Covered Bridges & Waterfalls

Covered Bridges

The Columbia Bridge was built in 1912 and is located between Columbia and Lemington. This bridge is actually the second to stand in this spot, as the first was destroyed by a fire in 1911. It is the most northerly Connecticut River bridge to connect Vermont and New Hampshire.

The Cornish-Windsor Bridge is the longest wooden covered bridge in the United States, and the longest two-span covered bridge in the world. Built in 1866, and used as a toll bridge until 1943, the original cost for this bridge was $9,000. 

The Groveton Bridge is located just off of Route 3 in New Hampshire, and stretches over the Ammonoosuc River. Built in 1852, this bridge is well over one hundred and fifty years old. 

The Happy Corner Bridge is one of the oldest covered bridges in New Hampshire. It was built in the mid-1800’s and is said to have gotten it’s name from a house adjacent to it, that is still there today, where people had ‘happy times’ playing musical instruments and dancing. 

The Mechanic St. Bridge also known as the Israelis River Bridge, was constructed in 1862. It was July 19 of the same year that the people of the town asked that the only things allowed to cross the bridge do so at “walking speed”. 

The Mount Orne Bridge was actually first built in the 1860’s and used as a toll bridge, however it was destroyed by a log jam in 1908. Rebuilt in 1911, the original cost of this bridge was $6,678. 

The Pittsburg-Clarksville Bridge is also known as the Bacon Rd. Bridge. Constructed in 1876, this bridge was closed to traffic in 1981. 

The River Rd. Bridge unfortunately has little, if any known history. Built in 1858, this bridge is closed to all but foot traffic. Not existing in any town records, this small but beautiful bridge is kept up by local donations and volunteers. 

The Stark Bridge is one that has been through a lot. Washed away down stream in the 1890’s (but luckily brought back by a team of oxen and men), and then having structural failure in the 1940’s, it was finally secured in 1954 by adding steel to the frame and a central pier. This bridge was originally constructed in 1862. 

Waterfalls

Beaver Brook Falls is a gorgeous waterfall right in Colebrook, New Hampshire. There is a small pavilion right to the side of the falls, perfect for a group picnic. There are also some charcoal grills available for use as well. 

Garfield Falls is a picture of beauty in Pittsburg, New Hampshire. When you get to the trail head (the trail itself is about 3/10 of a mile), you follow a clear path down to the waterfall. You come out on a platform, and there are wood steps leading down to different landings so you can look at the falls from many different angles, before coming out on the bottom, where there is a small pool (perfect for wading if you have a dog friend with you).

Little Hellgate Falls is a gorgeous waterfall reaching over 30 feet tall. There is a bench located at the pool of water at the bottom which is perfect for a picnic. Remember to bring a camera as the trail leading to this magnificent sight is filled with a variety of wildlife, bog bridges and beautiful spruce and fir trees. Please be aware that the hike to the falls is moderately steep.