Rutland Railroad, a historic covered bridge, spans Richville Pond on an abandoned railroad bed in Vermont, in Addison County. Built in 1897, the bridge features howe truss construction, 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.

Vermont holds more covered bridges per square mile than any other state, and each one offers a window into the rural character that defines the Green Mountain State.

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

• Branbury State Park — State Park in Vermont
• Half Moon Pond State Park — State Park in Vermont
• Point Aux Roches Light — Lighthouse in New York
• Crown Point Light — Lighthouse in New York
• Swede Mountain Trail — Public Land in Alaska