5 North Carolina Covered Bridges That Look Straight Out Of A Painting
Standing as romantic remnants of a bygone era, North Carolina’s covered bridges blend history and beauty in the most enchanting way.
I’ve spent countless weekends hunting these architectural treasures across the state, camera in hand, trying to capture their timeless charm.
Whether shrouded in morning mist or bathed in golden afternoon light, these structures seem to transport visitors to simpler times when horse-drawn carriages clip-clopped through their wooden passages.
1. Pisgah Covered Bridge: A Forest Jewel
The first time I stumbled upon Pisgah Covered Bridge, I literally gasped. This 19th-century wooden marvel nestles among towering trees in Randolph County like it grew there naturally. Built in 1911, this 54-foot stunner survived a devastating flood in 2003 that completely washed it away!
Locals rallied together, salvaging about 90% of the original timber from downstream, and painstakingly reconstructed their beloved landmark. The rebuilt bridge maintains its authentic charm while standing as a testament to community spirit.
What makes this spot extra magical? The gentle burbling of the Little River beneath creates a soundtrack that perfectly complements the rustic setting. Bring a picnic—there are tables nearby—and spend an afternoon soaking in the timeless atmosphere that feels plucked from a Rockwell painting.
2. Bunker Hill Covered Bridge: History’s Survivor
Holy architectural marvels, Batman! Bunker Hill stands as the last remaining example of the Haupt truss design in America. My jaw dropped when I learned it dates back to 1895, making it one of the oldest covered bridges in the entire Southeast.
Located near Claremont in Catawba County, this National Historic Landmark stretches an impressive 85 feet across Lyle Creek. The distinctive lattice framework inside tells stories of engineering ingenuity from a time before power tools and modern construction methods.
Fall visits reward photographers with spectacular reflections in the creek below as crimson and gold leaves frame this historic treasure. The surrounding 14-acre park offers walking trails where I’ve spent hours imagining horse-drawn carriages crossing the wooden planks, their echoes reverberating through the covered passage.
3. Ole Gilliam Mill Park Covered Bridge: Quaint Red Charmer
Red as a cardinal and twice as eye-catching! The Ole Gilliam Mill Park bridge isn’t ancient like some others, but boy does it have character. My kids nicknamed it “The Valentine Bridge” because of its crimson hue and impossibly romantic setting.
Perched in Sanford’s historic mill park, this bridge spans a serene pond where turtles sunbathe on half-submerged logs. Unlike utilitarian bridges built for horse-and-buggy traffic, this one was designed purely for pedestrians and photographers seeking that perfect shot.
Wedding photographers flock here year-round—I once counted three different bridal parties waiting their turn on a sunny Saturday! The adjacent restored gristmill completes the picturesque scene, creating a pocket of rustic tranquility that feels miles away from modern life despite being just minutes from downtown.
4. William Henry Stevens Covered Bridge: Mountain Masterpiece
Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, the William Henry Stevens bridge knocked my hiking boots off the first time I saw it! Sunlight dapples through its wooden slats, creating ever-changing patterns on the road beneath.
Named after a local conservation hero, this bridge combines rustic charm with sturdy craftsmanship. The massive beams overhead have weathered countless mountain storms, their grain telling stories of decades gone by. During autumn, when the surrounding maples and oaks burst into fiery colors, this spot becomes almost surreally beautiful.
Pro tip: Visit early morning when mist rises from the creek below, creating an ethereal atmosphere photographers dream about. I’ve spent entire mornings here, watching the changing light play across its weathered planks and listening to birds calling from the forest canopy overhead.
5. Campbell’s Covered Bridge: Carolina’s Last Original
Goosebumps crawled up my arms when I realized I was standing on South Carolina’s only remaining original covered bridge! Though technically just across the NC border, Campbell’s Bridge deserves honorary mention for Carolina bridge enthusiasts.
Built in 1909, this pine and oak beauty spans 38 feet across Beaverdam Creek. The craftsmanship showcases remarkable attention to detail—look up to see intricate support systems that have kept this structure standing for over a century. Local legends claim moonshiners used the bridge to transport their illicit goods, hiding bottles in secret compartments.
The surrounding park offers shaded picnic tables where I’ve enjoyed many peaceful lunches while watching children wade in the shallow creek below. Stone pillars at each end remind visitors of the bridge’s historical significance, standing as sentinels guarding this irreplaceable piece of Carolina heritage.