Visit 5 Covered Bridges in One Day on This Scenic North Carolina Trip

We'll begin our covered bridge adventure with North Carolina's Gaddy Covered Bridge, which is located within the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge, not far from the South Carolina border. Although the bridge lacks any real historical significance, it's a scenic spot within the refuge that is a highlight of any visit to Pee Dee NWR. The bridge is named for the Gaddy family, who played a significant role in preserving this area along the Pee Dee River and establishing the national wildlife refuge. The bridge is accessible via a short trail from the Pee Dee NWR visitor center.

The next stop on our Tar Heel State day trip is Pisgah Covered Bridge in Randolph County. Originally constructed in 1910, this 54-foot span over the west fork of the Little River in the Uwharrie National Forest is the second-oldest covered bridge in the state. The bridge is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is no longer open to vehicle traffic. You can, however, explore the bridge on foot via an easy, 0.2-mile loop trail.

You're next destination is Catawba County's Bunker Hill Covered Bridge, which was built in 1895 and is the oldest covered bridge remaining in North Carolina. A segment of the Carolina Thread Trail runs through the park where the bridge is now located, so it makes a perfect location for a hike or, as we are learning, a day trip destination.

After the longest driving leg of our journey, we'll arrive at the DuPont State Forest, where we'll stretch our legs along an easy 2.8-mile, out-and-back trail where we'll encounter the next span on our journey: the High Falls Covered Bridge. This bridge crosses the Little River and affords stunning views from the top of a waterfall that spills 120 feet down a granite rock face into the gorge below.

Our final destination is a bridge with a long and fascinating history. The Will Henry Stevens Covered Bridge is more than 200 years old. It was initially constructed in New Hampshire before being removed and disassembled in 1966, then placed in storage for the next four decades. In 2009, after being transported to North Carolina, the bridge was reassembled at the entrance to the Bascom Art Center in the mountain village of Highlands. Technically, then, the Stevens bridge is the oldest covered bridge in North Carolina, but it's only been in the state for less than 20 years.

These scenic covered bridges make for a wonderful weekend or day trip in North Carolina any time of year, but especially in the fall, when the foliage is ablaze. Have you visited any of these covered bridges? Are there any other covered bridges in North Carolina that you would add to this itinerary? We'd love to hear about your favorites. If you're looking for another fantastic road trip in North Carolina, be sure to check out our Routes itinerary to these seven scenic lighthouses.

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