Kentucky once had hundreds of covered bridges dotting its back roads, and today only a small handful of the originals are still standing. Each one has its own look, its own story, and its own quiet stretch of countryside worth exploring.
Getting to them means driving through farmland and small towns you might never see otherwise, which is half the fun. If you like history, photography, or just a slow scenic drive, these seven bridges give you a real reason to point the car down a country road and see something old, wooden, and genuinely one of a kind.
1. Switzer Covered Bridge, Frankfort
Just north of Frankfort, this little bridge crosses North Elkhorn Creek and dates back to the mid-1800s. It uses a Howe truss design and remains one of the most photographed covered bridges in the state.
Flooding damaged the bridge badly in the 1990s, and it was carefully restored afterward using original methods. That rebuild is a big part of why it still stands today.
The setting is quiet and green, with the creek passing gently underneath. It sits close enough to Frankfort that you can pair a visit with a stop in the capital city.
Parking is limited, so pull off carefully and be mindful of the narrow country road. It is a short, easy stop that rewards you with a classic Kentucky view.
2. Colville Covered Bridge, Millersburg
Bourbon County holds this red covered bridge that spans Hinkston Creek near Millersburg. Built in the 1870s, it carries a Burr arch truss design that helped it survive well over a century of use.
Time and heavy vehicles eventually took a toll, and the bridge was dismantled and rebuilt in the early 2000s. The restoration kept its historic appearance while making it safe again.
What makes this one different is that it still handles light traffic, so you can actually drive across it. Rolling through the wooden interior is a small thrill you do not get at bridges closed to cars.
The surrounding farmland makes for a peaceful drive through classic horse country. Bring a camera, because the red walls against green fields photograph beautifully.
3. Bennett’s Mill Covered Bridge, Greenup County
Way up in northeastern Kentucky, this bridge stands as one of the longest single-span covered bridges left in the state. It crosses Tygarts Creek in Greenup County and dates back to the mid-1800s.
Its name comes from a nearby gristmill once run by the Bennett family. The bridge served travelers heading to and from that mill for generations.
The Wheeler truss design used here is rare, which gives history buffs an extra reason to make the trip. Not many bridges of this type remain anywhere.
A restoration project helped preserve the structure so visitors can still admire it up close. The wooded setting along the creek makes it a calm, out-of-the-way stop that feels far from the highway.
4. Oldtown Covered Bridge, Greenup County
Not far from Bennett’s Mill, another Greenup County bridge crosses the Little Sandy River near the community of Oldtown. Built in the 1880s, it is one of the few remaining two-span covered bridges in Kentucky.
That double-span construction sets it apart from most of the others on this list, which stretch across smaller creeks in a single reach. It gives the bridge a longer, more dramatic profile.
Years of wear left it in rough shape until restoration work brought it back. Today it stands as a preserved piece of local history rather than a working roadway.
Since two historic bridges sit fairly close together in this county, you can easily see both in one afternoon. It makes a great pairing for anyone driving through the region.
5. Ringos Mill Covered Bridge, Fleming County
Fleming County calls itself the covered bridge capital of Kentucky, and Ringos Mill is one of the reasons why. This modest bridge crosses Fox Creek and dates to the 1860s.
Like several others, it once stood beside a working mill that served local farmers. The mill is gone, but the bridge kept its name and its place along the water.
It uses a Howe truss design and has a simple, unpainted look that feels honest and old. There is nothing flashy here, just a well-preserved piece of everyday history.
Fleming County makes an ideal home base if you want to see more than one bridge in a single trip. Ringos Mill is a fine starting point for that kind of loop.
6. Goddard Covered Bridge, Fleming County
If you have ever seen a postcard-style photo of a covered bridge with a little white church behind it, there is a good chance it was this one. The Goddard bridge in Fleming County frames the nearby church so perfectly that it draws photographers from all over.
Crossing Sand Lick Creek, it is the only surviving Kentucky covered bridge built with a Town lattice truss. That criss-cross wooden pattern makes the interior especially interesting to see up close.
The white exterior keeps it bright and clean-looking against the green countryside. It is easy to spot and easy to photograph from several angles.
The combination of bridge and church in one frame is what makes this stop stand out. Bring a good camera and take your time lining up the shot.
7. Grange City Covered Bridge, Fleming County
Rounding out the Fleming County trio, the Grange City bridge crosses Fox Creek and rounds out a strong day of bridge hunting. It sits in a quiet rural spot that feels miles away from anything busy.
Built in the 1860s, it went through a major restoration to repair years of damage and keep it standing. The work preserved its historic character while making it stable again.
Because three of Kentucky’s remaining covered bridges sit within Fleming County, you can string Ringos Mill, Goddard, and Grange City together into one relaxed driving loop. That makes this county the easiest place in the state to see multiple bridges in one trip.
The country roads between them are part of the appeal, winding past farms and small communities. Grange City is a satisfying final stop to cap off the drive.
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