Brookwood, a historic covered bridge, stands in Alabama, in Tuscaloosa County. Built in 1850, 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.

Alabama’s covered bridges are among the southernmost examples of this distinctly American architectural form, built to withstand the region’s heavy rains and humid climate.

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

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• Table Bluff Light — Lighthouse in California
• Fort Humboldt State Historic Park — State Park in California
• Samoa Dunes Recreation Area — Public Land in California
• Elk River Trailhead — Public Land