Virginia’s backroads are hiding some seriously cool pieces of history, and this road trip connects five covered bridges that are well worth pulling over for.
You’ll follow winding creeks and discover wooden bridges that have survived fires, storms, changing roads, and more than a century of the state’s weather.
Some still carry cars today, while others invite you to walk across old wooden decks and imagine the wagons and early automobiles that once rolled through.
So grab your camera and keep reading because this Virginia covered bridges road trip has plenty of surprising stories waiting around the next bend.
1. Meems Bottom Covered Bridge
Meems Bottom Covered Bridge stretches 204 feet across the North Fork of the Shenandoah River near Mount Jackson, making it an impressive stop to explore.
Built in 1894, this single-span Burr arch truss is Virginia’s longest covered bridge, and it’s still open to traffic today, so you can actually drive right through it.
Afterward, stop nearby for photos of the entire structure, river, and rustic red exterior, or walk closer to check out its historic construction details.
Fun fact: A fire badly damaged the bridge in 1976, but many original timbers were saved, and it was carefully rebuilt and reopened to traffic in 1979.
2. Humpback Covered Bridge
Next up, Humpback Covered Bridge near Covington crosses Dunlap Creek, with its 109-foot length and unusual curved shape making it a memorable sight.
It dates back to 1857 and rises about four feet higher in the middle than at either end, creating the distinctive “humpback” profile that gave the landmark its name.
For years, the bridge carried travelers along the old James River and Kanawha Turnpike, and today it holds the title of Virginia’s oldest surviving covered bridge.
To experience it for yourself, park at the wayside park, check out interpretive signs explaining its history, and walk beneath the exposed wooden beams.
3. Clover Hollow Covered Bridge
From Humpback Bridge, drive about 1.5 hours to Clover Hollow Covered Bridge, a 70-foot wooden crossing over Sinking Creek near Newport in Giles County.
Standing since 1916, this charming bridge uses a modified Howe truss design, with sturdy wooden timbers beneath its red siding and tin roof.
Take in the peaceful creek, trees, and rolling farmland first, then follow the memorial brick walkway inside, where the old wooden framework surrounds you.
With its laid-back setting, this is a great place to slow down, spread out some snacks on the nearby picnic table, and relax before getting back on the road.
4. Link Farm Covered Bridge
Now continue for five minutes to Link Farm Covered Bridge, a 49-foot crossing over Sinking Creek and the state’s narrowest covered bridge at just 12 feet wide.
It was constructed in 1912 and features a modified Queenpost truss, red wooden siding, a green metal roof, and an old plank deck that once carried vehicles.
Today, it’s open only to foot traffic, so park safely nearby before walking through and snapping photos of its weathered exterior surrounded by greenery.
It’s a beautiful piece of local history that has endured plenty, from a 1949 bypass and 1995 repairs to damage from Tropical Storm Gaston in 2004.
5. Jack’s Creek Covered Bridge
For your final stop, drive an hour from Link Farm to Jack’s Creek Covered Bridge, a historic landmark spanning the Smith River near Woolwine.
Built in 1914 by Charlie Elam Vaughn, this 48-foot bridge features a Queenpost truss, with unpainted wooden siding and a tin roof adding to its rustic look.
It no longer carries vehicles, so stop nearby and walk across the wooden deck while listening to the water rush below and admiring the timber supports overhead.
Stick around for a little while before heading home, as this quiet spot makes a fitting end to a road trip packed with history and memorable structures.
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