Covered Bridges near Lancaster, NH
Historic timber bridges spanning the Connecticut River and Israel River — a short drive from Riverside.
New Hampshire is home to more than 50 covered bridges, and the Lancaster area features some of the most picturesque examples in the state. These historic timber structures, originally covered to protect their wooden trusses from weather and extend their working lives, are now cherished landmarks that attract photographers, history enthusiasts, and travelers exploring the White Mountains region. Several are located within minutes of Riverside Camping & RV Resort.
Mechanic Street Covered Bridge
The Mechanic Street Covered Bridge crosses the Israel River right in the town of Lancaster, making it one of the most accessible covered bridges in the region. Originally built in the 19th century and reconstructed over the years to maintain its structural integrity, the bridge uses a traditional Paddleford truss design characteristic of New Hampshire covered bridges. It remains open to pedestrian traffic and is a popular stop for photography, especially during fall foliage season when the surrounding maples and birches frame the bridge in brilliant color.
Mt. Orne Covered Bridge
The Mt. Orne Covered Bridge spans the Connecticut River between Lancaster, New Hampshire and Lunenburg, Vermont. This bridge is notable for being one of the few remaining covered bridges that cross a state border. Built in the 19th century, the Mt. Orne Bridge is a single-span structure with views up and down the Connecticut River valley. The bridge is located just a few miles from Riverside and is easily included as part of a scenic driving loop through Lancaster and across the Vermont border.
More Bridges in the Region
Beyond Lancaster's immediate bridges, a short drive opens up additional covered bridge destinations. The Stark Covered Bridge in the town of Stark, approximately 15 miles east, is one of the most photographed bridges in New Hampshire, set against the backdrop of a white steepled church and the Upper Ammonoosuc River. The Columbia Covered Bridge, north of Lancaster, crosses the Connecticut River between Columbia, NH and Lemington, VT. Covered bridge enthusiasts can easily visit four or five bridges in a single afternoon's drive from Riverside.
Best Times to Visit
Covered bridges are accessible and photogenic year-round, but two seasons stand out. Fall foliage from late September through mid-October transforms the landscape around each bridge into a canvas of red, orange, and gold. Winter brings a quieter beauty, with snow-covered bridges set against bare hardwood forests and frozen rivers. For photographers, early morning and late afternoon light produces the most dramatic images, particularly when mist rises off the rivers.