Island Pond Footbridge, a historic covered bridge, spans railroad tracks in Vermont, in Essex County. Built in 2003, 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

• Brighton State Park — State Park in Vermont
• Sentinel Rock State Park — State Park in Vermont
• Maxfield Point Light — Lighthouse in New Hampshire
• White Mountain National Forest — National Forest in New Hampshire, Maine
• White Mountain Trail — Scenic Byway in New Hampshire