Posted in Virginia January 13, 2021 by

The Longest Covered Bridge In Virginia, Meems Bottom Bridge, Is 204 Feet Long

There’s something undeniably alluring about covered bridges. These historic, somewhat quaint structures remind us of simpler times and also give us an appreciation for the unique engineering. Virginia is lucky to boast several covered bridges, and today, we’ll introduce you to the longest one in the state. Located in Lynchburg, Meems Bottom Bridge is a true sight to behold. Painted bright red, it’s almost impossible to miss and wonderfully photogenic. Here’s more about what you can expect from your trip to the longest covered bridge in Virginia.

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Meems Bottom Bridge can be found on Wissler Road near the town of Mount Jackson off Route 11.
JACoxwell / flickr
The bridge was constructed in 1894 and is named for the Meem Family, who owned the nearby Strathmore Estate.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / flickr
There are two noteworthy characteristics of Meems Bottom Bridge: the first is that it's the longest of its kind in Virginia, stretching 204 feet.
IntangibleArts / flickr
The second is that it's still open to vehicular traffic today. The bridge has stood for more than 120 years due to its unique Burr Arch Truss design.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / flickr
Over the years, the bridge has seen its fair share of destruction. It was set on fire by vandals on Halloween of 1976 and has also been damaged by oversized trailers that didn't make the clearance.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / flickr
Fortunately, VDOT and Shenandoah County are working together to find solutions to ensure this landmark's longevity.
When you visit Meems Bottom Bridge, you'll find the surrounding area is positively beautiful. There are picnic tables nearby, so pack your lunch and enjoy the views!
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / flickr

Have you visited Meems Bottom Bridge in Virginia before? What did you think? We’d love to hear all about your experiences in the comments below! If you love covered bridges, don’t forget to read all about Humpback Bridge, the oldest covered bridge in Virginia.

Address: Meems Bottom, District 2, VA 22844, USA