Connecticut may be small, but it holds onto a handful of covered bridges that look like they belong on the cover of an old New England calendar. These wooden crossings arch over quiet rivers and streams, and most of them have stood for more than a century.
Some you can still drive across, while others are set aside for people on foot. If you enjoy fall drives, slow scenery, or spots that make you want to pull over for a photo, this list is a good place to start.
Here are eight covered bridges across the state worth planning a trip around.
1. West Cornwall Covered Bridge, West Cornwall
Painted a warm barn red, the West Cornwall Covered Bridge is one of the few historic covered bridges in the country that still carries regular vehicle traffic.
It stretches across the Housatonic River in the northwest corner of the state, connecting the towns of Cornwall and Sharon. The bridge dates to the mid-1800s and uses a combination of truss designs that helped it survive floods over the years.
Drivers should take it slow, since the wooden passage is narrow and only one lane. Once across, you land near the small village of West Cornwall, where a few shops and eateries make an easy stop.
Fall is the busiest season here, thanks to the surrounding hills lighting up in color. The Housatonic below is popular with anglers and paddlers, so there is often gentle activity on the water.
It is a working bridge with genuine history, which is exactly why it earns the top spot.
2. Bulls Bridge, Kent
Down in the town of Kent sits one of only two historic covered bridges in Connecticut still open to cars, and it comes with a bonus: a rocky river gorge right below.
Bulls Bridge crosses the Housatonic River where the water tumbles through boulders and small rapids, giving the spot a rugged feel you do not always expect near a quiet wooden bridge.
There is a parking area nearby, and a short walk lets you take in views of the gorge and the water rushing through. The Appalachian Trail also passes close by, so hikers often work this area into a longer outing.
The bridge itself is single lane, so patience helps when another car approaches. Combine it with a trip through Kent, known for its galleries and small downtown, and you have an easy half-day plan built around scenery and history.
3. Comstock Covered Bridge, East Hampton
Set along the Salmon River, the Comstock Covered Bridge is a peaceful pedestrian crossing that feels far removed from busy roads.
Closed to vehicle traffic, it invites walkers to slow down and take in the river below. The structure includes an enclosed section with a lattice truss plus a short open span, which gives it a distinctive look compared to fully enclosed bridges.
The bridge connects to the Salmon River State Forest, so there are trails and open space to explore on either side. Anglers come here too, since the Salmon River is a known fishing spot.
Parking is available nearby, and the setting works well for a quiet stroll or a picnic. I like this stop for anyone who wants the storybook look without dodging cars, since you can stand right in the middle and simply enjoy the view.
4. Lovers Leap Bridge, New Milford
Not every memorable crossing in Connecticut is made entirely of wood, and Lovers Leap State Park in New Milford proves the point with a striking historic bridge over a river gorge.
The park centers on a dramatic bend in the Housatonic River, with rocky ledges and forested slopes framing the water. Trails wind through the area and lead to overlooks that show off the gorge from above.
The bridge here is an older iron structure that adds to the postcard feel, especially in autumn when the surrounding trees turn.
Admission to the state park is free, and there is parking for visitors who want to wander the paths. The mix of water views, walking trails, and history makes it a nice detour if you are already touring the Litchfield County area.
It is a good pick when you want scenery and a bit of stretching room, not just a quick photo and a return to the car.
5. Kent Falls State Park Bridge, Kent
Waterfalls and a covered bridge together in one spot make Kent Falls State Park a favorite for families and photographers alike.
A small covered footbridge sits near the base of the park’s series of cascades, offering a classic photo lineup with rushing water behind it. The falls drop over a series of ledges, and a trail with steps lets visitors climb alongside them for closer looks.
The bridge is a newer structure compared to the historic crossings elsewhere on this list, but it fits the surroundings and gives the whole scene that storybook charm.
There is a parking fee during peak season, and picnic areas make it easy to linger. The lower area near the bridge is flat and accessible, so you can enjoy the view without the climb if you prefer.
Between the waterfalls, the greenery, and the little bridge, it is one of the most photographed corners in the town of Kent.
6. Chatfield Hollow Covered Bridge, Killingworth
Tucked inside a state park in Killingworth, the covered bridge at Chatfield Hollow crosses near Schreeder Pond and adds a quaint touch to a wooded setting.
The park itself is a draw, with hiking trails, a swimming area at the pond, and rocky ledges that kids love to explore. The little bridge gives visitors a scenic pause between the trails and the water.
Chatfield Hollow has a long history as a recreation spot, and the bridge fits right into that easygoing atmosphere.
Seasonal parking fees apply, and there are picnic tables and open space for spreading out. Because the bridge sits within a larger park, it works best as part of a full outing rather than a standalone stop.
If you want a spot where the whole family can swim, hike, and still grab a charming bridge photo, this one covers a lot of ground in a single visit.
7. Southford Falls Covered Bridge, Oxford
A red covered footbridge over a cascading stream is the signature image at Southford Falls State Park in Oxford.
The bridge crosses Eightmile Brook right where the water steps down over a series of small falls, making it one of the more photogenic setups in the region. A short, family-friendly loop trail circles the falls and pond, so the walk is manageable for most visitors.
There is also an observation tower in the park for those who want a higher vantage point over the treetops.
The area was once home to a matchstick factory, and remnants of that industrial past add a layer of history to the peaceful scene. Parking is available, and the falls tend to look their best after rain or during the spring melt.
For a quick nature stop that delivers both moving water and a classic covered bridge in one frame, Southford Falls is hard to beat.
8. Johnsonville Covered Bridge, East Haddam
History fans and curious road trippers will find something a little different in the East Haddam area, where the old Johnsonville village site sits along the Moodus River.
Johnsonville is a former mill village that has taken on an almost frozen-in-time character over the decades. A covered bridge is part of the collection of vintage structures that give the area its unusual, storybook quality.
Because much of the property has changed hands over the years, access can vary, so it is smart to check current conditions before planning a close visit.
The surrounding East Haddam region offers plenty to round out a trip, including the Moodus area and nearby state parks. The village setting, with its old buildings and quiet pond, feels like a snapshot from another era.
For travelers who enjoy offbeat history alongside their bridge hunting, Johnsonville makes a memorable and slightly mysterious final stop on the list.
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