Taftsville Covered Bridge | Woodstock

The Taftsville Covered Bridge is one of Vermont’s most iconic and picturesque wooden bridges, carrying a quiet lane over the Ottauquechee River just a few miles east of Woodstock. Built in 1836, it is a classic example of Town lattice truss construction, and its long, low profile and gently pitched roof make it appear as if it has grown naturally from the surrounding forested riverbanks.

History and Design

Commissioned by the Taft family, early settlers in the area, the bridge was originally constructed to facilitate travel and trade across the Ottauquechee River. Its Town lattice truss, a network of crisscrossed wooden planks joined with wooden pegs, distributes weight evenly, a design that has allowed the bridge to survive nearly two centuries of Vermont winters, floods, and heavy timber loads. Though modest in size, it is fully functional, carrying vehicles and pedestrians across its 174-foot span while preserving its historic integrity.

Setting and Atmosphere

Nestled in a forested section of the river valley, the bridge seems almost hidden until you approach. The surrounding hemlocks, maples, and birches frame it in green summer foliage or in a blaze of red and gold in autumn. The river beneath babbles over smooth stones, creating a rhythmic backdrop of sound. Walking or driving through, visitors often pause to notice the subtle curves of the trusses, the weathered patina of the timber, and the sunlight filtering through the small openings along the bridge’s sides.

Seasonal Experience

In spring, the Ottauquechee swells with snowmelt, and the rushing water adds energy to the quiet wood structure. Summer brings warm sunlight dappling the deck and the occasional canoeist paddling beneath. Autumn transforms the scene into a riot of reds and golds reflected in the river, making it one of the most photographed covered bridges in New England. In winter, snow piles along the edges, and the roof is dusted with frost, creating a scene of near-perfect tranquility.

Nearby Attractions

The bridge is close to the Quechee Gorge and Quechee State Park, making it easy to combine a visit with these natural landmarks. Local trails and roadside pull-offs provide vantage points for photography or quiet reflection, and the surrounding roads offer a sense of Vermont’s classic rural landscape-stone walls, rolling meadows, and the occasional farmstead.

Enduring Charm

The Taftsville Covered Bridge is more than just a passage across the river; it is a symbol of Vermont’s historic craftsmanship and timeless rural beauty. Its wooden beams, creaking slightly underfoot, and the gentle river flowing below create a sense of continuity, as though the bridge has quietly observed generations of life in the valley without ever losing its own quiet dignity.