Connecticut Covered Bridges Road Trip: A Local’s Guide to Historic & Scenic Spots

I’ve always had a soft spot for covered bridges. Growing up in Connecticut, I remember weekend drives where we’d stumble upon these quaint wooden spans tucked in the countryside. In fact, the first covered bridge in the U.S. was built right here in Connecticut back in 1804! While that original bridge (and many others from the 19th century) is long gone, a handful of historic covered bridges in Connecticut still stand today – three of them even date back to the 1800s and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Recently, I decided to take a Connecticut covered bridges road trip, visiting these scenic spots across the state. What I found was a delightful mix of history, natural beauty, and small-town charm. From the best covered bridges to visit in CT tucked in our northwest hills to hidden gems in state parks, each stop had its own story. Come along as I share my journey, with personal tips on parking, nearby eats (gotta have coffee breaks!), and why these bridges make great family outings and fall foliage photo spots. Let’s hit the road!

Bull’s Bridge – Kent’s Historic Covered Crossing in Litchfield County

Image: housatonicheritage.org

Bull’s Bridge in Kent blends into the rustic landscape with its weathered wood. This single-lane 1842 bridge still carries cars across the Housatonic River in Connecticut’s northwest hills.

Pulling off Route 7 in Kent, I found myself at Bull’s Bridge – one of the last functional covered bridges in the state. This historic covered bridge was originally built in 1842 (legend says George Washington even crossed an earlier version of it during the Revolution). Driving through it is a treat; the bridge is single-lane and still open to vehicles, one of only two covered bridges in CT where you can actually drive across in your car. There’s a small dirt parking area by the bridge, so I parked and took a short stroll around. The sound of the Housatonic River rushing below was constant – just downstream is a hydroelectric dam, creating waterfalls and rapids that make this spot popular with sightseers. In fact, Bull’s Bridge isn’t just a bridge; it also offers a wonderful little river hike with cascades, swirling rapids, and even a tiny gorge overlook if you’re up for a brief climb. Part of the trail here overlaps with the famous Appalachian Trail, so don’t be surprised if you see backpack-laden hikers passing through.

As a local, I recommend taking the footpath that runs alongside the bridge – it leads to a rocky viewpoint where you can safely watch the rapids. The cover on the bridge isn’t just for charm, by the way – covered bridges were designed with roofs and siding to protect their timber structure from rot and weather damage. Standing inside Bull’s Bridge, peering through its latticed trusses at the river below, I felt a bit like I’d traveled back in time. Once I’d had my fill of photos (the morning light filtering through the wood slats was gorgeous), I headed into Kent village, just a few miles north, for a coffee and lunch. Kent’s an adorable town with cafes and the famous Fife ’n Drum restaurant – a perfect place to warm up after an autumn bridge walk. In summer, I’ve also grabbed ice cream in Kent and picnicked by the bridge. Whether you’re a history buff or just love nature, Bull’s Bridge offers both: history and scenery in one stop.

West Cornwall Covered Bridge – Connecticut’s Iconic Red Bridge

Image: https://cornwallct.org/

The West Cornwall Covered Bridge, painted a classic red, spans the Housatonic River in Litchfield County. Dating to 1864, it remains one of the most photogenic bridges in New England, especially in autumn.

Heading further up into the Litchfield Hills, I made my way to West Cornwall, home to arguably Connecticut’s most iconic covered bridge. West Cornwall Covered Bridge is the one you see on postcards – a 172-foot long barn-red bridge stretching across the Housatonic River. It’s been in service since 1864 and was designed by Ithiel Town (inventor of the lattice truss), which gives the interior its crisscross wood pattern. Like Bull’s Bridge, West Cornwall’s is a one-lane bridge still open to vehicle traffic, so drive slowly and be ready to yield to oncoming cars (and watch for pedestrians taking photos!). There are small pull-off parking spots on each side of the bridge. I parked by the West Cornwall side, right near a little shop and cafe, and immediately took out my camera – the setting is just stunning. In the fall, this bridge is a prime leaf-peeping spot, with orange and gold foliage framing the bright red structure and river below. It’s no wonder this place is a favorite fall foliage photo spot in CT – it looks like something out of a New England travel magazine.

Walking across the West Cornwall Bridge, I noticed the wooden boards creak underfoot and the scent of aged timber – you can almost sense the 150+ years of history here. Fun fact: this bridge was strengthened and renovated in the late 1960s and early ’70s to preserve it, and it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places (added in 1975). On the far side (the Sharon side of the river), there’s a pull-off where you can step down to the river’s edge. I sat on a rock here, listening to the river and gazing back at the covered bridge – the reflection of that red silhouette in the water on a calm day is picture-perfect. If you’re hungry or craving a treat, West Cornwall has a small country store and a couple of eateries. Just steps from the bridge is a cozy spot called The Pink House, where you can grab lunch or dinner (it’s a newer restaurant that locals rave about). I chatted with another visitor who had brought their family; the kids were excited just running through the “tunnel” of the bridge. Indeed, this bridge and town make for a family-friendly outing – easy access, beautiful scenery, and even an ice cream stand in the warmer months nearby. Don’t leave without taking a short drive up or down Route 7/128 – the surrounding countryside of Cornwall is classic Connecticut charm, with rolling hills, farms, and galleries. West Cornwall Covered Bridge truly lives up to its hype as one of the best covered bridges to visit in CT – it’s not just a bridge, it’s a whole experience of Connecticut’s past and present beauty.

Comstock Covered Bridge – A Peaceful Crossing on the Salmon River (East Hampton/Colchester)

Image: https://chathamhistoricalct.org/

From the northwest hills, my covered bridges road trip took me eastward. Tucked away in Salmon River State Forest on the East Hampton/Colchester line is the Comstock Covered Bridge, one of Connecticut’s lesser-known gems. This bridge has a more sleepy vibe compared to the busy Cornwall bridge – it no longer carries cars, only pedestrians, so it’s perfect for a quiet stroll. I arrived at Comstock Bridge Road (there’s a small gravel parking lot by the bridge) and was greeted by the sight of a reddish-brown wooden bridge spanning the Salmon River. The Comstock Bridge was originally built in 1840 (with an uncovered design at first) and later got its protective roof – it’s actually one of the three surviving 19th-century covered bridges in the state. The bridge was used for travel long ago, connecting local towns, but today it sits in a little riverside park as a recreational spot. In fact, it was closed to vehicles in the 1930s and restored multiple times (major renovations in the 1970s and again in 2012) to keep it safe for generations to come.

Stepping onto Comstock’s wooden planks, I noticed it has a Howe truss design inside (a different style of construction than the lattice of Bull’s and Cornwall). The surroundings here are really peaceful – all I could hear was the burble of the Salmon River and the wind in the trees. I saw a couple of people fishing in the river just below; apparently this area is popular for trout fishing. The bridge has gates at each end now, mainly to prevent any vehicles from attempting to cross. I walked through at my own pace, enjoying the shade of the covered structure. Halfway, there are little windows (cut-outs in the siding) where you can peek out at the water. If you visit in autumn, the view of golden leaves reflecting in the river through those window openings is magical. On the far side, there are picnic tables and trailheads – a perfect spot to have a packed lunch. I actually sat down and had a sandwich while watching the river. This bridge is a bit off the beaten path, but that’s part of its charm. Before leaving, I read the historical sign posted there: it mentioned that Comstock Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Standing there, you really feel the history. For a quick side adventure, the nearby Air Line State Park Trail isn’t far – a great biking/hiking trail on an old rail line – and the village of Colchester is a short drive if you need a coffee or to refill your water. Comstock may be out of the way, but it’s a must-visit for covered bridge enthusiasts seeking a tranquil spot steeped in local lore.

Devil’s Hopyard Covered Bridge – Nature & Waterfalls in East Haddam

My next stop brought me to Devil’s Hopyard State Park in East Haddam, for a completely different covered bridge experience. Unlike the others, this one is a small pedestrian covered bridge right in the middle of a state park known for its waterfall and hiking trails. I pulled into the park’s main lot (parking is free for CT residents), and after a short walk along a wooded path, I found the cute wooden bridge. It crosses a brook (the Eightmile River) just downstream of Chapman Falls – you can actually hear the waterfall as you approach. This Devil’s Hopyard covered bridge is more modern (built in the 1980s) and purely for walking, but it’s built in the old style with a gabled roof and sides. As I walked through, I noticed how the sunlight created patterns on the wooden floor. On the other side of the bridge, a trail continues along the water toward the base of Chapman Falls, which is the park’s main attraction. The combination of a covered bridge + a waterfall in one place is a photographer’s dream. I spent a while setting up a shot of the bridge with the falls in the background – talk about scenic! In peak fall foliage, the whole area here bursts into color, making this one of my favorite photo spots in CT for nature lovers.

The park itself has more to explore: lots of hiking trails, picnic areas, and even some interesting geological sites (ask a local about the “Devil’s Oven” potholes in the rocks – that’s how the park got its name). After enjoying the waterfall (you can climb to the top of it via a trail and stone steps), I headed back across the covered bridge to the picnic area. Families with young kids were tossing pebbles in the creek and enjoying the bridge – it provides a safe, charming passage over the stream, so it’s definitely a family-friendly bridge walk. Near the bridge there are informational signs about how the state park was established in 1919. If you’re visiting, note that there are no food vendors in the park, so I’d suggest bringing a picnic or snacks. Alternatively, the town of East Haddam isn’t too far – you could stop by a local café or ice cream shop after your hike (I ended up driving into East Haddam village for ice cream at Two Wrasslin’ Cats, a quirky coffee shop, as a reward). Devil’s Hopyard’s covered bridge might not be historic like the others, but it perfectly blends into the natural setting. For anyone planning a Connecticut covered bridges road trip, including a state park bridge like this adds a nice mix of outdoor adventure to the historical sights.

Family-Friendly Bridge Walk: Twin Brooks Park in Trumbull

My final stop brought me downstate to Fairfield County, proving that covered bridges aren’t just a rural northern thing here. In Trumbull, a suburban town, there’s a lovely little covered bridge right at the entrance of Twin Brooks Park – and it’s become a local favorite for family outings. Twin Brooks Park is a town park (easy to find off Brock Street) with playgrounds, a pond, walking paths, and yes, a covered bridge welcoming you in. I parked in the lot just inside the park, and there was the bridge: a bright red wooden span going over a small stream (the Pequonnock River) at the park’s entrance. It almost felt like a mini version of the Cornwall bridge, painted red and with a peaked roof, but on a much smaller scale. As I walked through, I noticed a sign detailing the park’s history – the land was acquired in the 1960s and opened as a park in 1975. The covered bridge itself is primarily decorative and for pedestrians (no cars here; the road bypasses it), but it certainly adds charm. In fact, it’s practical too – I saw some folks fishing in the stream below, and the bridge provided a nice shady spot for them to set up.

What makes Twin Brooks really shine is how family-friendly it is. I met a mom pushing a stroller across the bridge while her toddler giggled at the echo their footsteps made under the roof. There were kids on bicycles riding the paved loop trail that runs through the park, which goes right over the covered bridge. Just beyond the bridge are picnic pavilions and a playground, so it’s common to see families having birthday parties or weekend picnics here, with the covered bridge as a cute backdrop. In spring, the park’s wildflower fields bloom and the whole area around the bridge is very picturesque. And if you visit in winter, the park hill is popular for sledding – imagine sledding under a covered bridge! (I’ve done it – it’s a blast, but watch your head!) For practical tips: there are restrooms on site, plenty of parking, and the park is right near Trumbull’s town center if you need to grab a coffee or snack beforehand. One fun fact a local fisherman shared with me: the state’s DEEP (environmental department) has used this bridge as a spot to stock trout in the river – they literally dump buckets of fish from the bridge into the stream each spring, much to the delight of onlookers. All in all, Twin Brooks Park’s covered bridge may not be historic, but it’s a perfect example of a family-friendly bridge walk in CT – easy, safe, and set in a park with lots to do. It was the perfect relaxing endpoint to my road trip.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Own Connecticut Covered Bridges Adventure

My journey across Connecticut’s covered bridges ended with a heart (and camera) full of wonderful memories. From the historic covered bridges of Kent and Cornwall, steeped in history and framed by autumn leaves, to the quiet charm of Comstock Bridge and the playful park setting in Trumbull, each stop offered something unique. These bridges are more than just photo opportunities – they’re portals into Connecticut’s rural past and a great excuse for a scenic drive or road trip with family and friends. I found practical perks at each spot (free parking, nearby cafes, picnic tables for lunch, and friendly locals eager to share stories). Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, photographer, or parent looking for a family-friendly day trip, Connecticut’s covered bridges have you covered (pun intended!).

So why not plan your own Connecticut covered bridges road trip? Pack a picnic, charge your camera, and hit the winding back roads of our beautiful state. You’ll discover rushing rivers and waterfalls, quaint towns where time moves a bit slower, and yes – those charming wooden bridges patiently waiting to tell their stories. Trust me, there’s nothing like the simple joy of walking (or driving) through a covered bridge on a crisp New England day. Happy travels, and enjoy exploring these scenic spots across Connecticut!