Hemlock Bridge, a historic covered bridge, stands in Maine, in Fryeburg County. Built in 1857, the bridge features paddleford truss with arch 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.

Maine’s covered bridges weather harsh winters along the rivers and streams of the Pine Tree State, their sturdy construction a testament to the Yankee builders who designed them to last.

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

• Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park — State Park in Maine
• Whaleback Shell Midden — State Park in Maine
• St. John Valley Cultural Byway/Fish River Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Maine
• Schoodic Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Maine
• Ram Island Light — Lighthouse in Maine