Smith Millennium Bridge, a historic covered bridge, spans Baker River in New Hampshire, in Plymouth County. Built in 2001, it represents the craftsmanship of its era.

Covered bridges like this one were built with roofs and siding not for the comfort of travelers but to protect the load-bearing timber trusses from rain and snow. Without this protection, exposed wooden bridges typically lasted only ten to fifteen years, while covered bridges could stand for a century or more with proper maintenance.

New Hampshire’s covered bridges dot the landscape of the White Mountains region and the Connecticut River valley, each one a reminder of the state’s rural heritage.

Visitors can typically view and photograph the bridge year-round from nearby roads and paths. Fall foliage season provides an especially picturesque setting, when the surrounding hardwood forests frame the weathered timbers in brilliant color. Many covered bridge enthusiasts plan driving tours connecting multiple bridges in a single region, making these structures ideal waypoints for a day of scenic exploration.

Explore Nearby

• Hazen’s Notch State Park — State Park in Vermont
• Green River Reservoir State Park — State Park in Vermont
• Maxfield Point Light — Lighthouse in New Hampshire
• Burlington Breakwater North Light — Lighthouse in New Hampshire
• White Mountain National Forest — National Forest in New Hampshire, Maine