A Scenic Drive Through the Mad River Valley
With 103 covered bridges, Vermont has more per square mile than any other state, and the Mad River Valley is home to some of the most beautiful, each one a testament to craftsmanship, history, and the kind of quiet beauty that defines this corner of New England. This scenic 39-mile loop takes about an hour and a half to drive, but we recommend giving yourself a full afternoon. Pack a picnic, bring your camera, and set out to discover eight historic bridges that have stood the test of time.
If you’re staying at our Vermont lodging as your home base or planning a romantic weekend escape in search of the best places to propose in Vermont, this tour offers the perfect blend of history, scenery, and those picture-perfect Vermont moments you came here to find.
The Great Eddy Bridge (Waitsfield Covered Bridge) – History in Motion
Image by John Knox, Vermont by a Vermonter
Bridge St, Waitsfield, VT 05673
Start your journey where the Mad River flows through the heart of Waitsfield. The Great Eddy Bridge, also known as the Waitsfield Covered Bridge, is the oldest operating covered bridge in Vermont. Built in 1833 and lovingly restored in 1975, this bridge has been welcoming travelers for nearly two centuries.
At 105 feet, it holds the distinction of being the longest clear span of any Burr truss bridge in the state. Step inside and you’ll see the engineering genius of the arch-and-truss combination that’s as structurally sound today as it was when it was first built. The bridge spans the Mad River with a quiet confidence that comes from almost 200 years of standing strong through Vermont winters and spring floods.
What makes this bridge especially convenient is its location right in Waitsfield, within walking distance of local restaurants, shops, and just minutes from Mad River Lodges properties. Park nearby and take a moment to walk along the riverbank. Photographers love the way the bridge frames the river, and couples often find themselves lingering longer than planned, captivated by the peaceful setting.
Pine Brook Bridge – Unchanged Through Time
1283 N Rd, Waitsfield, VT 05673
From Waitsfield, take a peaceful countryside drive to the Pine Brook Bridge. Built in 1872, this 48-foot bridge is a rare gem in that it has never been altered. What you see today is exactly what travelers saw more than 150 years ago.
Tucked quietly off the main road, Pine Brook Bridge rewards those who seek it out. There’s no fanfare here, no crowds, just a simple wooden bridge crossing a gentle stream. It’s the kind of place that feels like a secret, even though it’s been standing in plain sight for generations.
*Images by John Knox, Vermont by a Vermonter
The Northfield Trio – Upper Cox, Lower Coxbrook (Newell), and Northfield Falls Bridges
Cox Brook Rd, Northfield, VT 05663
About 20 minutes from Waitsfield, you’ll find one of Vermont’s most photographed locations. Here, three covered bridges create a scene so picturesque it hardly seems real. From the Upper Cox Bridge, you can look through the Newell Bridge (also called Lower Coxbrook) to see the Station Bridge (Northfield Falls) in the distance. Three bridges, one unforgettable view.
All three were built around 1872 and painted the classic barn red that Vermont is famous for. The Northfield Falls Bridge is particularly impressive, stretching 137 feet to become one of the longest covered bridges in the state. Standing beneath these bridges, you can’t help but marvel at the skill of the builders who created them without modern machinery or materials. Each one tells a story of community effort, with neighbors coming together to build structures that would serve generations to come.
Pull over safely for photos (there are several good spots along the road), and if you have time, explore the area on foot. Stop by Falls General Store for a cold drink, scratch-made baked goods, and a friendly conversation with someone who’s lived in the Valley their whole life.
This is also an excellent spot for a picnic. Find a grassy spot with a view of the bridges, spread out your blanket, and enjoy farm-fresh sandwiches, local cheeses, and maybe a bottle of Vermont cider.
Slaughter House and Moseley Bridges – Quiet Corners of History
Image from John Knox of Vermont by a Vermonter
245 Slaughter house Rd, Northfield, VT 05663
Stony Brook Road, Northfield, VT, 05663
As you continue your loop, you’ll discover two smaller bridges that often get overlooked but deserve just as much attention. The Slaughter House Bridge, built around 1872, stands 55 feet long and, unlike the other Northfield bridges, it has rounded portals. It’s a rare original structure, offering an authentic glimpse into 19th-century bridge building.
The name might sound ominous, but it simply refers to a slaughterhouse that once operated nearby. Today, the bridge is surrounded by peaceful countryside, with nothing but birdsong and the occasional rustle of leaves to break the silence.
Just down the road, you’ll find the tiny Moseley Bridge or Stony Brook Covered Bridge. At only 39 feet long, it’s one of the shortest covered bridges in Vermont. Built in 1899 and renovated in 1971, it adds fun layer of charm to your tour.
Image from John Knox, Vermont by a Vermonter
The Warren Bridge – Coming Full Circle
Your tour comes to a beautiful close in Warren, where the Warren Covered Bridge spans the Mad River with distinctive character. Built in 1880, this bridge stands out for its unique design, featuring two different portal openings that give it a personality all its own. It’s a fitting symbol for Warren itself, a town that balances history with a welcoming, creative spirit.
The bridge is particularly stunning during golden hour, when the low sun casts warm light through the latticed sides and reflects off the river below. If you’re staying at The Warren Lodge, you’re just minutes away, making it easy to visit multiple times during your stay. Early morning, late afternoon, or even under moonlight, the Warren Bridge never looks quite the same twice.
After your tour, consider an afternoon pick-me-up from The Warren Store. Head back to your lodging with a hot coffee or tea in hand, sit outside as the sun sets, and appreciate the simple pleasure of having spent an afternoon discovering Vermont’s hidden gems.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Covered Bridges in Vermont?
The honest answer? Anytime. Each season brings its own magic to Vermont’s covered bridges, and part of the joy is experiencing how differently they look and feel throughout the year.
Fall is the classic choice, and for good reason. When the maples explode into reds, oranges, and golds, these bridges become the centerpiece of postcard-perfect scenes. The red-painted bridges create a stunning contrast against autumn foliage, and the cool, crisp air makes driving with the windows down an absolute pleasure. Just be aware that fall weekends can draw crowds, so consider visiting on a weekday if you prefer solitude.
Summer offers its own rewards. The lush green landscape surrounds each bridge, and many are located near swimming holes where you can cool off after your tour. Spend a morning driving from bridge to bridge, then float the afternoon away in the Mad River’s clear, cold water. Pack a towel and your swimsuit, and you’ve got a perfect Vermont summer day.
Spring brings wildflowers, rushing streams swollen with snowmelt, and that particular freshness that only comes when winter finally releases its grip. The bridges stand out against the soft greens of new leaves, and you’ll likely have many of them to yourself. Plus, if you time it right, you might catch maple sugaring season, another favorite Vermont tradition.
Winter transforms the bridges into something from a snow globe. Icicles hang from the eaves, snow blankets the approaches, and the muted landscape makes the dark wood and red paint stand out dramatically. If you’re visiting for skiing at Sugarbush or Mad River Glen, a covered bridge tour makes for a perfect rest day activity, offering a slower pace after days on the slopes.
Plan Your Covered Bridge Adventure
After a day of exploring, return to your lodge to relax by the fire, share stories over dinner, or simply sit outside and watch the stars appear over the mountains. That’s what Vermont is all about: creating space for the moments that matter.
Appreciate today, and start planning your covered bridge tour. We’ll see you soon in the Mad River Valley.