This Day Trip Takes You To 6 Of Maine’s Covered Bridges And It’s Perfect For A Scenic Drive
Maine is one of the most scenic states in New England. From the quaint general stores to the beauty of our forests and seaside, you could easily spend a beautiful day in Maine just looking at the things around you. While there’s plenty from which to choose, we especially love the covered bridges in Maine. To see a number of them at once, we recommend embarking on our wonderfully scenic day trip. Check out the map below, or you can click here for the full driving directions.
You'll start your sight-seeing journey of covered bridges in Maine at the Presumscot River where you'll find Bab'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.
To help folks cross the Ossipee River, this bridge was built in 1859. It was a collaboration between the towns of Porter and Parsonsfield. While the 152-foot bridge has since been shut to traffic now that there's a newer version just downriver, it's still ones of the most scenic in the state. Learn more about the fascinating Parsonfield-Porter Bridge in Maine.
This beauty was built in 1868 and its claim to fame might be that it's Maine's shortest covered bridge. While little, at 70 feet, it comes in handy when you want to cross the Ellis River! Learn more about visiting the Lovejoy Bridge in Andover, Maine.
Your next stop is one of Maine's most beloved bridges. It's commonly referred to as "Artist's Bridge" in recognition of the artists who have been coming here for years to paint it and photograph it. While you can't cross it in your car (it's been closed to traffic since 1958), the 87-foot structure is still one of the state's most famous covered bridges. It's located about four miles northwest of North Bethel close to Routes 2 and 26. Find out more about the Sunday River Bridge.
Next, it's onto a bridge that allows traffic, which means you can cross it just like they did in the old days! The bridge was finished in 1857 and it spans about 110 feet across a portion of the Saco River on Route 302. Being just 3 miles northwest of East Fryeburg means you can check out some of the shops and restaurants in town for a little snack break. Learn more about the picturesque Hemlock Bridge.
Last up on our itinerary to see the most beautiful covered bridges in Maine, it's on to Lincoln Plantation to see Bennett Bridge. This 93-foot bridge was built in 1901 and crossed the Magalloway River. It's been closed to traffic since 1985, but we love it for a nice photo op spot. It's about 1.5-miles south of Wilson Mills. Find out more about the Bennett Bridge.
You’ll start the beautiful covered bridges in Maine road trip at Babb’s Covered Bridge. Address: Hurricane Road, Gorham, ME 04038.
Many of Maine’s covered bridges date back decades, 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.
Does Maine have any haunted bridges?
Yes! Not all of Maine’s bridges are as picture-perfect as the covered bridges we highlighted in the article above. Some have a dark and downright sinister story. One of the most haunted bridges in Maine is known as the Brownville Road Bridge. Located in Millinocket, this bridge is surrounded by folklore. The story centers around a young couple that was driving over the bridge in the 1950s when their car suddenly lost control and fell into the creek below. Miraculously, both the driver and passenger were unharmed. The husband went to go get help for the car and told his wife to stay put; however, upon his return, the wife had vanished — never to return. However, residents of this small town in Maine claim to see her ghostly figure roaming the bridge at night. She has been nicknamed the White Lady of Millinocket, and her presence is said to be positively chilling. Have you heard the story of the haunted Brownville Road Bridge in Maine?
Where can I go for a scenic drive in Maine?
One of the best ways to experience the vast beauty of Maine is to get in the car and start driving. Maine is famous for its network of scenic byways and backroads, which always make for an interesting route. Some of the most scenic drives in Maine include State Route 27 Scenic Byway, Old Canada Road Scenic Byway, the Bold Coast Scenic Byway, Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway, the Katahdin Woods & Waters Maine Scenic Byway, the Golden Road Maine Scenic Byway, Pequawket Trail Maine Scenic Byway, and Fish River Maine Scenic Byway. Learn more about these beautiful Maine drives.
Address: Babbs Bridge, Windham, ME 04062, USA
Address: Lincoln, ME 03579, USA
Address: Fryeburg, ME 04037, USA
Address: Porter, ME 04068, USA
Address: Newry, ME 04261, USA
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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.
