Maine's quintessential small towns are worthy of every photo, every painting, and every story we hear about them. They're beautiful and quaint, reminding us of a simpler time when just crossing a river required ingenuity and creativity that we oftentimes don't think about today. The period between the 1800s and 1900s saw the majority of covered bridges in Maine built in these small towns, and there's no better place to see them than in the Lakes and Mountains region. While there were once 120 covered bridges in the state, most were destroyed by flood, fire and... modernity. Today there are nine covered bridges in Maine, and six of them can be found relatively close to each other. To find your way to each bridge, follow these directions using Google Maps.
1. Sunday River Bridge, Newry
You might know this bridge by its more common name, "Artist's Bridge." It's named as such for the many artists who come to portray it in paintings and capture it in photographs. Yes, it's that beautiful throughout the year! The 87-foot structure was closed to vehicular traffic in 1958 after the newer one was built downstream, but it remains one of Maine's most famous covered bridges. You'll find it approximately four miles northwest of North Bethel close to Routes 2 and 26. Use our Maine covered bridges map.
2. Parsonsfield-Porter Bridge, Porter
Built in 1859 as a way to cross over the Ossipee River, this bridge was a joint construction project by the towns of Porter and Parsonsfield. The 152-foot bridge was later closed to traffic in favor of the newer bridge that was built downriver in 1960. It remains ones of the prettiest in the state. You'll find it about a half mile south of Porter. This is one of our favorite covered bridges in Maine.
3. Lovejoy Bridge, Andover
Head along Route 5 in South Andover and you'll come to this bridge built in 1868. It's the state's shortest covered bridge at 70 feet, but those needing to cross the Ellis River don't find it any less useful than the others! If you’re in Andover and looking for covered bridges near me, check this one out!
4. Hemlock Bridge, Fryeburg, Maine
This is another bridge that allows traffic, letting visitors imagine what it was once like to cross it. Built in 1857, it spans about 110 feet across a channel of the Saco River on Route 302. You'll find it about three miles northwest of East Fryeburg. One of the most historic of Maine covered bridges.
5. Bennett Bridge, Lincoln Plantation
Built in 1901, this beauty is a total of 93 feet spanning the Magalloway River. While it's been closed to traffic since 1985, it's a wonderful spot to visit and photograph. You'll find it about a mile and a half south of Wilson Mills. A beautiful Maine covered bridge.
6. Babb's Bridge, South Windham
Head about two miles off South Windham to the Presumscot River to see this beautiful bridge reconstruction. The original 79-foot structure was built in 1843. It was destroyed in a fire in 1973, prompting the exact replica to be built and opened in 1976. The bridge links the towns of Gorham and Windham. A beautiful covered bridge in Maine.
To enjoy small-town Maine, consider taking this road trip through some of the most picturesque places in the state. And don’t forget to pack plenty of awesome road trip snacks!
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