New Hampshire is home to 54 historic covered bridges, one of the highest concentrations in New England. These wooden spans have spanned 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 trip around, and autumn is when they’re at their most spectacular.

Here’s 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’s 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’ll appreciate returning somewhere comfortable. Our boutique hotel 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. Book your stay today!

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 in New Hampshire, 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: the sound of wooden planks beneath your tires, 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’s 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’re 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’re deciding which are the best covered bridges in New Hampshire, here are a few we’d recommend first:

1. 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, the Cornish Windsor Covered Bridge 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. A viewing area and historical marker on the Cornish side make it easy to appreciate its remarkable engineering.
2. Jackson NH Covered Bridge, Jackson. Better known as the Honeymoon Bridge, the Jackson NH covered 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.
3. Albany Covered Bridge NH, Albany. Just off the Kancamagus Highway about six miles west of Conway, the Albany Covered Bridge NH 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.
4. 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.
5. 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. Whether or not you’re following history or foliage, it’s one of the most scenic stops on any covered bridge itinerary.
6. 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. Its impressive size, distinctive Town lattice truss design, and riverside setting make it one of the most unique covered bridges in New Hampshire.

A little planning goes a long way. Visit New Hampshire publishes an official New Hampshire 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’ll 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’s 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. You can even arrange breakfast in your suite by reserving your preferred time with the innkeeper in advance. Book your autumn getaway and experience the best covered bridges in New Hampshire while enjoying one of the most distinctive Exeter hotels.