The Longest Covered Bridges in The US

Covered bridges hold a special charm in American history. Once a vital part of rural infrastructure, these timber-framed crossings combined engineering innovation with simple elegance. Many have been lost to time, storms, and modern development, but some of the longest covered bridges in the United States remain standing as proud reminders of craftsmanship and community spirit.

Covered bridges were designed with roofs and siding to protect their wooden trusses from the elements, extending their lifespans by decades. While thousands once dotted the countryside, today they are far rarer. The few that survive include some spectacularly long examples that stretch across wide rivers and scenic valleys.

Check out some of the longest covered bridges in the United States that still stand today, each with its own story, architectural style, and unique backdrop.

Smolen-Gulf Covered Bridge, Ohio

• Length: 613 feet

• Built: 2008

• Location: Ashtabula County, Ohio

• Style: Pratt truss

The Smolen-Gulf Covered Bridge is not only the longest covered bridge in Ohio but also the longest in the United States overall, surpassing even the iconic Cornish-Windsor in total length. At 613 feet, it is a modern marvel built to honor a historic tradition.

Opened in 2008, this bridge was designed by John Smolen, a covered bridge engineer dedicated to preserving this form of architecture in Ashtabula County, known for having one of the highest concentrations of covered bridges in the country.

Constructed with glue-laminated timber and steel reinforcements, it can handle full highway traffic and features pedestrian walkways. Despite its modern build, it retains the nostalgic feel of a historic covered bridge, making it a popular attraction.

Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge, New Hampshire and Vermont

• Length: 449 feet

• Built: 1866

• Location: Spans the Connecticut River between Cornish, NH and Windsor, VT

• Style: Town lattice truss

The Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge is often hailed as the longest wooden covered bridge in the United States and one of the longest in the world. Stretching an impressive 449 feet, this two-span bridge links New Hampshire and Vermont across the scenic Connecticut River.

Built in 1866 at a cost of $9,000, it has stood the test of time, with renovations over the years preserving its historic charm. The bridge uses the Town lattice truss design, a popular 19th-century method known for its strength and efficient use of materials.

Today, the bridge carries vehicles and pedestrians, offering a picturesque route between two New England towns. It is a favorite spot for photographers, especially during autumn when the riverbanks burst with color.

Medora Covered Bridge, Indiana

• Length: 434 feet

• Built: 1875

• Location: Carr Township, Jackson County, Indiana

• Style: Triple-span Burr arch truss

The Medora Covered Bridge stretches 434 feet across the East Fork White River. Built in 1875, this triple-span bridge was constructed by master bridge builder J.J. Daniels, who was responsible for many of Indiana’s most iconic covered bridges.

The bridge’s Burr arch truss design combines the arch’s natural strength with multiple timber components to handle the weight of wagons and later vehicles. It served the community for more than a century before being bypassed by a modern road.

Today, it stands as a pedestrian bridge and historic landmark. Festivals, photography tours, and community events often feature the Medora Covered Bridge as their backdrop.

Bridgeport Covered Bridge, California

• Length: 229 feet

• Built: 1862

• Location: South Yuba River State Park, Nevada County, California

• Style: Howe truss

California is not the first state most people think of when it comes to covered bridges, but the Bridgeport Covered Bridge is a true gem of the West Coast. Spanning 229 feet, it was built in 1862 as part of a toll road for miners and settlers heading to the Sierra Nevada foothills during the Gold Rush era.

This single-span Howe truss bridge is one of the longest single-span wooden covered bridges in the world. It was constructed by David Isaac John Wood and has survived floods, weather, and decades of use.

Today, it stands as a centerpiece of South Yuba River State Park, where visitors can walk across it and learn about its history through interpretive displays. Restoration work in recent years has ensured its preservation for future generations.

Humpback Covered Bridge, Virginia

• Length: 109 feet

• Built: 1857

• Location: Covington, Virginia

• Style: Multiple kingpost truss

The Humpback Covered Bridge in Covington, Virginia, may not be the longest on this list, but it is one of the most unique and well-known. At 109 feet, it is famous for its distinctive curved shape, which gives the bridge its nickname “humpback.”

Constructed in 1857, the bridge was built with a pronounced arch to help water flow underneath during floods. This design also made it easier for wagons to pass across. It served the region for many decades and is now preserved as part of a roadside park along US Route 60.

Visitors can walk across the bridge, picnic nearby, and enjoy the quiet charm of this one-of-a-kind landmark that represents early American ingenuity.

Columbia-Wrightsville Covered Bridge (Historic), Pennsylvania

• Length: 5,600 feet (historic)

• Built: Multiple reconstructions (most notable: 1863)

• Location: Spanned the Susquehanna River between Columbia and Wrightsville, Pennsylvania

• Style: Burr arch truss

Though no longer standing in its original form, the Columbia-Wrightsville Covered Bridge deserves mention for its astonishing length. At more than a mile long, it was one of the longest covered bridges ever built in the United States.

The most famous version, built in 1863, was burned during the Civil War to prevent Confederate forces from crossing the Susquehanna River. Today, a modern bridge occupies the site, but historical markers and images commemorate this engineering marvel.

While the original is gone, its legacy remains part of Pennsylvania’s rich covered bridge history, which includes more than 200 surviving examples across the state.

Eldean Covered Bridge, Ohio

• Length: 224 feet

• Built: 1860

• Location: Troy, Ohio

• Style: Long truss

The Eldean Covered Bridge is one of Ohio’s most iconic historic structures and ranks among the longest covered bridges in the United States. Spanning the Great Miami River just north of Troy, this 224-foot bridge has stood for more than 160 years and continues to impress visitors with its elegant Long truss design.

Built in 1860, the bridge originally served a vital role in connecting local farms and towns across the river. Its preservation today is a testament to Ohio’s commitment to maintaining its historic infrastructure. The bridge was restored in the early 2000s and is now open to pedestrian traffic, offering a scenic crossing with views of the surrounding countryside.

Travelers stopping in western Ohio can walk across the Eldean Covered Bridge and experience a tangible piece of 19th-century engineering that remains a cherished landmark in Miami County.

Why Covered Bridges Endure as American Icons

Covered bridges are far more than quaint river crossings. They are living links to the past, carrying stories of commerce, craftsmanship, and community pride across generations. Once essential lifelines for rural towns, these wooden structures protected their timber frames with roofs designed to withstand rain and snow, allowing them to endure far longer than open wooden bridges.

At their peak in the late 19th century, the United States had an estimated 14,000 covered bridges spanning rivers, creeks, and valleys. Most were eventually lost to floods, fires, and the rise of stronger steel and concrete bridges that could handle heavier traffic. Today, fewer than 800 remain, but those that survive have become beloved landmarks and treasured pieces of Americana.

From the sweeping length of Ohio’s Smolen-Gulf Bridge to the historic charm of the Cornish-Windsor in New England, these crossings continue to captivate travelers, photographers, and history enthusiasts. Visiting one feels like stepping into a living postcard from the 19th century, where the hum of modern traffic gives way to the creak of wooden planks beneath your feet. Whether you walk, drive, or pause at the riverbank, each bridge offers a moment suspended between past and present.

Visiting the Longest Covered Bridges

Each of these bridges offers more than a scenic crossing. Many are located in areas rich with history, festivals, and outdoor recreation. For instance:

• Smolen-Gulf Covered Bridge in Ohio is part of a countywide covered bridge tour.

• Medora Covered Bridge in Indiana hosts events celebrating its heritage.

• Bridgeport Covered Bridge in California provides access to trails and swimming spots along the Yuba River.

• Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge connects travelers to quaint New England villages with antique shops and riverside dining.

Photography is a major draw, especially in autumn and winter when these structures are framed by colorful leaves or fresh snow. Many are open to foot traffic, while some still carry cars and light trucks.

Final Thoughts

The United States once had thousands of covered bridges, but only a few long and remarkable ones remain. They stand as tributes to the past, blending functionality with beauty in a way that modern overpasses rarely match.

Each bridge on this list tells a story of resilience, restoration, and cultural pride. Whether you visit the towering Smolen-Gulf Bridge in Ohio, stroll across the Bridgeport Covered Bridge in California, or admire the autumn view from the Cornish-Windsor Bridge, you will find that these crossings are more than wooden structures, they are living landmarks.

Quick Facts: The Longest Covered Bridges in the US