Kentucky once had hundreds of covered bridges, and today only a small handful remain. Some still let you drive right through, while others are best enjoyed from the bank with a camera in hand.
Fall is the ideal time to find them, when back roads turn gold and red. Here are eight wooden landmarks worth planning a slow country drive around this season.
1. Historic Colville Covered Bridge, Paris, KY
Few covered bridges in Kentucky still carry traffic, and Colville is one of them. You can roll your car right through the wooden tunnel, which is a rare treat in a state with only about eleven covered bridges left.
It sits on Colville Road outside Paris, in the horse-country hills of Bourbon County. The bridge counts among the oldest covered spans in Central Kentucky that remain in use, and it is well maintained.
I like this one for a lazy Sunday drive. The road is open around the clock, and Sunday mornings tend to be quiet, which makes it easier to pull over for photos without holding anyone up.
Kids usually get a kick out of the moment the car goes dark inside the bridge. Bring a camera for the fall color on both ends.
2. Historic Goddard White Covered Bridge, Hillsboro, KY
Look through the opening of Goddard Bridge and a small white church sits framed perfectly at the other end. That view has made it one of the most photographed spots in Fleming County.
The setting is quiet farm country near Hillsboro. A church and a small cemetery sit close by, which gives the whole scene an old-fashioned, unhurried look.
Yes, you can drive through it. The bridge is open at all hours, though Sunday and Tuesday afternoons see the most visitors.
An early fall day is a great time to come. Pair it with Ringos Mills, another covered bridge in the same county, and you have an easy two-bridge loop.
3. Historic Switzer Covered Bridge, Frankfort, KY
Floodwaters once swept the original Switzer Bridge off its foundation, and what stands today is a careful rebuild. It spans Elkhorn Creek near the tiny community of Peaks Mill, north of Frankfort.
Cars no longer cross, so this is a walking stop. A free parking lot makes it simple to pull in and stroll across.
Fair warning, the interior walls carry plenty of graffiti. The exterior and setting still make it a lovely photo spot.
The creek below draws paddlers and waders in warmer months. In fall, the drive along the country lanes to reach it is half the fun, and Saturday afternoons are the busiest window.
4. Ringos Mills Covered Bridge
Bring a snack. Ringos Mills has benches near the stream, which makes it a nice place to linger instead of snapping a photo and leaving.
The bridge has been beautifully rebuilt while keeping its authentic look. It stands near Hillsboro in Fleming County, close to the Goddard Bridge.
The scenic ride through the countryside is a big part of the appeal. Weekday afternoons tend to be the calmest time to visit.
5. Historic Cabin Creek Covered Bridge
Covered bridge hunters touring northeast Kentucky usually put Cabin Creek near the top of the route. It is an original bridge, not a replica, set near Tollesboro in Lewis County.
A small free parking area sits close by. One end has a barrier post, so plan to explore on foot.
The setting is peaceful, with a good view of the creek and surrounding countryside. Graffiti is minimal here, which keeps the old timbers looking much as they always have.
I would save this one for a slow fall afternoon when you have time to wander around and enjoy the quiet.
6. Historic Oldtown Covered Bridge, Argillite, KY
At 192 feet, Oldtown is a long one. Built in 1880, this two-span bridge uses the Burr truss design and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It crosses a creek along Tunnel Branch Road near Argillite in Greenup County. The bridge is fenced off to both cars and pedestrians, so viewing happens from the outside.
That still makes it a strong stop for history fans. Seeing both spans stretch across the water gives a real sense of how big these old wooden bridges could get.
7. Historic Walcott/White Covered Bridge
Driving the AA Highway and need to stretch your legs? Walcott Bridge, also called White Bridge, sits near Brooksville in Bracken County, just off that busy route.
It makes a nice break from highway miles. The spot works well for a picnic, and in summer people cool their feet in the water.
The drive out is pretty in its own right. Fall adds color to the trip and turns a quick detour into a small piece of history worth the stop.
8. Johnson Creek Bridge (Alhambra Road), Mt Olivet, KY
Robertson County is the smallest county in Kentucky, yet it still holds onto its own covered bridge. Johnson Creek Bridge stands over the creek on Covered Bridge Road near Mt Olivet.
It sits along quiet rural routes that make for an easy fall drive. Families with kids will find it an easygoing stop.
End your bridge tour here and you will have traveled a good stretch of northern Kentucky backroads. It is a fitting finale for a day spent chasing wooden landmarks and autumn leaves.
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