Visit 7 Covered Bridges in Kentucky in One Day on This Road Trip

The Walcott Covered Bridge is a historic gem that’s located at Kentucky Highway 1159 and the AA Highway. The bridge was originally built in 1824 and reconstructed in 1881. This Kingpost and Queenpost truss bridge measures 74 feet and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Due to flood damage in the late 1990s, the Walcott Covered Bridge, also known as The White Bridge, was moved, and only foot traffic is now allowed to cross.

The Dover Covered Bridge, built in 1835, is the oldest covered bridge in Kentucky. Located nearly 20 minutes from the small city of Maysville and close to the Ohio River, this charming 62-foot Queenpost truss bridge spans a scenic creek. Nature hasn’t always been kind to this Kentucky landmark; in 2017, it faced flooding, thus closing it to traffic. Still, it’s a lovely historic site added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Another Kentucky covered bridge listed on the National Register of Historic Places is Cabin Creek Covered Bridge in Vanceburg. It was built in 1867 and spans 114 feet over the creek of the same name. Since 1983, the bridge, which was renovated between 2012 and 2014, has been closed to vehicular traffic. While in Vanceburg, consider stopping for a bite to eat at good, ol' fashioned Osman Pharmacy — like the covered bridges, it's a great dose of nostalgia.

This historic bridge, which crosses Sand Lick Creek in Hillsboro, northeast Kentucky, is known as both the Goddard White Bridge and the Goddard Covered Bridge. Both vehicles and pedestrians can cross this bridge, which is rare among the remaining Kentucky covered bridges. Originally constructed in the early 19th century and moved to its current location in 1933, the Goddard Covered Bridge is an example of Ithiel Town Lattice design, the last of its kind in Kentucky.

The single-span Ringos Mill Covered Bridge, constructed in 1867, spans 86-90 feet (sources debate the proper length) across Fox Creek. It was built here after a grist mill was constructed just 50 yards down the creek — the bridge was named after the mill. This Kentucky bridge oozes charm and history, and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Located just 3 miles from Ringos Mill Covered Bridge, is another one of the best covered bridges in Kentucky — the Hillsboro Covered Bridge. Constructed sometime between 1865 and 1870, Hillsboro Covered Bridge spans 86 feet over Fox Creek. This delightful landmark was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Built in 1874, the Johnson Creek Covered Bridge is a Smith-type truss bridge with arches to reinforce its construction. It’s the only Robert J. Smith truss-style bridge in Kentucky and measures 131 feet long and 16 feet wide. Unsurprisingly, it is also on the National Register of Historic Places.

How many of these covered bridges in KY have you visited in the past? Get yourself educated on some more covered bridges in KY. For more fun adventures across the Bluegrass State, be sure to check out these unforgettable Kentucky road trips! And if you prefer an RV over a car for this or any other road trip, check out the offerings on RVshare. 

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.