There’s something undeniably magical about a covered bridge—rustic, timeless, and nestled into the pastoral beauty of Vermont like they were always meant to be there. Southern Vermont is home to some of the most picturesque covered bridges in New England, and one of the best ways to experience them is with a leisurely driving tour starting from Wilmington and looping through the scenic towns of West Dover, Whitingham, Halifax, and Marlboro.
If you’re staying at Valley View Villa, this makes for a perfect half-day outing with stunning views, quiet roads, and countless photo ops. Pack some snacks, cue up a Vermont road trip playlist, and hit the road!
How Many Covered Bridges Are in Vermont?
Vermont has more than 100 covered bridges still standing, one of the highest concentrations in the country. Four of them anchor this southern Vermont loop: the Creamery Bridge in West Brattleboro, the Green River Bridge in Guilford, and the Bartonsville and Hall bridges in Rockingham. All four are free to visit year-round.
🛻 Covered Bridge Driving Tour Overview
- Total Drive Time: ~2–3 hours (including stops)
- Best Season: Fall for foliage, but beautiful year-round
- Ideal Start Point: Wilmington Village (just 10–12 minutes from Valley View Villa)
- Great For: Families, photographers, history buffs, romantic day trips
📍 Stop 1: Creamery Covered Bridge, West Brattleboro
- Location: 500 Western Avenue, just south of Route 9, about 1.5 miles west of downtown Brattleboro (roughly 35 minutes from Valley View Villa)
- Built: 1879
- Length: 80 feet, a Town lattice truss over Whetstone Brook
- Good to know: Now closed to vehicles, so you can walk right up to it and through it
Brattleboro’s last surviving 19th-century covered bridge is an easy first stop heading east on Route 9, the Molly Stark Byway, over Hogback Mountain. Because traffic no longer crosses it, it’s one of the most relaxed bridges in the region to photograph up close.
📍 Stop 2: Green River Covered Bridge, Guilford
- Location: Green River Road in western Guilford, in the small village of Green River
- Built: 1870s, by Marcus Worden
- Design: Town lattice truss over the Green River
This is the one photographers go out of their way for: a classic covered bridge in a tiny rural village that looks the way you imagine Vermont looks. The roads out are narrow and partly unpaved, which is part of why it stays so quiet. Take it slow.
📍 Optional Rockingham Leg: Bartonsville and Hall Covered Bridges
- Location: Rockingham, near Bellows Falls – a longer drive of an hour or more from Wilmington
- Bartonsville Covered Bridge: The original 1870 bridge was swept away by Tropical Storm Irene in 2011 and replaced with a new covered bridge – a story locals still tell
- Hall Covered Bridge: Carries Hall Bridge Road over the Saxtons River near Route 121; built in 1982 as a replica of an 1860s bridge destroyed by an overweight truck in 1980
These two sit close to each other, so if you’re making the longer trip, see both – and pair them with the villages of Chester and Grafton to make a full day of it.
📍 Bonus Stops Along the Way:
- Hogback Mountain Overlook: Grab a panoramic view of three states—especially stunning in fall.
- Sticky Fingers Bakery (West Dover): Fuel up with coffee and a cinnamon roll before your drive.
- Green River Village: A historic hamlet with peaceful views and picnic spots.
- High Mowing Farm Bridge (Wilmington): A tiny 22-foot covered bridge on Stowe Hill Road, built in 1949 so a farmer’s sheep could cross a creek. It’s privately owned, so admire it from the road.
Covered Bridge Tips:
- Best Time to Go: Late morning to early afternoon for the best light
- Bring a camera or smartphone with a wide lens to capture the full bridge length
- Most are still in use, so be cautious when stepping into the roadway for photos
- Fall Foliage Alert: Early to mid-October is peak season for dramatic colors
📸 Photography Tips for Covered Bridges
Shoot from a low angle near the entrance to frame the interior timbers against the landscape beyond. Morning light before 10am gives warm tones without harsh shadows. For fall foliage shots, position yourself on the downstream side and use the water as a mirror — the Green River Covered Bridge is ideal for this. A polarizing filter cuts glare off the water and deepens foliage colors.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive through Vermont covered bridges?
Most covered bridges on this tour are still active roadways, so yes. They are single-lane, so yield to oncoming traffic and watch for posted weight limits (typically 6-8 tons). Pull off to the side before and after to take photos — never stop inside the bridge itself.
When is the best time to see covered bridges in Vermont?
Peak foliage (late September through mid-October) is the most dramatic, but each season has its appeal. Summer brings lush canopies and swimming holes near several bridges. Winter adds quiet, snow-dusted charm. For the lightest crowds, visit on a weekday morning.
Are Vermont covered bridges free to visit?
Every covered bridge on this tour is free and open to the public year-round. No admission fees, parking charges, or reservations needed.
Back to the Villa
After your loop through Vermont’s covered bridge country, head back to Valley View Villa to relax with a glass of wine by the fire or a soak in the hot tub. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and serenity—and a wonderful way to experience the quiet beauty of southern Vermont at your own pace.
🗺️ More to Explore Near Mount Snow
- A Fall Romantic Getaway Itinerary — a Friday-to-Sunday couples’ weekend plan
- Top 10 Things to Do at Mount Snow and West Dover, VT — Skiing and snowboarding at Mount Snow
- 1836 Country Store – Old-Fashioned General Store and Fudge in Wilmington, VT — Discover more near Mount Snow
- Cuzzins Bar & Grill: The Slope-Side Pub That Defines Après Ski at Mount Snow — Drinks and good vibes after skiing
- Cycling the Valley Trail – Easy Rides Between Dover and Wilmington — Scenic trails worth exploring nearby
