Gold Mine Bridge, a historic covered bridge, spans stream in Connecticut, in New London County. Built in 2015, the bridge features town 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.

Connecticut’s surviving covered bridges are rare treasures in a state where most were replaced by modern spans during the industrial era.

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

• Bear Hill Wildlife Management Area — State Park in Connecticut
• Hopemead State Park — State Park in Connecticut
• Mystic Seaport Light — Lighthouse in Connecticut
• New London Harbor Light — Lighthouse in Connecticut
• Connecticut State Route 169 — Scenic Byway in Connecticut