These 10 Beautiful Covered Bridges In Maine Will Remind You Of A Simpler Time
By Michelle|Updated on August 30, 2023(Originally published June 05, 2022)
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Michelle
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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.
Covered bridges in Maine hearken back to a simpler time when the transportation woes of the day included how to join two small towns that were separated by a pesky river. Maybe it’s the scenic backdrop, or maybe it’s just because I am partial, but historic Maine covered bridges are somehow more beautiful than any place else I can imagine. If you’re wondering where you can find them, check out this list of 10 covered bridges in Maine that still stand today.
Sitting over the Presumscot River, Babb's Bridge connects Gorham and Windham. It was built in 1864, but an exact replica was made in 1976 after a fire set intentionally by vandals ruined it in 1973.
The Bennett Bridge was built over the Magalloway River in 1898. It's been closed to traffic, but when it was operational it carried Littlehale Road over the river south of the village Wilsons Mills. It is one of Maine's few standing older covered bridges. One of the most interesting facts related to its construction is that the lumber for it was sent down the river after being sourced in Upton about 25 miles away!
3. The Big Adventure Bridge (& the Bethel Walking Path Bridge), Bethel
The Big Adventure Covered Bridge is actually the 12th hole of the mini golf course for which it's named. If it looks familiar, it could be that it's a replica of the Sunday River (or Artist's Covered Bridge) which is nearby.
In 2001, a few years after he completed the Big Adventure Bridge, the builder (William Dunton) also built the Bethel Walking Path Covered Bridge a couple miles away. You'll find striking similarities. I guess the old adage is true: if it ain't broke, don't fix it. It worked once, might as well give it a go a second time!
The Hemlock Bridge was built in 1857 and its 109-foot Paddleford truss spans the Saco River. There have been a number of improvements since then, making this one of the most beautiful (and sturdy!) bridges in Maine.
If you're short on time and can only manage to visit one bridge, make it the Lovejoy Bridge. Not because it's the best of the bunch, but because it's the shortest. You can say you crossed a covered bridge and you won't take out too much time from whatever else you have to do that's more important than visiting a beautiful covered bridge. This one crosses the Ellis River and was constructed in 1867.
Built over the Piscataquis River in 1857, Lowe's Bridge was washed away by the flood of April 1, 1987. But good news! A modern covered bridge, patterned after the original, was built on the original abutments in 1990.
The Porter-Parsonsfield Bridge was built to connect the two towns of the same name. The bridge spans the Ossipee River but was closed to traffic in 1960 when another bridge was built nearby. The original was restored in 1999.
The beautiful Robyville Bridge was built in 1876 over the Kenduskeag Stream in Penobscot County. It is the only completely shingled covered bridge in Maine and is also the oldest example of a Long Truss system used in the state. Don't look for an especially large bridge though. The name is indicative only of the designer of the system, Stephen H. Long.
9. The Sunday River Bridge / Artist’s Bridge, Newry
Built in 1872, the Sunday River Bridge is also known as "Artist's Bridge" due to its common use in photographs and art. It's easy to see why! In 1958 it was closed to traffic when another bridge was built nearby, but it's still worth a sightseeing visit.
One of the longest bridges in Maine, the Watson Settlement Bridge dates back to 1911 and spans the Meduxnekeag Stream in Aroostook County. It is both the youngest and the farthest north of Maine's original covered bridges.
Aren’t you glad you can stop searching “covered bridges near me?!” Have any nice photos of covered bridges in Maine? What are your favorite old bridges to visit in the Pine Tree State? We’d love to see them.
For another beautiful bridge in the state of Maine, check out this man-made architectural marvel. And if you’re in the mood for a little ghost hunting, there’s a really sweet old bridge in Millinocket that’s rumored to be haunted! Would you be brave enough to visit the Brownsville Road Bridge?
For more fun things to do and see in Maine, we recommend taking a cruise through the Airbnb Experiences page for the out-of-the-box opportunities offered by the locals.
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Maine is a state with a proud and storied history, often found in our small town's old buildings and points of interest, including, of course, many a covered bridge. Many of Maine’s covered bridges date back decades, in fact, offering a unique glimpse into transportation of the past. One of the oldest covered bridges in Maine is known as the Hemlock Bridge. Constructed in 1857, this special destination has been designated as a Maine Historic Civil Engineering Landmark since 2002. It’s situated three miles northwest of East Fryeburg, and is definitely a must-visit for any covered bridge enthusiast.
What are some must-visit covered bridges in Maine?
If you're a covered bridge enthusiast like we are here at Only In Maine, you'll most definitely want to check out this day trip that takes you to six of the Pine Tree State's most marvelous covered bridges!
One of the big highlights of this epic covered bridge road tour de force through Maine is Babb's Covered Bridge, undeniably one of the most beautiful covered bridges in Maine. It's been reconstructed, but the original 79-footer was built in 1843. Destroyed by a fire in 1973, the replica was opened in 1976. Today it connects the towns of Gorham and Windham.
Other must-visit covered bridges in Maine that you'll see on the above road trip are:
the Lovejoy Bridge, Sunday River Bridge, and Hemlock Bridge, a trio of covered bridge beauties outlined in the list above!
