7 Covered Bridges Tour*
- kathyboufford
- Nov 24, 2024
- 8 min read
PIVOT SERIES
AUGUST 12, 2024
Six weeks after surgery to replace my torn ACL and I’m finally back in New Hampshire. Chomping at the bit to get back to exploring and, although still compromised, I am well enough to travel by car, walk around a bit and enjoy a restaurant outing. Covered bridges have always been an attraction in New Hampshire and I found through research while recovering that there are many in close proximity in the Lakes Region and the southern White Mountains. Thinking it would be an activity I could handle, I searched for a driving route. Lots of information on the web about the bridges – where they are and the history of the bridges and even reviews of those bridges – but no driving route. So, I made one and we tested it last week. We visited seven covered bridges: Friendship Bridge in Wentworth, Smith Bridge in Plymouth, Durgin Bridge in North Sandwich, Squam Bridge in Ashland, Turkey Jim’s Bridge in Campton, Bump Bridge in Campton and Blair Bridge in Campton. Only stopping at each bridge a short while, it took about four hours. We ended the trip at the Covered Bridge Farm Table, of course. But where did we start?
The first bridge on the list was Friendship Bridge. But we didn’t start our driving route there. We needed fuel – the car kind and the people kind. Appleknockers in Warren was our starting point. This general store/hardware store/gas station, located on Rt. 25 in Warren has everything. It’s large, well organized and clean. The people who work there are always helpful and friendly and they have a bathroom for public use. It’s a definite go-to when we are nearby and, only four miles away from Friendship Bridge, we were nearby. Ronnie got gas and a whoopie pie and I got one of their fresh baked muffins and an iced coffee. We took a left onto Rt. 25 and we were off.
About four miles down Rt 25, we took a left onto East Side Rd. Shortly after you make the turn you see Friendship Bridge on your left.
This is a walking/biking bridge only. There is a parking area. This bridge was actually saved from destruction and relocated from Bedford, NH. You can read about it at the large display sign in front of the bridge. It was reconstructed at this site in 2016. From the bridge you can see Baker River and Riverside Park below. It seems to be a local swimming and fishing place and has really interesting, river-worn boulders. Access to this park is via Rt. 25, just before the turn onto East Side Rd.
Smith Bridge in Plymouth, also crossing the Baker River, is only about a 15-minute drive. We got back to Rt 25 and took a left to Main Street, a few miles away. Here we pass Sole Track Brewing on the left. If we did this trip backwards, I would make this our final destination. We took a right onto Quincy Rd. This is a beautiful stretch of Rumney, NH. We pass lovely residential properties leading into Plymouth, NH and, once in Plymouth, will pass several farms and a municipal airport before arriving at the Smith Bridge. Brox Farm has maple syrup available year-round, and Longview Farm has fresh vegetables, fruit and flowers in season. Smith Bridge was re-built in 2021. Although you can drive over Smith Bridge, we stopped to park in one of the parking areas on the side of the bridge. From either side you can walk to the bridge and easily access the river below. This is a popular place to cool off in the summer and appears to have a sandy bottom.
After viewing on foot, we got back in the car and continued through the Smith Bridge back to Rt. 25. We took a left onto Rt 25 and headed to Rt 25E/NH 3AN towards I93S Ashland/Concord. We were now on our way to Durgin Bridge in North Sandwich. This was the longest drive between the bridges on our trip and took approximately 55 minutes without any stops. Here are the directions we followed:
- Take exit 25 NH-175 Holderness/Plymouth
- Turn left on NH-175E
- Continue to NH 175S
- Left on US-3S (Note: Ice House Creamery on left)
- Left on NH-25BE
- Left on Dane Rd./Main St. (Note: The Old Country Store on left)
- Left on Bearcamp Pond Rd. (Note: this is a dirt road)
- Straight onto Foss Flats Rd.
- Right onto Durgin Bridge Rd.
It was hard not to stop along the way. There is a lot more to see, eat and do besides the two popular places noted above. This is especially the case when you get into the Lake Winnipesaukee/Moultonborough area. But my recovering leg was not going to allow me to extend this covered bridge adventure tour longer than necessary.
Durgin Bridge is smaller than the first two bridges, but sweet.
We were able to drive over it although the age of the bridge makes it look as if you shouldn’t. It was built in 1869. Many covered bridges in New Hampshire were built in the 1800’s but have since been destroyed and re-built. There is a tiny pull off to the right, past the bridge. We parked and got a closer look at the old bridge and Cold River below. There is no easy access to the water and, with very little place to park, is not suited for more than a short visit. Ronnie took a few pics while I stretched my legs and then headed back to the car.
Our next stop was Squam Bridge, about a 35-minute drive to Ashland, NH. We went back the way we came on Durgin Bridge Rd for about 1.5 miles then took a right onto Beede Flats Rd. Here are the directions we followed:
- Go about 6 miles and take a right onto Church St.
- Take a quick right on Skinner St.
- Go 12 miles then take a right onto US-3
- Go about 2 miles and take a left onto River St.
Once on River Street, the Squam Bridge was directly ahead. You can drive over it and park off the road on the other side.
Squam Bridge is another short bridge but very new, built in 1990. It offers an expansive view of Squam Lake and is near two restaurants we are very fond of: Walter’s Basin and Kitchen Inn & Bar. It doesn’t appear you can access the lake from this bridge. But it does make for nice pictures and has a pedestrian walkway to take in the view and get an up-close look. From here, we headed toward the three Campton, NH covered bridges: Turkey Jim’s, Bump and Blair. About a 20-minute drive.
We started by going Northwest on River Street and taking a left onto US-3N. We followed these directions:
- Go approximately 2.5 miles to I93N;
- to exit 28;
- Take a left onto NH-49W
- Take a right onto Branch Brook Rd. (This is the entrance to Branch Brook
Campground)
- Go to Visitor Station for assistance
I was a bit hesitant as we turned into the campground. Although my research stated the Turkey Jim’s Bridge was public, I wasn’t sure being in a private campground. As we approached the visitor station, a woman came out to greet us. I explained that I may be in the wrong place and that we were on a covered bridge driving tour. She flashed a big smile, assured me I was in the right place and said they are prepared for bridge tourists. She gave us a map and a special parking card to place on our windshield. We only had to take a few short turns inside the campground to reach Turkey Jim’s, named after the previous landowner who happened to own a turkey farm. We parked where directed and walked to the bridge.
As non-paying guests within the campground, we didn’t linger too long. This bridge was longer than the previous two and was re-built in 1958. It crosses West Branch Brook. We exited the campground, returned the map and parking pass, said our thanks and headed back to I93S to Exit 27 for Bump Bridge.
From Exit 27 we followed these directions:
- Left on Blair Rd.
- Left on NH Rt. 175N
- Right on Perch Pond Rd.
- Bear right to stay on Perch Pond Rd.
- Left to Bumps Intervale Rd.
Fifteen minutes later we were at Bump Bridge, which was re-built in 1972 and crosses Beebe River. It reminded me of Durgin Bridge in that it is short, dark brown and had only the side of the road for parking.
Like Durgin Bridge, there is no easy water access. A quick picture and off we went. We were now on to our last bridge and a celebratory drink for our efforts. All we had to do was retrace our steps and take a right back onto Blair Road which led us to Blair Bridge (and the Covered Bridge Farm Table). This was the end of the road for us. As we were both anxious to get out of the car and into the restaurant, we only viewed Blair Bridge from the outside. I had requested a seat by the window and was lucky enough to get one. From our table, we had a great view of the bridge and the Pemigewasset River below.
We saw several cars drive through the long bridge and many people taking pictures of themselves and their family in front of it. It wasn’t the first time that day I’d seen families viewing and taking pictures of covered bridges.
There are 58 covered bridges in New Hampshire and driving to view them has long been a leisure pastime. I’m not sure which is the bigger draw, the bridge or the drive to the bridge. For those seeking to cool off or fish in the river, the bridge is the destination. The scenic drive is just a bonus. For me, this trip was about the journey. I enjoy scouting out new areas and the bridges gave me a sense of purpose and direction. My trip this day was sort of a mad dash, and we covered a lot of territory in one day. The drive to and from North Sandwich – the longest stretch between bridges - was very picturesque. It took us through several Lake Region towns and could have easily been a one-bridge destination with the rest of the day spent on stops along the way. I think that will be on my bucket list for the fall. That’s the beauty of the seasons, they give us a chance to have different experiences even when participating in similar activities. Even if it’s simply looking out a window or walking on a bridge.
*AUTHOR’S NOTE: The above article was written for entertainment purposes only. The directions included were valid the day of my trip but weather conditions, road closures and other changes may affect these routes. Please be sure to research your driving directions if visiting any of these bridges.
COVERED BRIDGE FARM TABLE
This is a large, casual restaurant with an eclectic menu. There are inside tables overlooking the river and facing Blair Bridge as well as an outdoor area to take in the scenery. The inside bar and outside spaces have been lively in my experience, with live music and people participating in corn hole. On this visit, I opted for an inside window seat which provided a bit more space and (a little) less noise. I reflected on our trip over Pemi Punch, a mix of Bumbu Rum, passion and other fruit juices. A bit on the sweeter side, it hit the spot, went down fast and was quickly followed by another.
The Reason to go: Live music and Raw Bar
When you go: You must check out Blair Bridge. Then only 57 more to go….
The Covered Bridge Farm Table, 57 Blair Rd., Campton
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