Tour the Covered Bridges of New Hampshire This Fall
Why Exeter Is the Ideal Base for Covered Bridges in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is home to 54 historic covered bridges, one of the highest concentrations in New England. These wooden spans have crossed the state’s rivers since the early 1800s, and they remain among the most photographed landmarks in the region, especially in New Hampshire in the fall. Covered bridges in New Hampshire are worth building a fall getaway around, and autumn is when they are at their most spectacular.
Here is what we tell guests planning to explore the covered bridges in New Hampshire: make Exeter your home base and treat the bridges as the centerpiece of a bigger fall in New Hampshire itinerary. You can spend a morning chasing fall colors in New Hampshire at the Cornish Windsor Covered Bridge, then return in time to find the best breweries. Between scenic drives, there are so many things to do in Exeter, including browsing independent shops, taking a downtown walking tour, and dining at some of the Seacoast’s best locally owned restaurants. It is an easy way to combine history with the most beautiful fall foliage New Hampshire has to offer.
After a day on the road exploring covered bridges in New Hampshire, you will appreciate returning somewhere comfortable. Inn by the Bandstand sits in the middle of downtown Exeter, steps from the town’s historic bandstand, and offers an upscale alternative to other Exeter hotels. Our historic 1809 inn places you within walking distance of restaurants, galleries, and shops, while a freshly prepared breakfast helps you start another day of exploring.
Your Guide to the Best Covered Bridges in New Hampshire to Visit This Fall
So how many covered bridges in New Hampshire are there? Today, the state recognizes 54 historic covered bridges, and they were the first type of historic structure protected under state law. Most still carry vehicle traffic just as they did generations ago, making them living pieces of history. Crossing one is part of the experience, from the sound of wooden planks beneath your tires to sunlight filtering through the timber siding and the river flowing below. Because many of the New Hampshire covered bridges are clustered within easy driving distance of one another, it is possible to visit several in a single day.
Autumn is easily the most popular season to explore the NH covered bridges. The White Mountains contain the state’s largest concentration, and the drives connecting them, particularly along the Kancamagus Highway, showcase some of the finest fall foliage New Hampshire has to offer. Peak color typically arrives between late September and mid-October, although timing varies slightly each year depending on weather conditions. If you are planning things to do in New Hampshire in the fall, visiting the covered bridges belongs near the top of the list. Weekends during peak foliage are busy, so an early start makes for quieter roads and better photo opportunities.
If you are deciding which are the best covered bridges in New Hampshire, here are a few we would recommend first:
- Cornish Windsor Covered Bridge, Cornish. The bridge that appears on nearly every list of covered bridges in New Hampshire, and for good reason. Originally built in 1866, it stretches 449 feet across the Connecticut River between New Hampshire and Vermont. It is the longest two-span covered bridge in the United States and the longest wooden covered bridge in the country still open to traffic.
- Jackson NH Covered Bridge, Jackson. Better known as the Honeymoon Bridge, this bridge was built in 1876. Local tradition says couples who kiss while crossing will enjoy a long marriage, giving the bridge its nickname. A pedestrian walkway makes it easy to stop, admire the craftsmanship, and photograph one of the state’s most recognizable covered bridges.
- Albany Covered Bridge NH, Albany. Just off the Kancamagus Highway about six miles west of Conway, this bridge spans the Swift River inside the White Mountain National Forest. Built in 1858, it ranks among the most photographed New Hampshire covered bridges, thanks to its mountain backdrop, nearby parking, and easy access during foliage season.
- Saco River Covered Bridge, Conway. This 1890 bridge is still in daily use, offering visitors the chance to experience one of the state’s historic covered bridges exactly as generations of local residents have.
- Durgin Bridge, Sandwich. Built in 1869 over the Cold River, Durgin Bridge is the fourth bridge constructed at this location. The quiet drive through Sandwich is especially beautiful during fall in New Hampshire, and local tradition associates the crossing with the Underground Railroad.
- Contoocook Railroad Covered Bridge, Contoocook. One of the longest surviving covered railroad bridges in the United States, this 1889 bridge stretches across the Contoocook River. Although trains no longer use it, the bridge has been carefully restored and now serves as a pedestrian crossing.
A little planning goes a long way. Visit New Hampshire publishes an official covered bridges map that makes it easy to locate the bridges and build your own driving route. Most bridges are free to visit and have a nearby pull-off or small parking area for photographs. Keep in mind that many have height and weight restrictions, several are one lane, and drivers should yield to oncoming traffic.
Why Inn by the Bandstand Stands Out Among Exeter Hotels for a Fall Getaway
Every great day exploring the covered bridges in New Hampshire ends with a comfortable place to unwind. At our upscale lodging, you will stay in a AAA Four Diamond boutique hotel housed in an elegant 1809 Federal-style mansion in downtown Exeter. Our eight guest rooms and suites are individually decorated with antiques and fine art, and seven feature fireplaces that are especially inviting after a crisp autumn afternoon. Among Exeter hotels, few offer this combination of historic character, walkable location, and personalized hospitality.
Then there is the food. Ambrose, our on-site restaurant, serves contemporary cuisine prepared with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, making dinner as convenient as it is delicious. In the morning, enjoy breakfast specialties like our Frangelico French toast or French rolled omelet before setting out to discover more New Hampshire covered bridges.
Book Your Fall Getaway to Exeter
Book your autumn getaway at Inn by the Bandstand and experience the best covered bridges in New Hampshire while enjoying one of the most distinctive Exeter hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many covered bridges are in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire is home to 54 historic covered bridges, one of the highest concentrations in New England, and they were the first type of historic structure protected under state law.
When is peak fall foliage in New Hampshire?
Peak fall foliage in New Hampshire typically arrives between late September and mid-October, though timing varies slightly each year depending on weather conditions.
Where can you see the best fall foliage in New Hampshire?
The White Mountains hold the state’s largest concentration of fall color, and drives like the Kancamagus Highway connect several of the best covered bridges in New Hampshire with some of its finest foliage views.
Where should you stay in New Hampshire for fall foliage season?
Exeter makes an excellent base for a covered bridges road trip, with Inn by the Bandstand offering a historic 1809 setting in the heart of downtown, within reach of covered bridges throughout the Seacoast and White Mountains regions.