Hectorville, a historic covered bridge, spans South Branch of Trout River on Gibou Road in Vermont, in Franklin County. Built in 1883, the bridge features town lattice and king post 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

• Hazen’s Notch State Park — State Park in Vermont
• Lake Carmi State Park — State Park in Vermont
• Maxfield Point Light — Lighthouse in New Hampshire
• Isle La Motte Light — Lighthouse in New Hampshire
• White Mountain National Forest — National Forest in New Hampshire, Maine