Hop In The Car And Visit 7 Of Kentucky’s Covered Bridges In One Day
Covered bridges are a charming reminder of a bygone era, but are becoming increasingly harder to find. These winsome structures require extensive care and upkeep to maintain, and over the years, many have fallen victim to the wear and tear of time and use. That being said, there are still some spectacular covered bridges that have been carefully tended to over the years, and visiting these historic structures in person really is a delightful experience. Kentucky is home to a dozen covered bridges, each offering its own unique story. We’ve put together a day trip that allows you to see seven of Kentucky’s covered bridges in one day, for a delightful little adventure in The Bluegrass State!
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Our Kentucky Covered Bridges Day Trip is a three-hour, 131-mile loop that you can start at any of the itinerary's seven bridges. You can view a full map here, and plan out where you'd like to start and end your journey!
Located at 1159 and the AA Highway, the Walcott Covered Bridge is a historic little gem that's easy to find. The bridge was originally built in 1824 and it is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. After much use and heavy flood damage, the bridge was rebuilt in 2002 and is now only open to foot traffic.
Estimated to have been built in 1835, the Dover Bridge holds the title of the oldest covered bridge in Kentucky. It's located in the town of Dover, not far from the Ohio River and about 20 minutes from Maysville. The Dover Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, and sits over a scenic little creek. While the historic structure has faced its shares of hardship (including a massive flood in 2016), it stands tall to this day as a triumphant totem of The Bluegrass State.
Constructed in 1867, the Cabin Creek Covered Bridge spans 114 feet over the eponymous Cabin Creek. This bridge, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was closed to traffic in 1983, and restored in 2014.
This historic bridge, known as both the Goddard White Bridge and the Goddard Covered Bridge, is located in Fleming County in northeast Kentucky. It stands over Sand Lick Creek, and unlike most covered bridges in Kentucky, it is still passable by both vehicle and foot. The last surviving example of Ithiel Town Lattice design in Kentucky, this bridge was moved to its current spot in 1933, and is one of the most spectacular bridges in the state.
There's a big debate about the length of this single-span bridge in Hillsboro: some say it spans 86 feet over Fox Creek, while others vehemently content it's actually 90 feet. All that aside, the Ringos Mill Covered Bridge was named for a grist mill situated 50 yards downstream, and is a handsome little structure that's just radiating Bluegrass charm.
Just a stone's throw from Ringos Mill Covered Bridge, you'll find this hidden gem. The Hillsboro Covered Bridge, was constructed in the late 1860s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This single-span bridge stretches 94 feet over Fox Creek.
The Johnson Creek Covered Bridge was built in 1874. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this bridge is 131 feet long and 16 feet wide. Most notably, Johnson Creek Covered Bridge is Kentucky's only known example of Robert Smith's iconic truss-style bridges.
How many of these historic places have you visited before? Did you know Kentucky had so many covered bridges? If you take our Kentucky covered bridges day trip, be sure to share your experiences in the comments below!
If you’re looking for more fun adventures in The Bluegrass State, be sure to check out these six unforgettable road trips!
Address: AA Highway, Brooksville, KY 41004, USA
Address: Old Lee's Creek Rd, Dover, KY 41034, USA
Address: Cabin Creek Rd, Vanceburg, KY 41179, USA
Address: Goddard Covered Bridge, Hillsboro, KY 41049, USA
Address: KY-158, Hillsboro, KY 41049, USA
Address: Hillsboro, KY 41049, USA
Address: Covered Bridge Rd, Mt Olivet, KY 41064, USA
