Covered Bridges of New Hampshire

a photo essay by James and Patricia Cummings

photos taken on October 21, 2007

Covered bridges, once called "kissing bridges," dot the landscape of New Hampshire's rural areas. From Warner to Jackson to Swanzey and other places, covered bridges are still a beautiful part of the Granite State. During our vacation in October 2007, we took a few photos. Many of the bridge areas were so crowded with tourists, we decided to stop there some other time.

covered bridge in Swanzey, NH

Jim lost his footing, taking this picture, and almost ended up in the "drink." This a left side view of the first bridge we stopped at in Swanzey, NH.

A second view of the bridge

Looks as though a too-tall vehicle might have attempted to enter the low clearance bridge. Only one car at a time can ride through to the other side.

Second covered bridge in Swanzey, NH

Not far away is a second covered bridge in Swanzey, NH.

Brick mill buildings flank the river that runs under the 2nd Swanzey, NH bridge

Old, brick, mill buildings flank the river that runs under the bridge seen in the previous photo. At one time, every running river and stream in this state supported some kind of a mill.

Even the stream that runs behind our home once had a mill wheel for the mill next door. The mill utilized Indigo to dye the uniforms of Civil War soldiers a dark blue color. (The mill is no longer standing).

River spillway below the falls at Swanzey, NH

Jim hiked down the river a bit in order to take this long shot of the bridge. Note the hue of the river on this bright autumn day. Swanzey is located in the Monadnock region of New Hampshire.

Covered bridge at Bath, NH

Covered Bridge at Bath, NH, built in 1832

An old sign on the bridge says: ONE DOLLAR FINE to drive any team faster than a walk on this bridge. Very close to the bridge is The Brick Store, the oldest, continuously run general store in the country, known for their smoked cheese and bacon, and many flavors of homemade fudge. photo by James Cummings

covered bridge in Autumn, in Warner, NH

Old Covered Bridge in Warner, NH. Notice the reflection in the water.
photo by James Cummings

Cilleyville Covered Bridge, Andover, NH

Cilleyville Bridge, Andover, NH

Smith Millennium Bridge, near or in Rumney, NH

Smith Millennium Covered Bridge, in or near Rumney, NH

Everyone loves a covered bridge!