Roddy Road Covered Bridge
A charming, historic wooden covered bridge in Frederick County, Maryland, offering a picturesque stop with a lovely park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, crisp air
Roddy Road Covered Bridge
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, crisp air
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, historic wooden covered bridge in Frederick County, Maryland, offering a picturesque stop with a lovely park.
"A beautiful hidden gem perfect for photos, picnics, and a peaceful moment in nature."
🚗 Combine with Other Bridges
Visit Loys Station & Utica Mills bridges nearby for a full covered bridge tour!
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
Free park with tables, grills, and swings. Perfect for a relaxing meal.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Roddy Road Covered Bridge
Thurmont, MD
A charming, one-lane king post wooden covered bridge, perfect for photos and a step back in time.
Adjacent Park & Picnic Area
Next to the bridge
Enjoy a relaxing picnic with tables, grills, swings, and a gentle creek for a peaceful afternoon.
Scenic Frederick County Drive
Northern Frederick County, MD
Explore the beauty of Maryland's countryside, especially stunning in autumn with vibrant fall colors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Scenic Drive
Picnic Perfect Pit Stop
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Combine with Other Bridges
Visit Loys Station & Utica Mills bridges nearby for a full covered bridge tour!
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
Free park with tables, grills, and swings. Perfect for a relaxing meal.
📸 Be Mindful of Traffic
It's a one-lane bridge, so be cautious when stopping for photos.
🍂 Fall is Magical
The autumn colors make this spot especially picturesque. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Combine with Other Bridges
Visit Loys Station & Utica Mills bridges nearby for a full covered bridge tour!
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
Free park with tables, grills, and swings. Perfect for a relaxing meal.
📸 Be Mindful of Traffic
It's a one-lane bridge, so be cautious when stopping for photos.
🍂 Fall is Magical
The autumn colors make this spot especially picturesque.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
Explore the park and surrounding areas with ease.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Roddy Road Covered Bridge as a well-maintained, charming, and relaxing stop. Its historical significance, coupled with the pleasant park amenities like picnic areas and a creek, makes it a delightful detour. While it's a one-lane bridge, requiring some caution, the overall experience is highly enjoyable and recommended for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
"Cute little covered bridge that is very well maintained. The quant park next door has parking available and places to sit or have a picnic. Overall this is a very enjoyable ans relaxing place to stop and relax for a bit I stopped here on a whim on my way through to DC and loved the area."
Kirk Swan
"This is my first covered bridge ive seen in person. Love it here. Very peaceful."
Brian Retz
"Very nice covered bridge. Cute little park. Decent size parking lot. Bridge is one lane. Be careful in getting out for pictures because it is an active bridge."
Nancy Shumway
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The bridge is located at 14760 Roddy Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788. It's best accessed by car and is part of a scenic drive through Frederick County. Many visitors combine it with trips to Loys Station and Utica Mills covered bridges, which are a short drive away.
Yes, it's generally easy to find via GPS. It's situated near Roddy Road Park, which has a parking lot. The drive itself is scenic, making the journey enjoyable.
Many visitors recommend a scenic drive through Northern Frederick County, especially in the fall. You can easily visit multiple covered bridges and enjoy the countryside.
Absolutely! Consider visiting Catoctin Wildlife Preserve, Magnolia Meadow Farms, or exploring downtown Frederick for a fuller day trip.
Yes, it's a perfect, free stop for a road trip. The park offers amenities like picnic tables and bathrooms, making it a convenient and relaxing break.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Roddy Road Covered Bridge and the adjacent park are completely free to visit.
The bridge and park are open daily. There are no specific operating hours, allowing for flexible visits.
No advance booking is necessary as there is no admission fee. You can visit anytime.
Yes, there is a decent-sized parking lot available at the park next to the bridge.
Yes, there are bathrooms located in a building nearby the park area.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Golden hour, both morning and late afternoon, offers beautiful lighting. Fall foliage also provides a stunning backdrop.
Absolutely! The adjacent park has picnic tables, grills, swings, and open grassy areas, making it a great spot for families to relax and play.
Yes, you can walk across the one-lane bridge. Just be mindful of any vehicles that might be using it.
It's one of Maryland's few remaining historic covered bridges, offering a glimpse into the past with its unique king post design and charming setting.
Yes, drone footage can capture the bridge's setting beautifully, especially with the surrounding trees and creek.
🎫 🌳 Nature & Activities
Enjoy a picnic, take photos, explore the park, and wade in the creek. It's a peaceful spot for relaxation and enjoying nature.
The natural setting with trees and a creek provides a habitat for various birds, making it a pleasant spot for casual birdwatching.
While you can wade in the creek, swimming might be limited depending on the water depth and flow. It's more for cooling off or playing.
Expect a picturesque scene with a historic wooden bridge spanning a gentle creek, surrounded by mature trees and rolling hills.
The park area with picnic tables and paths is generally accessible. Access to the bridge itself might be uneven.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The gentle creek is perfect for wading and exploring, adding an element of adventure. It's a safe and engaging stop that provides a break from car rides and a chance to connect with nature and history. Consider packing a picnic to take full advantage of the park's amenities. The historical aspect of the covered bridge can also spark curiosity in children about the past. It's a low-key, enjoyable outing that doesn't require extensive planning or cost, making it a budget-friendly option for family fun.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
The free admission and ample parking make it a convenient and stress-free detour. It's a perfect spot to stretch your legs, enjoy a picnic lunch, and capture some beautiful photos. The drive to and from the bridge is often as scenic as the destination itself, particularly during the autumn months.
+1 This makes it a highly recommended stop for anyone exploring the Maryland countryside.📸 Photographers & History Buffs
+1For history buffs, the bridge represents a tangible piece of Americana and a testament to historical engineering. Visiting all three covered bridges in Frederick County can provide a comprehensive look at this unique aspect of local heritage.
The surrounding park also offers charming vignettes for lifestyle and nature photography.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Maryland's Covered Bridges
These bridges were crucial for protecting wooden decks from weather damage, extending their lifespan. Today, they stand as beloved landmarks, attracting photographers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful escape. Visiting them often involves scenic drives through rural landscapes, making the journey as rewarding as the destination. Many travelers enjoy creating a 'covered bridge tour' of Frederick County, as the three bridges are located within a short driving distance of each other.
When visiting, remember that these are often active, one-lane bridges. Always exercise caution when stopping for photos or crossing. The adjacent parks, like the one at Roddy Road, provide excellent opportunities for picnics and relaxation, enhancing the overall experience. The natural beauty surrounding these bridges, especially during the fall, adds another layer of appeal.
Planning Your Roddy Road Visit
Many visitors highlight the convenience of the parking lot and the availability of nearby restrooms, adding to the ease of a visit. For the best experience, consider visiting during the fall when the surrounding foliage is at its peak, creating a stunning visual backdrop for the historic bridge.
+1 Weekday visits tend to be less crowded, allowing for a more serene experience. Beyond the bridge itself, the surrounding area offers opportunities for scenic drives and exploration. Combining Roddy Road with Loys Station and Utica Mills covered bridges provides a comprehensive tour of the region's historic crossings.
This makes it a perfect destination for a day trip or a relaxing stop on a longer journey through Maryland.
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