Here Are 10 Of The Most Beautiful Maine Covered Bridges To Explore This Fall
There are so many wonderful places to see the fall foliage in Maine. From the coast (yes, even our coast has foliage!) to the forest, the colors are still bright and beautiful. But, they won’t be for long! Last year the first snow came early and if that happens this year we might only have a week or two left of leafy trees in Vacationland. So, make the most of it by combining our great fall colors with our quintessentially “Maine” covered bridges. Seeing as many as you can will be a nice way to usher out the season and get ready for the next!
We've written articles about the oldest bridge, the longest bridge and a whole bunch about some of the most beautiful. But this one earns the title of the shortest! It's worth the quick trip across the Ellis River to appreciate the surrounding beauty. It was built in 1867.
This fun bridge might look familiar! Not because you've been here before, but because it's actually an exact replica of the Sunday River Bridge (also known as Artist's Covered Bridge) which is just down the road. This one is the 12th hole of the golf course for which it's named!
This beauty was first built in 1864, but unfortunately that version is long gone. It was ruined by a fire in 1973. The good news is that an exact replica was built in 1976 and here it sits right over the Presumscot River connecting Gorham and Windham.
Built over the Magalloway River in 1898, this beautiful bridge once carried the Littlehalf Road to just south of Wilson Mills. This is also one of Maine's oldest surviving covered bridges. Another fun fact is that Bennett Bridge was built from logs from Upton which is about 25 miles away. They were sent to the building site by floating right down the river!
6. The Porter-Parsonsfield Bridge, Porter/Parsonfield
This wonderful bridge was built to connect the two towns of the same name. It joins either side of the Ossipee River and was closed to vehicular traffic in 1960 when another bridge was built nearby. The original was restored in 1999.
Lowe's Bridge was built in 1857 and it sits across the Piscataquis River. Despite being washed away from a flood in 1987, it's still around! A modern version of the original was built on the old abutments in 1990.
Dating back to 1911, the Watson Settlement Bridge spans the Meduxnekeag Stream in Aroostook County. It's a great bridge but we love it most because it's the youngest (which is actually pretty unique!) and the furthest north.
10. The Sunday River Bridge / Artist’s Bridge, Newry
We can't forget about this one! The Sunday River Bridge might be the most famous in the state. It was build in 1872 and is often simply referred to as "Artist's Bridge" because it's so photogenic. It's not uncommon to see folks painting it with an easel from across the road. It was closed to traffic in 1958, but it's worth an exploration!
Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.