If you’ve got a soft spot for old wooden bridges, winding backroads, and small-town charm, this road trip is totally your thing.
Tennessee might be known for music and mountains, but it’s also hiding some seriously cool covered bridges that are super scenic and waiting to be found.
Some are over 100 years old, some are brand new, and a few are so hidden that you’d never find them without a little help.
So get ready to cruise through creeks, past farms, and into some of the most charming spots the state has to offer.
1. Elizabethton Covered Bridge
Elizabethton Covered Bridge is a white wooden bridge that stretches 134 feet across the Doe River in downtown Elizabethton.
It was built way back in 1882 and is one of the few historic covered bridges in the state that still carries foot traffic today.
The bridge sits right next to Covered Bridge Park, where you can relax by the water, catch live music during the summer, or just admire the bridge’s classic Howe truss design.
If you’re into history, you’ll love that it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has survived floods, storms, and over 140 years of East Tennessee weather.
2. Bible Covered Bridge
Next up is Bible Covered Bridge, a tiny hidden gem tucked away in the countryside of Midway.
This one’s way smaller than Elizabethton at just 57 feet long but it’s packed with charm and sits right over Little Chucky Creek.
Built in 1923, it was originally used by horse-drawn wagons heading to the nearby Bible family farm, which is where the bridge gets its name.
There’s a little pull-off where you can hang out by the creek, listen to the water, and feel like you’ve time-traveled back a hundred years.
Please note that this covered bridge is closed to vehicles but you can still walk across it.
3. Harrisburg Covered Bridge
Then there’s Harrisburg Covered Bridge, just 10 minutes outside Sevierville and yep, this one’s still open to cars!
It stretches 83 feet over the East Fork of the Little Pigeon River and has a cool, boxy design with windows, so you can peek out at the water as you drive through.
The bridge was built in 1875, got wiped out by a flood, and was completely rebuilt by locals who donated labor and wood to make it happen.
It’s been lovingly restored a few times since then, and today it’s a fun little detour with a big dose of Smoky Mountain history.
4. Emert’s Cove Historic Covered Bridge
Just 20 minutes down the road in Pittman Center, Emert’s Cove Historic Covered Bridge feels more like a postcard than real life.
It’s a newer build from 2000, but designed to look old-school, with wooden beams and a peaceful stretch over the Middle Prong of the Little Pigeon River.
You’ll find it right off Highway 416, surrounded by quiet mountain views and the kind of calm that makes you want to stay a while.
Locals actually use it every day, but it’s also a great spot to pull over, snap a few photos, and soak in the Smokies without the crowds.
Just keep in mind that parking is tight and it can get a bit crowded at times.
5. Townsend/Sunshine Covered Bridge
Next stop: the Townsend Covered Bridge, also called the Sunshine Covered Bridge, and it’s totally worth a stop.
This wooden bridge was rebuilt and completed in late 2019 and crosses a peaceful creek near the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
It’s privately owned but open to the public, and it’s got wooden railings, a rustic tin roof, and a clean, simple design.
You’ll spot it in the historic Sunshine area, just minutes from the Little River and some of the best tubing spots in Tennessee.
6. Sycamore Springs Covered Bridge
If you’re heading through Middle Tennessee, Sycamore Springs Covered Bridge in Bethpage is a total surprise.
You’ll find it at 3700 US-31E, sitting on private land, but you can easily see it from the road to snap a photo.
The bridge stretches across a small pond, with crisp wood and a reflection that’s picture-perfect on calm days.
It’s not a big, historic landmark, but it’s got charm for days and feels like something straight out of a cozy country movie set.
7. David Crockett State Park Bridge
Last but not least is the covered bridge at David Crockett State Park in Lawrenceburg and yep, it’s as cool as it sounds.
This one isn’t super old or super long, but it’s right in the middle of a 1,319-acre park packed with hiking trails, a waterfall, and even a small lake for kayaking.
The bridge crosses Shoal Creek near the historic mill site, and it’s a great little bonus when you’re checking out the on-site museum dedicated to David Crockett himself.
It’s the perfect final stop if you want a mix of nature, history, and a covered bridge that feels like the cherry on top of your Tennessee road trip.
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