This Day Trip Takes You To 9 Of West Virginia’s Covered Bridges And It’s Perfect For A Scenic Drive

The landscape throughout The Mountain State is dotted with sites of historical significance, among the most scenic are the many surviving covered bridges in West Virginia; many of them built by local craftsmen in the 1800s. To date, more than 15 of them have survived the test of time. Our West Virginia covered bridges map is perhaps the most scenic adventure we've ever put together. This amazing journey visits nine of the state's most historic, charming, and beautiful covered bridges. Gas up the car, charge your camera, pack some snacks, and get ready to embark upon an amazing covered bridge tour de force in West Virginia! Let's go...

The adventure begins outside of Ripley in the tiny community of Sandyville.

Click this Google Maps link to guide your journey and let's get rolling!

1. Sarvis Fork Covered Bridge - Sandyville

At an impressive 101 feet long, this historic bridge was constructed in 1890 for a mere $64. After Route 33 opened, Sarvis Creek Covered Bridge was virtually abandoned by vehicular traffic so it was eventually dismantled and moved to its present site in 1924. You can read more about the Sarvis Fork Covered Bridge here.

2. Staats Mill Covered Bridge - Ripley

Located within the picturesque Cedar Lakes near Ripley, this historic bridge is sometimes called Tug Fork Bridge. Although no longer in its original location in Jackson County, it's a must-see historic marvel. It was originally built in 1887, and in 1983 it was moved three miles away and reconstructed over a pond at Cedar Lakes.

3. Walkersville Covered Bridge - Walkersville

The scenic Walkersville Covered Bridge was constructed in 1903 and is a little more than 12 feet wide and 39 feet long. It crosses the West Fork River in Lewis County.

4. Philippi Covered Bridge - Philippi

The longest covered bridge in West Virginia was built in 1852 and somehow managed to survive the Civil War. In fact, both sides of the battle used the bridge during that war. The bridge is 26 feet wide, 285.5 feet long, and boasts two lanes of traffic. It's still open, so don't pass up the chance to drive through it in your car!

5. Simpson Creek Covered Bridge - Bridgeport

The original Simpson Creek Covered Bridge was located a half mile upstream from this location. It was built in 1881 but washed away in the great flood of 1889 and was rebuilt on this very spot.

6. Fletcher Covered Bridge - Marshville (near Clarksburg)

Constructed in 1891 for $1,372, the Fletcher Covered Bridge is 62 feet long and rests on stone abutments that were quarried from the hill next to the bridge.

7. Center Point Covered Bridge - Center Point

At 42 feet long and 15 feet wide the (now) pedestrian-only Center Point Covered Bridge is a true testament to the construction methods of the late 1800s. It was built between 1888 and 1890 for approximately $1,000.

8. Barrackville Covered Bridge - Barrackville

Built prior to the Civil War, this circa 1853 bridge was built by the same West Virginian (Lemuel Chenoweth) who constructed the Philippi Bridge. It measures 141 feet long and is now closed to vehicular traffic. Read more about Barrackville Covered Bridge here.

9. Dents Run Covered Bridge - Morgantown

Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981, Dents Run Covered Bridge spans 40 feet over the meanering Dents Run. It was constructed in 1889.

Our covered bridge day trip in West Virginia will give you a deeper appreciation for the historic and scenic richness of the Mountain State. Have you visited any of these beautiful covered bridges in West Virginia before? Share your favorite bridges with us in the comments below!

Do you enjoy exploring the Mountain State on scenic country roads? Check out our article about eight of the most scenic byways and backcountry roads in West Virginia. Now go have an adventure! And if you're looking for one-of-a-kind opportunities in West Virginia, take a look at Airbnb Experiences.