It’s hard to explain the charm of covered bridges. While a bridge’s purpose is to let us travel from Point A to Point B, this type of bridge serves as a reminder that the journey can be just as important as the destination. It’s much more pleasant to meander along a route peppered with quaint structures that we associate with a simpler time than it is to zip along a freeway. But, is there a covered bridge near Boston? Let’s take a look at five beautiful covered bridges within easy day-tripping distance of Boston:

1. Pepperell Covered Bridge, Pepperell, MA
Pepperell Covered Bridge, Groton St, Pepperell, MA 01463, USA
Pepperell Covered Bridge/Facebook
There has been a wooden bridge in roughly this spot since the 1740s, although it has been rebuilt several times. The current, much newer structure divides West Groton and Pepperell and can be found on Groton Street.

Take a flyover look at the historic Pepperell Covered Bridge over the Nashua River in this video from caz usa:
2. Quinebaug River Bridge, Sturbridge, MA
Quinebaug River Bridge, Sturbridge, MA 01566, USA
James Walsh/Flickr
This pedestrian bridge is nestled into the scenic landscape of Sturbridge Village, a re-created living history museum that's an easy drive from Boston.
3. Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge, Foster, RI
Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge, 105A Central Pike, Foster, RI 02825, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
This Rhode Island bridge is actually a replica of one from the 19th century. Despite its recent creation - by a team of volunteers - this lattice-truss bridge offers plenty of charm in a lush setting. It crosses the Hemlock Brook on Central Pike in Foster.

The Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge is another of our favorite covered bridges near Boston, MA in Foster Rhode Island. Enjoy a virtual tour in this video from The Northern Return:
4. Stowell Road Covered Bridge, Bedford, NH
Stowell Road Covered Bridge, Bedford, NH, USA
James Walsh/Flickr
Built in 1990, the Stowell Road Covered Bridge is just over 32 feet long and spans the Baboosic Brook. You'll find this cute little bridge near the intersection of Stowell Road and Parkhurst Road.
5. Nissitissit Bridge, Brookline, NH
Doc Searls/Flickr
Nissitissit Bridge, 1 Mason Rd, Brookline, NH 03033, USA
Jeff L/Flickr
This pedestrian bridge is 110 feet long and now in a bucolic environment over the Nissitissit River. The bridge once led to a craft shop but, when that business floundered, it was given to the town of Brookline and placed close to where Route 13 and Mason Road meet. Near this charming bridge, you can book a neat glamping getaway with Snug Life Camping for a romantic weekend.

Enjoy some footage of the Nissitissit River Covered Bridge in Brookline NH in this video from Eric Bloom:

If you’ve been looking for a covered bridge near Boston, we hope these examples will inspire you to take a road trip to see these historic bridges. What’s your favorite covered bridge in New England? Share a few of your favorite MA covered bridges with a comment.

If you are a fan of bridges in all shapes and sizes, check out our featured article about 19 unique, historic, impressive, awe-inspiring, and yes, even covered bridges in Massachusetts. If you enjoy covered bridges in MA, why not hop in the car (or rent an RV from RVShare) and take this beautiful covered bridges road trip through Massachusetts?

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More to Explore

More iconic bridges in Massachusetts

Chris Muras | August 31, 2023

What are some famous bridges in Massachusetts?

 

Massachusetts has many historic and modern bridges that capture our hearts. From old wooden covered bridges to modern masterpieces of style and engineering. Here are a few famous bridges in Massachusetts:

  • Arthur A. Smith Covered Bridge, Caltrain, MA: This covered bridge was built in 1869 and it is the only Burr truss bridge in the state. It has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1983. You'll find it in the northwest corner of Massachusetts along Lyonsville Road as it crosses the North River.
  • French King Bridge, Erving, MA: This beautiful bridge was once a railroad bridge over the Connecticut River between Montague and Deerfield. It is now a bike and walking path with scenic views of the Connecticut River. It is especially scenic in the fall when surrounded by colorful fall foliage.
  • Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge, Bourne, MA: This iconic bridge spans the Cape Cod Canal and was constructed in 1933 to allow trains to cross the canal. At the time of its construction, it was the longest vertical lift bridge in the world. It is still the second longest in the United States.
  • Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge, Boston, MA: This beautiful structure is a more recent addition to Boston's cityscape. It was constructed in 2003 to replace the Charlestown High Bridge that was built in the 1950s. It spans the Charles River in Boston and has become an icon of the city with its massive double tower of steel cables.

 

Whether you prefer old bridges with a unique history or modern bridges that seem to defy gravity, Massachusetts has plenty of awe-inspiring bridges to enjoy.

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