Bridges are something that we sometimes take for granted. Oftentimes, they just feel like a continuation of the road and we don’t stop to think about the incredible feats of engineering that went into making them. And when you think back to a time when rivers, streams, and even ocean inlets kept travelers from getting where they needed to go, it’s easy to realize just how important bridges really are. Especially in Virginia where waterways cut through almost every part of the state, it’s hard to imagine life without them. These 22 bridges in Virginia range from historic to modern, large to small, but they all offer beauty and purpose that, at the end of the day, is pretty impressive.

  1. Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Cape Charles, Virginia Beach

Susan Smith / flickr

Chesapeake Bay Program / flickr Known as one of the 7 Engineering Wonders of the World, the CBBT connects the Eastern Shore to Virginia Beach near Norfolk. Stretching 23 miles, it is one of only ten bridge–tunnel systems in the world.

  1. The Bowstring Arch Truss Bridge, Bedford County

Jason Reidy / flickr Built in 1878, this iron bridge spans Roaring Run. After more than a century of traffic, it now serves a footbridge and is the oldest standing metal bridge in Virginia.

  1. George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge, Yorktown

Jacqueline Poggi / flickr This double swing bridge crosses the York River and connects Yorktown to Gloucester Point. Built in 1952, it is the only public crossing of the York River.

  1. CSX A-Line Bridge over the James River, Richmond

Taber Andrew Bain / flickr The lines of this bridge are breathtaking. Built in 1919, it’s a railway bridge for CSX Transportation and was designed to provide a quicker route around Richmond.

  1. The “High” Bridge at High Bridge State Park, Farmville

Eli Christman / flickr This 125-foot high, 2,400-foot long bridge stretches over the Appomattox River and is the longest recreational bridge in Virginia, and one of the longest in the nation. It is both a Virginia Historic Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. The park has been recognized by USA Today as one of the Top 20 State Parks in the nation and I’m sure views like this didn’t hurt the selection process. Learn more about the High Bridge State Park here.

  1. Humpback Covered Bridge, Covington

Don O’Brien / flickr

Don O’Brien / flickr Built in 1857, Humpback Bridge is Virginia’s oldest covered bridge – and one of the most iconic sites in the state. The bridge closed in 1929 but remains a walking bridge and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

  1. The James River Bridge, Newport News

Virginia Department of Transportation / flickr Spanning the James River, this 4-lane lift bridge is the easternmost crossing of its kind (without a tunnel) and connects Newport News to Isle of Wight County.

  1. The Key Bridge, Arlington

Zach Stern / flickr

Alan Kotok / flickr This arched bridge connects Virginia at Rosslyn (Arlington) to Washington, D.C. Built in 1923, it is the oldest surviving bridge across the Potomac River in the DC area.

  1. Sinking Creek Covered Bridge, Newport

James Walsh / flickr Located in Giles County, the Sinking Creek Bridge was built c. 1916 . The 70-foot bridge has a tin roof and is now part of a public county-owned park. This bridge is one of three covered bridges in Giles County, which is known as the Covered Bridge Capital of Virginia. The other 2 bridges are privately owned.

  1. Link’s Farm Covered Bridge, Giles County

Virginia Department of Transportation / flickr One of three covered bridges in Giles County, this privately owned bridge is located on Link’s Farm and is not open to the public – but it’s still lovely to see in photos! Built in 1912, the bridge is 49 feet long and provides a path over Sinking Creek.

  1. Bridge on Bunch Walnuts Road, Chesapeake

Jeff Self / flickr This wooden arch bridge in Chesapeake is an absolute work of art. It may be small, but it makes a huge statement.

  1. The Manchester Bridge, Richmond

Donnie Gladfelter / flickr The Manchester Bridge connects Manchester, “South of the River,” to downtown Richmond and is one of the city’s most iconic sites.

  1. Valley Railroad Stone Bridge, Augusta County

Virginia Department of Transportation / flickr Considered to be one of the most beautiful bridges in Virginia due to its exceptional masonry, the Valley Railroad bridge crosses Folly Mills Creek. It was built in 1884, as part of a project to connect rail lines from Staunton to Salem via Lexington. Although the bridge is no longer used, VDOT maintains it as a landmark.

  1. Meems Bottom Covered Bridge, Mount Jackson

Doug Kerr / flickr As Virginia’s longest covered bridge, and one of the most well known, the Meems Bottom bridge stretches 204-feet across the Shenandoah River. Built in 1894, it is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register.

  1. A Railway Bridge, Natural Bridge Station

jpmueller99 / flickr This railway bridge is where the Norfolk Southern ‘H’ line crosses the CSX “James River Line.” The intersection of these lines is simply stunning.

  1. Robert O. Norris Bridge, Weems

Virginia Department of Transportation / flickr Stretching over the Rappahannock, this beautifully shaped bridge is an extension of Route 3 between Lancaster and Middlesex Counties.

  1. Jack’s Creek Covered Bridge, Woolwine

cmh2315fl / flickr Built in 1914 for the Jack’s Creek Primitive Baptist Church, Jack’s Creek Bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of two remaining covered bridges in Patrick County. It’s also the annual site of the Patrick County Covered Bridge Festival.

  1. Swinging Bridge, Buchanan

mystuart / flickr Walkers only on this old wooden bridge. And tread lightly, it’s on the National Register of Historic Landmarks.

  1. Twin River Bridges over the Dan River, Danville

Bill Dickinson / flickr

  1. Bob White Covered Bridge, Woolwine

bnhsu / flickr Along with Jack’s Creek Bridge, the Bob White Bridge is the one of two Patrick County covered bridges. Built in 1921, the bridge was named after the Bob White Post Office, which was, in turn, named for the local bobwhite quails.

  1. Waterloo Bridge, Culpeper/Fauquier County Line

cmh2315fl / flickr Once threatened with demolition, this beautiful, historic bridge was built in the 1880s and is a unique iron and steel Pratt through-truss design. Fortunately, enough people spoke up and VDOT completed restoration on the more than 140-year-old bridge in February 2021. It’s now open to through traffic after being closed for a few years.

  1. And perhaps the most amazing bridge of all - Natural Bridge

Kelly Michals / flickr Located in Rockbridge County, this bridge is a 215-foot arch, naturally carved out of limestone by Cedar Creek. The bridge was a sacred site to the Monacan Indian tribe for centuries before it was first discovered by Europeans in the 1700s. It has been called one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and is both a Virginia Historic Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.

I’m sure we’ve left more than a few off the list – but these are definitely among our favorite bridges in Virginia. If you enjoy architectural wonders like bridges, here is some of the most impressive architecture in Virginia.

Susan Smith / flickr

Chesapeake Bay Program / flickr

Known as one of the 7 Engineering Wonders of the World, the CBBT connects the Eastern Shore to Virginia Beach near Norfolk. Stretching 23 miles, it is one of only ten bridge–tunnel systems in the world.

Jason Reidy / flickr

Built in 1878, this iron bridge spans Roaring Run. After more than a century of traffic, it now serves a footbridge and is the oldest standing metal bridge in Virginia.

Jacqueline Poggi / flickr

This double swing bridge crosses the York River and connects Yorktown to Gloucester Point. Built in 1952, it is the only public crossing of the York River.

Taber Andrew Bain / flickr

The lines of this bridge are breathtaking. Built in 1919, it’s a railway bridge for CSX Transportation and was designed to provide a quicker route around Richmond.

Eli Christman / flickr

This 125-foot high, 2,400-foot long bridge stretches over the Appomattox River and is the longest recreational bridge in Virginia, and one of the longest in the nation. It is both a Virginia Historic Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. The park has been recognized by USA Today as one of the Top 20 State Parks in the nation and I’m sure views like this didn’t hurt the selection process. Learn more about the High Bridge State Park here.

Don O’Brien / flickr

Built in 1857, Humpback Bridge is Virginia’s oldest covered bridge – and one of the most iconic sites in the state. The bridge closed in 1929 but remains a walking bridge and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Virginia Department of Transportation / flickr

Spanning the James River, this 4-lane lift bridge is the easternmost crossing of its kind (without a tunnel) and connects Newport News to Isle of Wight County.

Zach Stern / flickr

Alan Kotok / flickr

This arched bridge connects Virginia at Rosslyn (Arlington) to Washington, D.C. Built in 1923, it is the oldest surviving bridge across the Potomac River in the DC area.

James Walsh / flickr

Located in Giles County, the Sinking Creek Bridge was built c. 1916 . The 70-foot bridge has a tin roof and is now part of a public county-owned park. This bridge is one of three covered bridges in Giles County, which is known as the Covered Bridge Capital of Virginia. The other 2 bridges are privately owned.

One of three covered bridges in Giles County, this privately owned bridge is located on Link’s Farm and is not open to the public – but it’s still lovely to see in photos! Built in 1912, the bridge is 49 feet long and provides a path over Sinking Creek.

Jeff Self / flickr

This wooden arch bridge in Chesapeake is an absolute work of art. It may be small, but it makes a huge statement.

Donnie Gladfelter / flickr

The Manchester Bridge connects Manchester, “South of the River,” to downtown Richmond and is one of the city’s most iconic sites.

Considered to be one of the most beautiful bridges in Virginia due to its exceptional masonry, the Valley Railroad bridge crosses Folly Mills Creek. It was built in 1884, as part of a project to connect rail lines from Staunton to Salem via Lexington. Although the bridge is no longer used, VDOT maintains it as a landmark.

Doug Kerr / flickr

As Virginia’s longest covered bridge, and one of the most well known, the Meems Bottom bridge stretches 204-feet across the Shenandoah River. Built in 1894, it is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register.

jpmueller99 / flickr

This railway bridge is where the Norfolk Southern ‘H’ line crosses the CSX “James River Line.” The intersection of these lines is simply stunning.

Stretching over the Rappahannock, this beautifully shaped bridge is an extension of Route 3 between Lancaster and Middlesex Counties.

cmh2315fl / flickr

Built in 1914 for the Jack’s Creek Primitive Baptist Church, Jack’s Creek Bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of two remaining covered bridges in Patrick County. It’s also the annual site of the Patrick County Covered Bridge Festival.

mystuart / flickr

Walkers only on this old wooden bridge. And tread lightly, it’s on the National Register of Historic Landmarks.

Bill Dickinson / flickr

bnhsu / flickr

Along with Jack’s Creek Bridge, the Bob White Bridge is the one of two Patrick County covered bridges. Built in 1921, the bridge was named after the Bob White Post Office, which was, in turn, named for the local bobwhite quails.

Once threatened with demolition, this beautiful, historic bridge was built in the 1880s and is a unique iron and steel Pratt through-truss design. Fortunately, enough people spoke up and VDOT completed restoration on the more than 140-year-old bridge in February 2021. It’s now open to through traffic after being closed for a few years.

Kelly Michals / flickr

Located in Rockbridge County, this bridge is a 215-foot arch, naturally carved out of limestone by Cedar Creek. The bridge was a sacred site to the Monacan Indian tribe for centuries before it was first discovered by Europeans in the 1700s. It has been called one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and is both a Virginia Historic Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.

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Address: Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Virginia, USAAddress: Bedford County, VA, USAAddress: George P Coleman Memorial Bridge, Yorktown, VA, USAAddress: James River, Virginia, USAAddress: High Bridge Trail, Farmville, VA, USAAddress: Humpback Bridge, Midland Trail, Covington, VA 24426, USAAddress: Newport News, VA 23607, USAAddress: Arlington, VA, USAAddress: Newport, VA 24128, USAAddress: Giles County, VA, USAAddress: Bunch Walnuts Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322, USAAddress: Richmond, VA, USAAddress: Augusta County, VA, USAAddress: Meems Bottom Covered Bridge, Wissler Rd, Mt Jackson, VA 22842, USAAddress: Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579, USAAddress: VA-3, White Stone, VA 22578, USAAddress: 1275 Jacks Creek Rd, Woolwine, VA 24185, USAAddress: Buchanan, VA 24066, USAAddress: Dan River, United StatesAddress: Woolwine, VA 24185, USAAddress: State Rte 613, Amissville, VA 20106, USAAddress: Natural Bridge, VA 24578, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Bridges In Virginia May 07, 2021 Leah What are the most beautiful structures in Virginia? We have to hand it to ourselves - humans are really good at building things. We’ve created impressive skyscrapers, beautiful archways, and incredible monuments. Some of Virginia’s most beautiful and breathtaking structures include places like the massive Amphitheater at the Arlington National Cemetery. The round building of stone arches can seat 5,000 people. It completed construction in 1920 and is still standing strong today. Richmond, Virginia is full of impressive buildings. One of the most stunning is the Old City Hall, with high towers and amazing stonework using local granite. Where can I see the most unique places in Virginia? Explore some of the coolest, yet most unusual structures in Virginia. The Light of Truth Universal Shrine, or LOTUS, located in Buckingham, is certainly one of a kind. This temple looks like something out of a circus but is quite interesting and serene. It’s dedicated to the many faiths and spiritualities found all over the world, and it’s open to the public for noon meditation every day. Did you know that Virginia has a castle? One man quit his job and built his dream home - a whole castle - in Aldie, Virginia. Although you can’t go inside, you can see it from the outside and be impressed by the castle-ness of it all. What covered bridges in Virginia can I visit? One of the most charming parts of Virginia’s history is its covered bridges. Back in the day, there were hundreds around the state. Today, there are only seven remaining and of those seven just four are visitable by the public. If you’d like to cross a covered bridge for yourself, check out this list of all four. The list includes picturesque bridges like the Humpback Bridge that we showed before. It’s like taking a little trip back in time to the simpler days - plus, the scenery surrounding them is usually quite pretty. You’ll definitely want to bring your camera with you if you visit any of them.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Bridges In Virginia

May 07, 2021

Leah

What are the most beautiful structures in Virginia? We have to hand it to ourselves - humans are really good at building things. We’ve created impressive skyscrapers, beautiful archways, and incredible monuments. Some of Virginia’s most beautiful and breathtaking structures include places like the massive Amphitheater at the Arlington National Cemetery. The round building of stone arches can seat 5,000 people. It completed construction in 1920 and is still standing strong today. Richmond, Virginia is full of impressive buildings. One of the most stunning is the Old City Hall, with high towers and amazing stonework using local granite. Where can I see the most unique places in Virginia? Explore some of the coolest, yet most unusual structures in Virginia. The Light of Truth Universal Shrine, or LOTUS, located in Buckingham, is certainly one of a kind. This temple looks like something out of a circus but is quite interesting and serene. It’s dedicated to the many faiths and spiritualities found all over the world, and it’s open to the public for noon meditation every day. Did you know that Virginia has a castle? One man quit his job and built his dream home - a whole castle - in Aldie, Virginia. Although you can’t go inside, you can see it from the outside and be impressed by the castle-ness of it all. What covered bridges in Virginia can I visit? One of the most charming parts of Virginia’s history is its covered bridges. Back in the day, there were hundreds around the state. Today, there are only seven remaining and of those seven just four are visitable by the public. If you’d like to cross a covered bridge for yourself, check out this list of all four. The list includes picturesque bridges like the Humpback Bridge that we showed before. It’s like taking a little trip back in time to the simpler days - plus, the scenery surrounding them is usually quite pretty. You’ll definitely want to bring your camera with you if you visit any of them.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

We have to hand it to ourselves - humans are really good at building things. We’ve created impressive skyscrapers, beautiful archways, and incredible monuments. Some of Virginia’s most beautiful and breathtaking structures include places like the massive Amphitheater at the Arlington National Cemetery. The round building of stone arches can seat 5,000 people. It completed construction in 1920 and is still standing strong today. Richmond, Virginia is full of impressive buildings. One of the most stunning is the Old City Hall, with high towers and amazing stonework using local granite.

Where can I see the most unique places in Virginia?

Explore some of the coolest, yet most unusual structures in Virginia. The Light of Truth Universal Shrine, or LOTUS, located in Buckingham, is certainly one of a kind. This temple looks like something out of a circus but is quite interesting and serene. It’s dedicated to the many faiths and spiritualities found all over the world, and it’s open to the public for noon meditation every day. Did you know that Virginia has a castle? One man quit his job and built his dream home - a whole castle - in Aldie, Virginia. Although you can’t go inside, you can see it from the outside and be impressed by the castle-ness of it all.

What covered bridges in Virginia can I visit?

One of the most charming parts of Virginia’s history is its covered bridges. Back in the day, there were hundreds around the state. Today, there are only seven remaining and of those seven just four are visitable by the public. If you’d like to cross a covered bridge for yourself, check out this list of all four. The list includes picturesque bridges like the Humpback Bridge that we showed before. It’s like taking a little trip back in time to the simpler days - plus, the scenery surrounding them is usually quite pretty. You’ll definitely want to bring your camera with you if you visit any of them.