Great Eddy Covered Bridge - Image 1
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Great Eddy Covered Bridge

4.6
·11 reviews·Waitsfield, United States

Step back in time at Vermont's oldest continuously used covered bridge, set against the scenic Mad River.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
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Great Eddy Covered Bridge - Image 1

Great Eddy Covered Bridge

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at Vermont's oldest continuously used covered bridge, set against the scenic Mad River.

4.6
(11 reviews)

"A popular local spot for fishing, splashing around, and unpretentious good Vermont views."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Charm

The bridge is a photographer's dream! Capture its historic architecture and the scenic Mad River.

🎣 River Fun Awaits

Popular for fishing and splashing in the Mad River. Bring your gear for a fun day out!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 11 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Covered Bridge

Historic Covered Bridge

Waitsfield, Vermont

Step back in time on Vermont's oldest surviving covered bridge, still carrying traffic.

Mad River Views

Mad River Views

Adjacent to the bridge

Enjoy scenic river vistas, perfect for fishing, splashing, or a peaceful moment.

Photographer's Delight

Photographer's Delight

Around the bridge and river

Capture the charm of this iconic Vermont landmark and its natural surroundings.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

While the Great Eddy Covered Bridge is open 24/7, visiting during daylight hours offers the best views for photos and enjoying the Mad River. Weekends can get busy with locals enjoying the river, so consider a weekday visit for a more serene experience.

Embrace the Scenery

This historic bridge is a picturesque spot, perfect for a quick stop and photo opportunity. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the Mad River, or bring your fishing gear for a relaxing afternoon. Remember to respect the local environment and leave no trace.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Ideal for river activities
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Standing on the Historic Great Eddy Covered Bridge in Waitsfield, Vermont over the Mad River always feels like stepping back in time. Built in 1833 and rebuilt in 1975, it’s the oldest surviving covered bridge in Vermont still carrying traffic! 🚗 ✨ Walking across it, you can almost imagine the horse-drawn wagons that once passed through. It also has the longest span of any Burr truss bridge in Ve...
travelikealocalvt
374 likes • 12.1K views

📸 Capture the Charm

The bridge is a photographer's dream! Capture its historic architecture and the scenic Mad River. Instagram+1

🎣 River Fun Awaits

Popular for fishing and splashing in the Mad River. Bring your gear for a fun day out! Reddit

We came across this sweet video Dan shot of @huggies0 photographing local models Noah, @elizah_hill , and @justryancarr near the Great Eddy Covered Bridge in Waitsfield a couple winters ago. All are wearing our boiled wool designs, with wool and cashmere accessories. If you’re cold, consider adding our layers. Our @themadrivervalley studio/shop next to the Waitsfield Post Office is back to non ...
product_think_tank
19 likes • 471 views
Sketching the Great Eddy Covered bridge in Waitsfield VT. #urbansketch #Vermont #lovevermont #newengland #travelsketch #watercolour #watercolor #bakuma #bakumaart #bakumar_art #coveredbridge #w#waitsfieldvt #greateddycoveredbridge #madriver #madrivervalley
bakuma.art
29 likes • 210 views

🕰️ Step Back in Time

Experience Vermont's oldest covered bridge, a true piece of history still in use. Instagram

🚗 Easy Access

The bridge is open 24/7 and easily accessible for a quick stop or longer visit. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Charm

The bridge is a photographer's dream! Capture its historic architecture and the scenic Mad River. Instagram+1

🎣 River Fun Awaits

Popular for fishing and splashing in the Mad River. Bring your gear for a fun day out! Reddit

🕰️ Step Back in Time

Experience Vermont's oldest covered bridge, a true piece of history still in use. Instagram

🚗 Easy Access

The bridge is open 24/7 and easily accessible for a quick stop or longer visit. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(11 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Great Eddy Covered Bridge for its well-kept condition and picturesque Vermont views. It's a popular local spot for enjoying the Mad River, whether for fishing or simply splashing around. While it's a simple attraction, its historic charm and natural beauty make it a worthwhile stop.

"This is a popular local place for fishing, splashing around, and unpretentios good Vermont views. Definitely worth checking out if you happen to be in Waitsfield."

Heart Of the Village Inn

"So well kept"

Dan Hegsted

"Lovely covered bridge"

Bev Owen

What People Like

Well-kept historic bridge
Beautiful river views
Great for fishing

What People Dislike

Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Great Eddy Covered Bridge is located in Waitsfield, Vermont. It's easily accessible by car and is a popular stop for those exploring the Mad River Valley. Parking is available nearby, though it can be limited during peak times.

Public transportation options directly to the bridge are limited. It's best to have a car for exploring Waitsfield and the surrounding areas. Consider ride-sharing services if available in the region.

The Mad River Valley itself offers beautiful scenic drives. Routes like Route 100 provide stunning views of the Green Mountains and charming Vermont villages, perfect for a day trip.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no admission fee to visit or walk across the Great Eddy Covered Bridge. It's a public landmark accessible to everyone.

The Great Eddy Covered Bridge is open 24/7, allowing visitors to experience its charm at any time. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available near the Great Eddy Covered Bridge. However, it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during warmer months when the river is popular for recreation. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Visitors enjoy walking across the historic bridge, taking photos, fishing in the Mad River, and simply enjoying the scenic Vermont views. It's a great spot for a picnic. Reddit

Yes, families can enjoy the bridge and the river. It's a safe place for children to explore, though adult supervision is recommended near the water. Reddit

Absolutely! The Mad River is a popular spot for fishing, and many visitors cast their lines near the bridge. Remember to check local fishing regulations and obtain any necessary licenses. Reddit

You can expect picturesque views of the historic covered bridge itself, the flowing Mad River, and the surrounding natural beauty of the Vermont landscape. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer beautiful lighting for capturing the bridge's charm. Weekday mornings also tend to be less crowded, providing clearer shots. Instagram+1

A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is ideal. A wide-angle lens can capture the full scope of the bridge and its surroundings. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures of the river. Instagram

Try shooting from the riverbanks for reflections, or from slightly upstream or downstream to frame the bridge within the landscape. The approach to the bridge also offers classic perspectives. Instagram+1

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