Henniker Covered Bridge

There is something universal about covered bridges. Almost everybody loves them and today I’ll point out some of the different aspects that I love about the Henniker Covered Bridge. While The Henniker covered bridge looks like it was designed in the 1800s (sort of). It was really built in the 1970s to replace other bridges that had washed away over the years.

The fall colors surround the Henniker covered bridge in New Hampshire. — A Rustic Covered Bridge in Henniker New Hampshire.

First, I have not sought out this bridge in any season but during the autumn. I have come back several times over the years trying to catch it at the “right time”. A lot of times I have caught it in cloudy conditions or at the wrong time of day. But this doesn’t mean I don’t photograph it. It means I keep coming back till I do “get the shot”

Rarely do you ace the shot in one go. This doesn’t mean it won’t happen but it usually means it takes persistence to get the right conditions.

Locating the Henniker Covered Bridge

Locating the Henniker Covered Bridge can be a little tough as it doesn’t have a road passing through it. It is there to allow the students to cross the Contoocook River. You can find the Henniker Covered Bridge on this Google Map. All you need to do is to come in on Route 114 Which is also called Maple Road (always a good name for a road in my book).

When you come to the College Convenience store, turn down the road next to it and park in the back. I do this for 2 of the 3 different angles that I have captured. You may also drive onto the campus and follow the road to the bridge. It’s the first road after the stone bridge heading towards the Hennicker covered bridge.

Over and under the Stone Bridge

The Stone Bridge we are talking about is called the Edna Dean Proctor Bridge. The Over and Under refers to the fact you can photograph the Henniker covered bridge from on top of the stone bridge or under it. This stone bridge is nice and wide with sidewalks on both sides because the college students use this all the time. (This is a very nice college town)

So, since we are on top of the bridge let’s look up the river and you can get several nice angles. In fact, the first image at the top was captured from this position. I used a 24-105L IS telephoto lens. So you can see it doesn’t take “real big glass” to capture it but this was at the limit of the lens using 105mm.

The Henniker from under the Stone Bridge

Now, this is why I park behind the convenience store. Actually, it’s also for the extra reason that there is a Cafe next to the Stone Bridge and I can get a coffee, or bagel. and or scones, there. (they have really good ones!)

As I was saying, head down behind the cafe and store and walk to the river. The brush is usually easy to get past and there are grapevines with grapes for the tasting (only in autumn). Now you will also notice large stone blocks/rocks leading down to the water’s edge. If you don’t feel your balance is good, you might want to rethink this part. But the rocks are usually dry with good traction.

My photographer friend Jeff Newcomer was in his mid to late 60s and he got down there ok. Now, if you are wondering WHY I would take my life into my hands? Here is the shot I was going for. I saw this in Yankee Magazine some years back. I’ve never caught this scene on a sunny morning/afternoon. Maybe this year will be the year it won’t be cloudy and overcast…?

The curved stone arch gives it a wonderful frame through which to view the Henniker Covered Bridge. I’ve tried different angles and the only thing I haven’t managed was an early morning shot with warm sunlight to light up the Bridge.

Final View of the Henniker Covered Bridge

Now we will take a drive onto the campus or you can walk, it’s not that long and it means you can walk back to the car and have a reason to get a refill on your coffee and another bagel… 🙂

The road is the first right and it takes you past the back of several school buildings and brings you right to the covered bridge.

This shot was early in November and with the leaf loss, you can see more of the Henniker Covered Bridge. At this time of the morning, the light is getting a bit harsh but I think the image is lovely all the same. If you like, you can get creative with your mid-morning images.

I picked up a red maple leaf and held it up and composed around it. From there it’s up to your imagination.

This takes around the Henniker Covered Bridge in Henniker New Hampshire. We’ve looked at it from several different angles and (depending on how steady you are) you can choose one or more of them to try yourself. If you want to see more of my Henniker Covered Bridge Art follow this link to my gallery to see different images from over the years.

This is a fairly easy covered bridge to locate and if you are like me, one to keep coming back to. I’ve been here 6 times and I think I have a few more till I get it right. If you think you only have a single day to get it, then I would choose around 17 October. If you are a bit before or later, you should be fine. I’ve found that my November shots have a different feel but are no less wonderful than my October ones.

Happy Foliage Trails my friends

Jeff Foliage Folger

Autumn is a state of mind more than a time of year – Jeff Foliage

Visit my Amazon affiliate store for items that Lisa and I have curated for you. These items are either New England-made or things we think will make your fall foliage trip more successful.