8 Maine Covered Bridge Drives Worth Taking Before Autumn Ends
A covered bridge in fall already feels like something pulled straight from a postcard, but add blazing maple trees and a quiet back road and the whole scene gets even better.
Maine still has a small collection of historic covered bridges worth planning a drive around, especially once the leaves begin to turn.
Several cross rivers with mountain scenery nearby, while others sit along peaceful rural roads that feel made for a slow afternoon. Timing matters, though, because peak foliage can pass quickly once October settles in.
This guide highlights eight bridges along with useful details about their history, parking, and the best ways to enjoy each stop. Fill the tank, bring something warm to drink, and leave a little extra room in the day for unexpected photo stops.
Babb’s Covered Bridge, Gorham And Windham
Here is a fun twist to start your trip: the bridge you are about to visit is actually a copy. Babb’s Covered Bridge spans the Presumpscot River on Hurricane Road, linking the towns of Gorham and Windham in southern Maine, USA.
The original bridge dated to the mid-1800s, though historical sources disagree on the exact year, and it was lost to a fire in 1973.
Local folks refused to let the story end there. They rebuilt it in 1976 using the same queen post truss style, so it looks nearly identical to the historic version.
Many people believe it is one of the oldest covered bridge sites in the state, which makes the replica feel like a proud tribute.
The drive here is short and easy, only about 30 minutes from Portland. That makes it a great first stop if you are warming up for a longer day of bridge hunting.
The roads wind past farms, stone walls, and trees that blaze with color in early to mid October.
Once you arrive, park carefully along the roadside and take a walk down to the riverbank. The water below is calm in spots, so on a still morning you can catch the bridge reflected like a picture in the river.
Bring good shoes, since the bank can get muddy after rain.
Families love this spot because it is small, quiet, and easy to explore in under an hour. Pack a snack and enjoy the rustle of leaves.
Consider it the opening chapter of a very colorful road story, and it is only going to get better from here.
Hemlock Covered Bridge, Fryeburg
Built in 1857, the Hemlock Covered Bridge has been standing longer than the state of West Virginia has existed. You will find it on Hemlock Bridge Road in Fryeburg, Maine, USA, crossing the Old Course of the Saco River.
It is one of the oldest covered bridges still in place in the whole state.
The bridge uses a Paddleford truss design, which was created by a New Hampshire builder named Peter Paddleford. That style is more common in nearby New Hampshire, so spotting it in Maine is a treat for history lovers.
Look up inside the bridge to see the heavy wooden beams criss-crossing overhead.
Getting there is part of the adventure. The last stretch is a dirt road, so drive slowly and enjoy the bumpy ride through the woods.
Your car may get a little dusty, but your camera roll will thank you.
Fryeburg sits right near the New Hampshire border, and on clear days you can glimpse the White Mountains. In early October, the town hosts the famous Fryeburg Fair, one of the biggest agricultural fairs in New England.
Pairing a fair visit with a bridge stop makes for a truly classic autumn day.
Paddlers also love this area, since the calm water under the bridge is perfect for canoes and kayaks. If you bring a boat, you can float right under the old timbers. Now that is what we call going with the flow in style.
Lovejoy Covered Bridge, Andover
Small but mighty, the Lovejoy Covered Bridge proves that good things really do come in little packages. It crosses the Ellis River in Andover, a quiet town in western Maine, USA.
At about 70 feet long, it is one of the shortest covered bridges in the state.
The bridge was built in 1868 and uses a Paddleford truss, much like its cousin down in Fryeburg. Even with its size, it still carries local traffic, which is pretty impressive for a structure over 150 years old.
Drive through slowly and listen to the soft rumble of your tires on the wooden planks.
Andover is surrounded by rolling hills and mountains, so the drive in is full of sweeping views. The foliage here usually peaks in late September to early October, a little earlier than the coast.
Plan ahead so you do not miss the brightest colors.
This area is also well known to hikers because the Appalachian Trail passes nearby. If you have extra time, you could stretch your legs on a trail before or after your bridge visit.
Just remember to bring layers, since mountain weather can change quickly in fall.
Photographers often shoot the bridge from the riverbank for a cozy, storybook look. Early morning fog sometimes rolls across the Ellis River and makes the scene feel extra magical.
For a bridge this tiny, it sure leaves a big impression on anyone lucky enough to cross it.
Low’s Covered Bridge, Guilford
Some bridges just refuse to give up, and Low’s Covered Bridge is one of them. It crosses the Piscataquis River on Route 15 between Guilford and Sangerville in central Maine, USA.
A covered bridge was built at this site in 1857, and the crossing has since been rebuilt following major flood damage.
In 1987, a major flood swept away the 1857 version. Instead of saying goodbye, the community built a faithful replica in 1990 using the Long truss design.
That kind of teamwork shows just how much Mainers care about their history.
Today, the bridge remains open to vehicle traffic, allowing drivers to cross the Piscataquis River through the covered span. It is about 120 feet long, so you get plenty of time to peek through the windows at the river rushing below.
Bring a jacket, since breezes off the water can feel chilly in October.
Guilford sits in the Piscataquis County region, which is known for forests, lakes, and small-town charm. The drive along Route 15 offers wide views of hills painted in gold and scarlet during peak season.
It is also a handy stop if you are heading north toward Moosehead Lake.
There is a small picnic spot close to the bridge, making it a nice place for lunch. Kids enjoy spotting ducks and fish in the river while grownups snap photos.
Low’s Covered Bridge may carry a humble name, but its comeback story is anything but low-key.
Robyville Covered Bridge, Corinth
Ever seen a bridge wearing a roof on its sides too? The Robyville Covered Bridge in Corinth, Maine, USA, is the only fully shingled covered bridge in the state.
Instead of flat boards, its walls are covered in wooden shingles, giving it a cozy, cottage-like look.
Built in 1876, the bridge crosses Kenduskeag Stream in the small village of Robyville, part of Corinth. It uses a Long truss design and spans about 73 feet between its stone abutments.
In 1970, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which helped protect it for future visitors.
Corinth sits northwest of Bangor, so it is an easy half-hour drive from the city. The route takes you past farm fields, red barns, and roadside stands that sell pumpkins and apples in the fall.
It feels like driving through a calendar page.
The bridge is now open only to people on foot, which makes exploring relaxed and safe. Walk inside and notice how the shingles filter light in soft stripes across the floor.
On sunny afternoons, it is a lovely place to pause and simply listen to the stream.
Photographers should try capturing the bridge from the side to show off those special shingles. Mid October usually brings the best color here, though it can shift year to year.
If you collect unique sights, this one definitely deserves a spot at the top of your list.
Sunday River Covered Bridge (Artist’s Bridge), Newry
Painters have been setting up easels here for well over a century, and one look explains why. The Sunday River Covered Bridge, better known as the Artist’s Bridge, crosses the Sunday River in Newry, in western Maine, USA.
Many people say it is the most painted and photographed covered bridge in the state.
Built in 1872, the bridge uses a Paddleford truss and stretches about 87 feet. It closed to car traffic in 1958, which makes it a peaceful spot for wandering.
The river below tumbles over smooth rocks, creating small pools and soft rushing sounds.
Newry is also home to the Sunday River ski resort, so the area is full of mountain views. In autumn, the slopes and hillsides burst with red, orange, and yellow leaves.
Late September through early October is usually the sweet spot for color.
On warm fall days, visitors like to climb down to the rocks and dip their toes in the cool water. Be careful, since the stones can be slippery.
It is also a wonderful place to sketch or paint, just like the artists who gave the bridge its famous nickname.
Nearby, you can drive to Grafton Notch State Park for waterfalls and short hikes. Combining the two makes a full day of scenic fun.
Bring a sketchbook, a camera, or just your curiosity, because this bridge has a way of bringing out everyone’s inner artist.
Porter-Parsonsfield Covered Bridge, Porter And Parsonsfield
Two towns, one bridge, and plenty of friendly teamwork. The Porter-Parsonsfield Covered Bridge crosses the Ossipee River and connects the towns of Porter and Parsonsfield in southwestern Maine, USA.
Built in 1876, it is one of the longest covered bridges left in the state at about 152 feet.
The bridge sits on sturdy granite piers and uses a Paddleford truss with added arches for extra strength. Those stone supports have held steady through many floods over the years.
It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
Today, cars no longer cross it, but walkers are welcome. A modern road bridge runs alongside, which gives you a great viewing spot for photos.
From there, you can see the full length of the old wooden span stretched across the river.
This corner of Maine is close to the New Hampshire line and has a quiet, rural feel. Back roads here are lined with old farmhouses, stone walls, and glowing maples.
Early to mid October is often the best time for bold colors.
A local historical group helps care for the bridge and keeps it in good shape. If you visit, take a moment to read any signs nearby that share its story.
Grab a spot by the river, soak in the view, and appreciate how two neighboring towns built something that still brings people together.
Bennett-Bean Covered Bridge, Lincoln Plantation And Wilsons Mills
Save the most remote bridge for last, and you will feel like a true explorer. The Bennett-Bean Covered Bridge, often simply called the Bennett Bridge, crosses the Magalloway River between Lincoln Plantation and Wilsons Mills in western Maine, USA.
It sits deep in the woods near the New Hampshire border.
Built in 1901, it is one of the newer historic covered bridges in the state, though it still has more than a century of stories. The bridge uses a Paddleford truss and is about 93 feet long.
It closed to cars in 1985 and now welcomes visitors on foot.
Getting here takes some planning. Wilsons Mills is a tiny community in Oxford County, and cell service can be spotty.
Download a map ahead of time and fill your gas tank before leaving bigger towns.
The reward is peace and quiet like few other places. Tall spruce, birch, and maple trees surround the river, and fall colors often peak in late September.
You might even spot a moose or hear loons calling on nearby lakes.
Aziscohos Lake is close by, making it easy to add a scenic lakeside stop. Bring a picnic, since restaurants are few and far between out here.
After a long day of bridge hopping, ending at this hidden spot feels like finding the last page of a great adventure book.