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; many of them built by local craftsmen in the 1800s. To date, more than 15 of them have survived the test of time. Our covered bridge day trip in West Virginia 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.
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. read more about the Sarvis Fork Covered Bridge here.
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.
Staats Mill Covered Bridge, Cedar Lakes Dr, Ripley, WV 25271, USA
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.
Walkersville Covered Bridge, Covered Bridge Rd, Walkersville, WV 26447, USA
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 has boasts two lanes of traffic. It's still open, so don't pass up the chance to drive through it in your car! You can read all about this bridge's fascinating role in U.S. history in this article.
Philippi Covered Bridge, 26416 US-250, Philippi, WV 26416, USA
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.
Simpson Creek Covered Bridge, Bridgeport-Meadowbrook Rd, Bridgeport, WV 26330, USA
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.
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.
Center Point Covered Bridge, Center Point, WV 26339, USA
Built prior to the Civil War, this circa-1853 bridge was built by the same West Virginian (Lemuel Chenoweth) that constructed the Philippi Bridge. It measures 141 feet long and is now closed to vehicular traffic. Read more about Barrackville Covered Bridge here.
Barrackville Covered Bridge, Barrackville, WV 26559, USA
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.
Dents Run Covered Bridge, West Virginia 26501, USA
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? Keep reading here to discover eight of the most scenic byways and backcountry roads in West Virginia. Now go have an adventure!
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covered bridge day trip in West Virginia
October 02, 2021
Sarah
What’s the oldest covered bridge in West Virginia?
The oldest covered bridge in West Virginia tells a tale that dates all the way back to before the American Civil War. Just one of two remaining covered bridges in Barbour County, Philippi Covered Bridge is the oldest covered bridge in West Virginia; it dates all the way back to 1852. The double-barreled covered bridge, which allows for two lanes of traffic, spans nearly 283 feet, sits 26 feet across, and crosses over the Tygart Valley River. Most intriguing, however, is this bridge’s role in a key battle of the American Civil War! Click here to read all about it.
What are some historic places to visit in West Virginia?
West Virginia has a rich and storied history, and there’s lots for history buffs to explore here. For a primer in all things West Virginia history, check out these 11 important sites and attractions, all of which are designated National Historic Landmarks, in fact!
What are some fun day trips in West Virginia?
We’re going to stick with the “historic” theme here, and direct you Thomas, West Virginia. Thomas is convenient to some of the best hiking in the state (Blackwater Falls, Douglas Falls, Albert Falls, Dolly Sods), it has its own prestigious live music venue, and there are multiple excellent restaurants and shops full of beauty and local character. It’s also one of the most historically significant places in the state, something you can explore via a self-guided walking tour that passes a staggering 41 National Historic Landmarks in less than a mile!
Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
