It’s hard to explain the charm of covered bridges. While a bridge’s purpose is to let us travel from Point A to Point B, this type of bridge serves as a reminder that the journey can be just as important as the destination. It’s much more pleasant to meander along a route peppered with quaint structures that we associate with a simpler time than it is to zip along a freeway. But, is there a covered bridge near Boston? Let's take a look at five beautiful covered bridges within easy day-tripping distance of Boston:

1. Pepperell Covered Bridge, Pepperell, MA

There has been a wooden bridge in roughly this spot since the 1740s, although it has been rebuilt several times. The current, much newer structure divides West Groton and Pepperell and can be found on Groton Street.

Take a flyover look at the historic Pepperell Covered Bridge over the Nashua River in this video from caz usa:

2. Quinebaug River Bridge, Sturbridge, MA

This pedestrian bridge is nestled into the scenic landscape of Sturbridge Village, a re-created living history museum that's an easy drive from Boston.

3. Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge, Foster, RI

This Rhode Island bridge is actually a replica of one from the 19th century. Despite its recent creation - by a team of volunteers - this lattice-truss bridge offers plenty of charm in a lush setting. It crosses the Hemlock Brook on Central Pike in Foster.

The Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge is another of our favorite covered bridges near Boston, MA in Foster Rhode Island. Enjoy a virtual tour in this video from The Northern Return:

4. Stowell Road Covered Bridge, Bedford, NH

Built in 1990, the Stowell Road Covered Bridge is just over 32 feet long and spans the

Baboosic Brook. You'll find this cute little bridge near the intersection of Stowell Road and Parkhurst Road.

5. Nissitissit Bridge, Brookline, NH

This pedestrian bridge is 110 feet long and now in a bucolic environment over the Nissitissit River. The bridge once led to a craft shop but, when that business floundered, it was given to the town of Brookline and placed close to where Route 13 and Mason Road meet. Near this charming bridge, you can book a neat glamping getaway with Snug Life Camping for a romantic weekend.

Enjoy some footage of the Nissitissit River Covered Bridge in Brookline NH in this video from Eric Bloom:

If you've been looking for a covered bridge near Boston, we hope these examples will inspire you to take a road trip to see these historic bridges. What’s your favorite covered bridge in New England? Share a few of your favorite MA covered bridges with a comment.

If you are a fan of bridges in all shapes and sizes, check out our featured article about 19 unique, historic, impressive, awe-inspiring, and yes, even covered bridges in Massachusetts. If you enjoy covered bridges in MA, why not hop in the car (or rent an RV from RVShare) and take this beautiful covered bridges road trip through Massachusetts?