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Visit Maine

Covered Bridges

Maine protects its scenic, historic covered bridges

The golden age of covered bridges in America spanned the 19th century. At one time, Maine had about 120 covered bridges; many were lost to floods, fire, and highway modernization projects. Nine bridges remain, most of them in the western lakes and mountains region. One of the most famous is known by two names: the Sunday River Bridge and the Artist’s Covered Bridge, in Newry. The bridge acquired the second name because its special beauty has made it a favorite subject for painters and photographers. Taking a scenic drive is an excellent way to view covered bridges in Maine.

8 places to visit

  • Corinth, ME

    Robyville Bridge

    Location: About three miles northwest of Kenduskeag Village

    This bridge, the only completely shingled covered bridge in the state, was built in 1876. The bridge crosses Kenduskeag Stream in Robyville Village. The bridge was reinforced in 1984 to carry local traffic. Long truss; 73 feet long.
    Cushman Road

  • Littleton, ME

    Watson Settlement Bridge

    Location: Southeast of Littleton

    This bridge, built in 1911, is the farthest north and the newest of Maine's original covered bridges. It crosses Meduxnekeag Stream. In 1984 the bridge was closed to traffic when a new bridge was built. Howe truss; design and has two spans with a total length of 170 feet.
    Carson Road

  • Guilford, ME

    Low's Bridge

    Location: Just off State Route 15 south of Guilford Village.

    This bridge, built in 1857, was washed away by the flood of April 1, 1987. A modern covered bridge, patterned after the original, was built on the original abutments in 1990. The bridge crosses the Piscataquis River. Length of 120 feet.
    Off State Route 15

  • South Andover, ME

    Lovejoy Bridge

    Location: South of Andover

    This bridge, built in 1868, spans the Ellis River. It is Maine's shortest covered bridge. The bridge was reinforced in 1984 to carry local traffic. Paddleford truss; 70 feet long.
    Covered Bridge Road

  • Fryeburg, ME

    Hemlock Bridge

    Location: Three miles north of East Fryeburg

    Hemlock Bridge, built in 1857, crosses an old channel of the Saco River near Kezar Pond. The bridge was reinforced to carry local traffic in 1988. Paddleford truss with laminated wooden arches; 109 feet long.
    Hemlock Bridge Road

  • Newry, ME

    Sunday River Bridge (Artist's Covered Bridge)

    Location: Four miles northwest of North Bethel near Routes 2 and 26

    This bridge, built in 1872, crosses the Sunday River. It is named the Artist's Bridge because of its reputation as being the most photographed and painted of the venerable covered bridges in Maine. The bridge was closed to traffic in 1958 when a new bridge was built downstream. Paddleford truss; 87 feet long.
    Sunday River Road

  • Porter, ME

    Parsonsfield-Porter Bridge

    Location: One-half mile south of Porter

    The Parsonsfield-Porter Bridge, which crosses the Ossipee River, was built by the towns of Porter and Parsonsfield as a joint project in 1859. The bridge was closed to traffic in 1960 when a new bridge was built upstream. Paddleford truss with laminated wooden arches; 152 feet long.
    Off Route 160

  • South Windham, ME

    Babb's Bridge

    Location: Southwest of Windham off River Road

    Babb's Bridge carries Covered Bridge Road over the Presumpscott River. This historic bridge was built in 1843; destroyed by fire in 1973; and rebuilt in 1976. One-span queenpost truss; 79 feet long.
    Covered Bridge Road