At one point in time, you could find over 300 covered bridges in New York. Spanning our rivers and creeks, these structures were once a common sight in everyday life. Today, there are only several handfuls left standing in the Empire State. Coming across these charming bridges usually takes a concentrated effort. If you’re a fan of scenic drives in New York, we’ve got you covered. This road trip will showcase some of our favorite pieces of the past. Take a day trip to discover some of the few remaining covered bridges in New York that are still standing.
This trip will only take you about three hours of driving time, but you’ll likely want to stop and check out some of the cute small towns you’ll pass along the way. You’ll start in the small town of Salem and head out towards Cooperstown.
Google To view a handy route on Google Maps, click here!
Going from east to west, your first stop will be the Rexleigh Covered Bridge.
Amanda Baldwin/Google The Rexleigh Covered Bridge spans the Batten Kill. This is one of the most photogenic covered bridges in New York. It was first built in 1874. The timber that was used to construct the bridge was locally cut, but interestingly, the iron blocks were pre-fabricated. Rexleigh Covered Bridge, Rexleigh Rd, Salem, NY 12865, USA
Next stop, you’ll head over to the Buskirk Covered Bridge.
James Walsh/Flickr The Buskirk Bridge dates all the way back to 1850. It’s painted a charming shade of red and is found right near the towns of Hudson and Buskirk. Amazingly, it’s still open for vehicle use! This darling Howe truss covered bridge spans the Hoosic River. Passing over it will take you to a simpler time. Buskirks Covered Bridge, 10 Co Rd 59, Buskirk, NY 12028, USA
This next stop not only includes the Copeland Covered Bridge, but also beautiful waterfalls too!
Sarah Fuller/Google The Copeland Covered Bridge in Northville is more than worth pulling over for. Conveniently located right along the roadside in Saratoga County, it sits at the bottom of a small hill. You can walk inside the bridge to enjoy a framed view of the waterfalls all around you as they cascade down Beecher Creek. This 30-foot bridge was built in 1879. Copeland Covered Bridge, 46 N Shore Rd, Northville, NY 12134, USA
The breathtaking scenic drives and bridges continue with a stop at the Salisbury Center Covered Bridge.
Bruce Caisse/Google If you hadn’t already caught on to this pattern, covered bridges in New York were pretty popular back in the 1870s! This one was built in 1875 in Herkimer County. Spanning over 40 feet across Spruce Creek, this covered bridge makes for one scenic stop. Salisbury Historic Covered Bridge, 364, 360 Fairview Rd, Dolgeville, NY 13329, USA
Last but certainly not least, our trip will take you to the Hyde Hall Covered Bridge. This is the oldest of all the covered bridges in New York.
Eric Madsen/Google Some actually consider Hyde Hall Covered Bridge to be the oldest covered bridge in America. It’s found tucked away inside of Cooperstown’s Glimmerglass State Park. An easy 1-mile hiking trail is set up in the park, so you can take a stroll right over the oldest covered bridge in the Empire State. This dates back to 1825 and is certainly one of the most enchanting places in New York. Hyde Hall Covered Bridge, Glimmerglass State Park, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA
Have you been to any of these historic places in New York? Share your experiences in the comments!
At one point in time, you could find over 300 covered bridges in New York. Spanning our rivers and creeks, these structures were once a common sight in everyday life. Today, there are only several handfuls left standing in the Empire State. Coming across these charming bridges usually takes a concentrated effort. If you’re a fan of scenic drives in New York, we’ve got you covered. This road trip will showcase some of our favorite pieces of the past. Take a day trip to discover some of the few remaining covered bridges in New York that are still standing.
To view a handy route on Google Maps, click here!
Amanda Baldwin/Google
The Rexleigh Covered Bridge spans the Batten Kill. This is one of the most photogenic covered bridges in New York. It was first built in 1874. The timber that was used to construct the bridge was locally cut, but interestingly, the iron blocks were pre-fabricated.
Rexleigh Covered Bridge, Rexleigh Rd, Salem, NY 12865, USA
James Walsh/Flickr
The Buskirk Bridge dates all the way back to 1850. It’s painted a charming shade of red and is found right near the towns of Hudson and Buskirk. Amazingly, it’s still open for vehicle use! This darling Howe truss covered bridge spans the Hoosic River. Passing over it will take you to a simpler time.
Buskirks Covered Bridge, 10 Co Rd 59, Buskirk, NY 12028, USA
Sarah Fuller/Google
The Copeland Covered Bridge in Northville is more than worth pulling over for. Conveniently located right along the roadside in Saratoga County, it sits at the bottom of a small hill. You can walk inside the bridge to enjoy a framed view of the waterfalls all around you as they cascade down Beecher Creek. This 30-foot bridge was built in 1879.
Copeland Covered Bridge, 46 N Shore Rd, Northville, NY 12134, USA
Bruce Caisse/Google
If you hadn’t already caught on to this pattern, covered bridges in New York were pretty popular back in the 1870s! This one was built in 1875 in Herkimer County. Spanning over 40 feet across Spruce Creek, this covered bridge makes for one scenic stop.
Salisbury Historic Covered Bridge, 364, 360 Fairview Rd, Dolgeville, NY 13329, USA
Eric Madsen/Google
Some actually consider Hyde Hall Covered Bridge to be the oldest covered bridge in America. It’s found tucked away inside of Cooperstown’s Glimmerglass State Park. An easy 1-mile hiking trail is set up in the park, so you can take a stroll right over the oldest covered bridge in the Empire State. This dates back to 1825 and is certainly one of the most enchanting places in New York.
Hyde Hall Covered Bridge, Glimmerglass State Park, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA
Ready to take on even more adventures here in the Empire State? Then check out these 11 Unforgettable Road Trips To Take In New York Before You Die!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Enchanting Places in New York September 29, 2021 Lisa Sammons What are some great gardens and parks in New York? New York is filled with magical gardens and parks. Obviously, Central Park is one of the most famous spots in the entire world (and arguably the most photographed!). But we’ve got 180 state parks and 22 national parks, not to mention all our great little municipal parks. The New York Botanical Garden is stunning and has a fantastically unique rock garden you won’t want to miss. Even outside of the Big Apple, there’s plenty of gardens worth checking out! The Sonnenberg Gardens is always a favorite, and a great day trip destination. What are some historic places in New York? Of course in a state as old as ours, we’re liable to have some fantastic historic places worth checking out. From lighthouses to historic homes like the Vanderbilt Mansion, there are all kinds of historic landmarks you should check out in New York. Whether you are interested in Native American history, colonial times, or more modern history, there is plenty to explore all across the Empire State. What are some scenic drives in New York? New York has some absolutely beautiful drives, whether you are on a motorcycle or in a car. No matter what time of year you go out for a drive, you’re sure to have fantastic scenery here. Long scenic backroads are a great option, particularly in the upstate region with all of our mountains. The High Peaks Scenic Byway (Route 73) is nationally renowned for its beauty. Twisting and turning through the Adirondacks, you’ll see some of the most brilliant scenery in the Empire State. The Upper Delaware Scenic Byway is not for the faint of heart: its legendary curves are numerous. But it’s got absolutely amazing views!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Enchanting Places in New York
September 29, 2021
Lisa Sammons
What are some great gardens and parks in New York? New York is filled with magical gardens and parks. Obviously, Central Park is one of the most famous spots in the entire world (and arguably the most photographed!). But we’ve got 180 state parks and 22 national parks, not to mention all our great little municipal parks. The New York Botanical Garden is stunning and has a fantastically unique rock garden you won’t want to miss. Even outside of the Big Apple, there’s plenty of gardens worth checking out! The Sonnenberg Gardens is always a favorite, and a great day trip destination. What are some historic places in New York? Of course in a state as old as ours, we’re liable to have some fantastic historic places worth checking out. From lighthouses to historic homes like the Vanderbilt Mansion, there are all kinds of historic landmarks you should check out in New York. Whether you are interested in Native American history, colonial times, or more modern history, there is plenty to explore all across the Empire State. What are some scenic drives in New York? New York has some absolutely beautiful drives, whether you are on a motorcycle or in a car. No matter what time of year you go out for a drive, you’re sure to have fantastic scenery here. Long scenic backroads are a great option, particularly in the upstate region with all of our mountains. The High Peaks Scenic Byway (Route 73) is nationally renowned for its beauty. Twisting and turning through the Adirondacks, you’ll see some of the most brilliant scenery in the Empire State. The Upper Delaware Scenic Byway is not for the faint of heart: its legendary curves are numerous. But it’s got absolutely amazing views!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
New York is filled with magical gardens and parks. Obviously, Central Park is one of the most famous spots in the entire world (and arguably the most photographed!). But we’ve got 180 state parks and 22 national parks, not to mention all our great little municipal parks. The New York Botanical Garden is stunning and has a fantastically unique rock garden you won’t want to miss. Even outside of the Big Apple, there’s plenty of gardens worth checking out! The Sonnenberg Gardens is always a favorite, and a great day trip destination.
What are some historic places in New York?
Of course in a state as old as ours, we’re liable to have some fantastic historic places worth checking out. From lighthouses to historic homes like the Vanderbilt Mansion, there are all kinds of historic landmarks you should check out in New York. Whether you are interested in Native American history, colonial times, or more modern history, there is plenty to explore all across the Empire State.
What are some scenic drives in New York?
New York has some absolutely beautiful drives, whether you are on a motorcycle or in a car. No matter what time of year you go out for a drive, you’re sure to have fantastic scenery here. Long scenic backroads are a great option, particularly in the upstate region with all of our mountains. The High Peaks Scenic Byway (Route 73) is nationally renowned for its beauty. Twisting and turning through the Adirondacks, you’ll see some of the most brilliant scenery in the Empire State. The Upper Delaware Scenic Byway is not for the faint of heart: its legendary curves are numerous. But it’s got absolutely amazing views!
