The historic Taftsville Covered Bridge in Vermont was opened in 1836, which means that it is the oldest covered bridge in Windsor County; the third oldest covered bridge in the state; and one of the oldest covered bridges in the United States — and it is still in use today.
Historic Taftsville Covered Bridge in Vermont
Constructed entirely of local wood and stone at a cost of approximately $1,800.00, the Taftsville Covered Bridge is a rare example of early vernacular wooden truss covered bridges in the United States. All evidence indicates that Solomon Emmons III — who was a longtime Taftsville resident who was the builder of the bridge — used no existing patented bridge truss designs; and that the design and construction techniques that were used on the bridge are unique.
At approximately 189 feet in length at the floor and 200 feet in height at the roof, it is the second longest covered bridge in Vermont. Tropical Storm Irene devastated the south abutment on Sunday, August 28, 2011, which forced the bridge to be closed for two years as it underwent extensive repairs and restoration efforts.
The bridge crosses the Ottauquechee River.
This is a video of me driving the rental vehicle over the bridge.
Final Boarding Call
I enjoyed driving over this historic bridge, which is only one lane wide. The photographs were taken south of the bridge, which is the part of the bridge that was impacted by Tropical Storm Irene.
Taftsville Covered Bridge is located east of the town of Woodstock in Vermont along United States Highway 4.
Taftsville Covered Bridge
403 East Woodstock Road
Woodstock, Vermont 05091
United States of America
No admission is charged to visit the Taftsville Covered Bridge; and no toll is charged to cross it for pedestrians or for vehicles. Taftsville Covered Bridge is never closed to anyone who wants to visit it or cross it — with the exception of significantly inclement weather or required maintenance. No facilities are available at the site itself. Parking is generally unavailable along streets nearby; but I was able to park just south of the bridge adjacent to United States Highway 4. Dress appropriately for weather conditions.
All photographs ©2026 by Brian Cohen.
