Johnny Esau, a historic covered bridge, spans Unknown brook in Vermont, in Windham County. Built in 2004, the bridge features town lattice 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

• Molly Stark State Park — State Park in Vermont
• Fort Dummer State Park — State Park in Vermont
• Green Mountain National Forest — National Forest in Vermont
• Connecticut River Byway — Scenic Byway in Massachusetts
• Jarvis Island Light — Lighthouse in New Hampshire