Exploring the Willard Twin Covered Bridges
The Willard Twin Covered Bridges in North Hartland, 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 Hartland 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.
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
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 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.
Looking for Itineraries to explore?
I just became an affiliate for Roadtrippers. Its a great site for creating itineraries and even exploring what is out there. You can do similar things in Google Maps for free, except that the itinerary you create is so easy to save. I created a free one in 2 minutes between Boston, MA., and Stowe, VT. You get 5 stops for free, but you can also just use it for research. Discount code below
I will be adding other affiliates to the sidebar but ONLY ones that I think will benefit you! Oh! if you do want to join them use this code BTR5QTP for $5 off
Safe travels my friends…
Jeff Foliage Folger
Autumn is a state of mind more than a time of year – Jeff Foliage
You’ve referred to Hartland as Hartford many times in this article. Just FYI…
Thanks John, sometime my mind goes off on a tangent… Did I miss anything else as far as the history of the bridges? I looked for a while online but there wasn’t too much out there… Short of coming into the historical society