Maine’s Most Beautiful Covered Bridges Are Straight-Up Postcard Material
Maine’s countryside holds secrets that look like they’ve been plucked from a vintage postcard collection.
Covered bridges dot the landscape, offering glimpses into a simpler time when craftsmanship and beauty went hand-in-hand.
These wooden wonders aren’t just charming relics, they’re living history, spanning rivers and streams with architectural grace.
Pack your camera and prepare for a journey through New England’s most photogenic structures!
1. Sunday River Bridge (Artist’s Covered Bridge)
Painters and photographers flock here like geese heading south for winter, and honestly, who can blame them?
This crimson beauty spans Sunday River with such elegance that it practically begs you to whip out your sketchpad.
Built back in 1872, the structure showcases traditional Paddleford truss design that engineers still admire today.
Morning mist rising from the water creates an almost magical atmosphere around the weathered boards.
Visit during peak foliage season, and you’ll understand why this bridge earned its artistic nickname!
2. Hemlock Bridge
Tucked away in Fryeburg like a well-kept secret, this 1857 gem proves good things come in small packages.
At just 116 feet long, Hemlock Bridge might be petite, but its charm packs a serious punch.
The surrounding hemlock trees create a cathedral-like canopy that filters sunlight into dancing patterns across the weathered planks.
Kids love running through its cool, shaded interior while parents snap Instagram-worthy shots.
The bridge’s Paddleford truss system has withstood floods, storms, and over 160 Maine winters.
3. Lovejoy Bridge
Romance practically oozes from every board of this 1867 treasure spanning Ellis River.
Whether the Lovejoy name refers to the builder or just captures the bridge’s essence remains a delightful mystery.
Its bright white exterior stands out against the lush greenery like a wedding cake at a picnic.
Couples often stop here for engagement photos, and superstition says walking through together brings good luck.
The 70-foot span features Paddleford truss construction that’s outlasted countless modern structures.
4. Lowes Bridge
Don’t confuse this with your local hardware store—Lowes Bridge has been the real deal since 1857!
Stretching 147 feet across the Piscataquis River, this Guilford landmark showcases the kind of craftsmanship that puts modern shortcuts to shame.
Its sturdy Paddleford truss design has carried everything from horse-drawn wagons to pickup trucks without breaking a sweat.
The bridge’s weathered gray exterior tells stories of countless Maine seasons.
Fishermen often cast lines from the riverbanks nearby, adding life to already picturesque scenery.
5. Robyville Bridge
Built in 1876, this Corinth charmer crosses Kenduskeag Stream with the confidence of a bridge that knows it’s photogenic.
Its barn-red paint job practically glows during golden hour, making photographers weak in the knees.
The 40-foot span might seem modest, but what it lacks in length, it makes up for in personality!
The Paddleford truss construction remains solid as ever, proving old-school methods beat modern shortcuts.
Wildflowers bloom along the approaches each spring, adding natural decorations to an already stunning scene.
6. Babb’s Bridge
Tragedy and triumph walk hand-in-hand at this Windham location where three bridges have stood since 1840.
Arson destroyed the second bridge in 1973, breaking hearts across Maine, but community determination rebuilt it by 1976.
Today’s 147-foot structure honors both history and resilience, spanning the Presumpscot River with renewed pride.
The Paddleford truss design matches the original specifications almost perfectly.
Volunteers worked tirelessly to restore authentic details, from wooden pegs to hand-hewn beams.
7. Bennett Bridge
Way up in Lincoln Plantation, Bennett Bridge stands like a time traveler who forgot to return home.
This 1901 beauty stretches 93 feet across the Magalloway River, serving adventurous souls who venture into
Maine’s northern wilderness. Its remote location means fewer visitors but more authentic charm—think of it as the introvert of Maine’s covered bridges!
The Paddleford truss construction has weathered harsh northern winters that would make southern bridges shiver.
Moose sightings near the bridge aren’t uncommon, adding wildlife excitement to historical appreciation.
8. Porter-Parsonsfield Bridge
Talk about commitment issues—this bridge still can’t decide which town it belongs to, stretching 152 feet across the Ossipee River like a wooden handshake between Porter and Parsonsfield since 1876.
Its Paddleford truss design carries the span with an engineering grace that many modern bridges would envy.
Local kids from both towns have long met in the middle, turning it into an informal social hub with impressive historical credentials.
Weathered but steadfast, it proves that good neighbors really do make good bridges.
9. Trout Brook Bridge
With a name like Trout Brook Bridge, you’d expect good fishing nearby—and you wouldn’t be disappointed!
This Patten treasure from 1857 spans just 47 feet, making it one of Maine’s coziest covered bridges.
The intimate scale creates a tunnel-like effect that kids find absolutely thrilling to run through while parents holler warnings about slippery boards.
Its Queen post truss design differs from most Maine bridges, adding architectural variety to the state’s collection.
The surrounding forest creates a secluded atmosphere that feels miles from civilization.
10. Bethel Walking Path Covered Bridge
Here’s the youngster of the bunch—built in 2008, this Bethel newcomer proves covered bridges aren’t just history lessons.
Designed specifically for foot traffic, it connects walking paths with old-fashioned charm and modern safety standards.
The 48-foot span crosses a babbling brook that provides soothing background music for afternoon strolls.
Traditional construction methods honor Maine’s bridge-building heritage while serving today’s hikers and joggers.
Though it lacks centuries of history, this bridge shows that timeless design never goes out of style!