton and Stark Covered Bridges. If you want to venture about 20-40 minutes south (again, depending on where you’re coming from), you can check Blair Covered Bridge off your list, too.
Drive south toward Keene
On your way to Keene from the Littleton/Franconia area, you’ll be able to see Bath-Haverhill Covered Bridge (if you haven’t already), and also swing by Wentworth, Packard Hill, Cornish-Windsor, Corbin, Henniker, Prentiss and Denman Thompson Covered Bridges.
Once you arrive in Keene, here are some fun things to do:
- Explore the cute shops and cafes downtown.
- Visit Stonewall Farm.
- Tour the local breweries.
- Enjoy Otter Brook State Park.
If you have time to continue East toward Portsmouth (which I highly recommend!), you’ll be able to also see Old Stage Road Covered Bridge in Hampton, which is 20 minutes south of Portsmouth.
Best Time Of Year To See New Hampshire’s Covered Bridges
Honestly, I think touring covered bridges anywhere in New England is wonderful year-round. I’ve visited some of them in the winter, too, and they’ve been beautiful in a whole new way. If I had to pick the best season, I would say fall since the foliage color adds a little extra magic to the landscape, and you won’t have to worry about inclement weather (maybe just a bit of rain).
Spring is also a nice time to see the covered bridges, and the only note I would have for you is to prepare for mud by wearing rain boots or something similar if you’re visiting in early spring after the big snow melt.
Summer will bring the longest days and best weather!
And winter, as mentioned, allows you to see the bridges after a snowfall, which is honestly stunning. The only thing to consider is the weather, of course, as New Hampshire can be pretty snowy. The choice is really up to you and what your preferences are.
Here are some more posts you may find helpful:
- Best Things To Do In New Hampshire In The Winter
- Fall In New Hampshire: The Best Things To Do
- Best Places For Apple Picking In New Hampshire
- Is Flume Gorge In New Hampshire Worth Visiting?
- Incredible Things To Do In New England
- The Perfect New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary
- Vermont vs. New Hampshire In The Fall
- Where To Stay In New Hampshire In The Fall
- Is The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway Worth Visiting?
- Where To Stay In The White Mountains, NH: Best Towns & Hotels
That’s A Wrap On The Best New Hampshire Covered Bridges!
Now you’re ready to plan the perfect trip to tour the beautiful New Hampshire covered bridges! Whether you’re hoping to just see a few during an excursion to the White Mountains, or you’re planning your entire itinerary around these little cuties, one thing’s for sure – it’s going offer so many postcard-worthy pictures that you may need to add some extra storage on your phone 😉
