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Take The Perfect Wintery Photo at One of These 4 Covered Bridges

Feb 09, 2021 12:10PM ● By Virginia Dean
New England and Vermont have some of the most beautiful covered bridges around, the densest concentration of these beautiful structures in the country. Dating back to the 19th century and originally built to protect bridges from the natural elements, the state’s covered bridges are popular attractions and great places to visit and photograph. Here are a few covered bridges for you to check out to take the perfect wintery photoshoots.


The Windsor-Cornish Covered Bridge

is the longest wooden covered bridge in the country. Originally built in 1866 after three other bridges were destroyed by floods, this well-known bridge was once again repaired after suffering damage by floodwater and ice in 1977. The bridge is now featured on the Town Bicentennial Medal and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.


The Middle Covered Bridge

in Woodstock, VT this 139-foot long construction is a breathtaking sight to behold no matter the season. With a lattice truss structure that spans the Ottauquechee River, it was built in 1969 by Milton Graton to replace an 1877 iron bridge. It was constructed using traditional methods and materials down to the wooden pegs in lieu of nails. After it was set aflame by arsonists in 1984, the bridge was repaired and, with a separate walkway, is also used for foot traffic.


The Taftsville Covered Bridge

located in Woodstock, VT (in the Taftsville area) is one of the oldest covered bridges in the country. Completed in 1836, the timber-framed bridge spans 189 feet over the Ottauquechee River and was originally constructed by Solomon Emmons III. It survived Hurricane Irene in 2011 in part due to its early craftsman design likely influenced by Swiss tradition. The modified multiple kingpost truss design complete with arches remains one of the most stunning and effective designs in covered bridge history.


The Lincoln Covered Bridge

in West Woodstock, VT crosses the Ottauquechee River to Fletcher Hill and Bridges Road. Constructed in 1877, it was the only known wooden example of a variation of the Pratt truss featuring flanking arch trusses made of six laminated layers. The design paved the way for steel highway and railroad bridges of the future. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places (circa 1973) and has a span of 136 feet. It is a one-lane bridge built by R.W. Pinney and B.H. Pinney and was recently reopened to traffic after recent damage from an oversized vehicle trying to pass through its historic structure.


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