Exploring the Willard Twin Covered Bridges

The Willard Twin Covered Bridges in North Hartford, Vermont are a real pair of bridges. Located just a short drive from the “bustling metropolis” of White River Junction, these charming little bridges are the perfect covered bridges to explore. These bridges are one set of two that I’m aware of in Vermont that are so close together that you can photograph one from inside the other.

As you leave White River Junction I would head south on Route 5. You can take I-91 south (much faster) and you will be able to wave at the bridges as you drive past them. (Hey maybe there is a photo op there) You can see I-91 just behind the Willard Twin bridges.

Finding the Willard Twin covered bridges (click the link for a Google map)

But you will have to travel to Hartford and then backtrack North to the bridges, so to me taking Route 5 is more efficient. As you approach the bridges, you’ll pass under I-91 and almost immediately see Evarts Road on the left. Take that to mill street and hang a left. I did not find much parking before the first bridge or after the second so I parked on the island which is between the two covered bridges.

The Willard Twin covered bridges in Hartland Vermont are only one of maybe two sets where both covered bridges are so close that you can see the other from inside the other one. You can get this framed print or canvas gallery wrap to hang on your wall or as home decor on totes, pillows, or even mugs.

You’ll be struck by their rustic charm. Nestled among the rolling hills and verdant forests of Vermont, the bridges are a testament to the state’s rich history and tradition of craftsmanship.

But don’t let their quaint appearance fool you – these bridges are no ordinary feats of engineering. In fact, they’re actually twins – two (nearly) identical covered bridges that span the Ottauquechee River and are connected by a small stretch of road passing over a stone island.

View my other covered bridges in my Fine Art Gallery.

Twins broke apart only to find themselves again

There are only two Vermont “sets” of covered bridges (that I’m aware of) where you can look through one covered bridge and see the next one so close by. View larger.

The original Bridges were built around 1870 and the western bridge was destroyed by a hurricane in 1938 and was replaced by a steel bridge, only to be replaced by a new covered bridge 63 years later in 2001. It’s very rare to have a steel-constructed bridge to be replaced by a wooden covered bridge. But since the eastern twin has been standing there since 1870 (153 years) I guess it does make more sense in some cases.

Today, the Willard Twin Covered Bridges sit quietly taking local traffic from one side of the Ottauquechee River to the other. Whether you’re an architecture buff, a history buff, or just looking for a fun day trip, the Willard Twin Covered Bridges are sure to delight you.

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Remember if you are just starting out, check out my fall foliage primer on locating and exploring the fall colors in New England.

Safe travels my friends…

Jeff Foliage Folger

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

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