Covered Bridges

Covered bridges are everywhere in Vermont!

Within a few miles of Brandon, you can see a number of them -- and drive through them too!

Covered Bridges Tours

These tours follow a figure 8 route, initially heading west and south to explore the first 5 bridges, then provides an opportunity to break for snacks or a full meal in one of the many restaurants and eateries in downtown Brandon. If desired, then head out west and north to find 2 more really lovely bridges.

The route also crosses two modern bridges that are former sites of historic covered bridges destroyed by fire, reminding us of the treasure and history preserved in the remaining bridges you’ll see on your tour.

Along the route, you’ll encounter long vistas of the Green Mountains to the east and the Adirondacks to the west. The route includes farmland views as well as winding dirt roads where it’s easy to leave the bustle of life behind and imagine earlier times in history. Each season adds its own flavor to the surrounding countryside, sometimes in glorious color, sometimes in long views revealed when the leaves have fallen, sometimes in whispers of green and cascading brooks only visible in the spring.

Please note:

Most of the covered bridges are one lane only. Approach with caution and be prepared to yield to oncoming traffic.

Covered Bridge Tour Southern Route

Covered Bridge Tour Northern Route

Covered Bridge Banner

Covered Bridge History

Hammond Bridge - Pittsford
This bridge was built in either 1842 or 43 in the Town lattice style. it crosses Otter Creek, next to Kendall Hill Road. Heading south on Route 7, once you are in Pittsford, look for a right-turn lane and a sign that says "truck route to Florence." Turn right. The bridge is 0.3 mile on this road.

Shoreham Covered Railroad Bridge - Shoreham
This bridge is not passable but a gem to see nonetheless. It was built in 1897 and is a Howe type of construction. From the northern intersection of Routes 30 and 73 in Sudbury, travel 2.7 miles north on Route 30 to the crossroads in Whiting village (the post office will be on the southwest corner). Go left (west) on Shoreham Road which becomes Whiting Road in Shoreham! At 2.8 miles, at the top of the hill past a large farm, a sign indicates E. Shoram Road on the left (south). Take it 0.7 mile to the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife Richville Access Area. The bridge crosses Richville Pond (an impoundment of the Lemon Fair River) and the former Addison Branch of the Rutland Railroad.

Cornwall-Salisbury Bridge (in Cornwall) or Salisbury-Cornwall Bridge (in Salsibury, of course)
This bridge was built in 1865 of the Town lattice style. It crosses Otter Creek and Swamp Road (Cornwall) and Creek Road (Salsibury). To get there from Cornwall, go south on Route 30 to Swamp Road, 3.9 miles south of the Cornwall fire station. Go left (east) 1.8 miles to the bridge.

Pulp Mill Bridge - Middlebury and Weybridge
This bridge, built between 1808-1820 is in the Burr arch style. It crosses Otter Creek and Seymour Street Extension. From the junction of Routes 7 and 125 in Middlebury just north of the Court Square rotary (by the Congregational Church), travel 0.3 mile north on Route 7 to a crossroads where Elm Street goes left (look for the sign to the Marble Works). Take Elm Street 0.2 mile under the railroad, to a T-intersection. Marble Works are to the left. Go right on Seymour Street 0.6 mile to the bridge.

Bridge history thanks to Covered Bridges of Vermont by Ed Barna (The Countryman Press, Woodstock, Vermont, 1996) for Bridge History.

Some bridge history

Sanderson Bridge - Brandon
This bridge was originally built in 1840 but was rebuilt at the turn of the 21st century. It crosses Otter Creek and Pearl Street Extension. It is Brandon's only standing covered bridge remaining. At the intersection of Routes 7 and 73 West, you will also find Pearl Street radiating from the park. Turn onto Pearl Street. The bridge is 1.3 miles from Route 7.

Gorham Bridge - Pittsford-Proctor Town Line
The Gorham Bridge is 1.9 miles from the intersection of Routes 7 and 3 in Pittsford. The bridge is 0.5 mile down Gorham Bridge Road. The bridge was built in 1842 and is a Town lattice type of bridge. The bridge crosses Otter Creek and Gorham Bridge Road.

Cooley Bridge - Pittsford
This bridge was built in 1849 and is a Town lattice style. From Brandon, heading south on Route 7, stay straight at Kamuda's Market which puts you on Elm Street. The bridge is 1.2 miles south on Elm (also known as Bridge Street). The bridge crosses Furnace Brook and Elm Street.

Depot Bridge - Pittsford
Depot Bridge was built in 1840 and crosses Otter Creek and Depot Road. The style of bridge is Town lattice. Heading south on Route 7, turn right onto Depot Road, which is between the Lake Sunapee Bank and Keith's Country Store. The bridge is 0.7 mile along Depot Road.