Gold Brook Covered Bridge (Emily’s Bridge) | Stowe

Information

Landmark: Gold Brook Covered Bridge (Emily’s Bridge)
City: Stowe
Country: USA Vermont
Continent: North America

Gold Brook Covered Bridge (Emily’s Bridge), Stowe, USA Vermont, North America

The Gold Brook Covered Bridge, also known as Emily's Bridge, is a historic covered bridge located in Stowe, Vermont, USA.

It spans the Gold Brook stream and is a single-lane, Town lattice truss bridge.

Visual Characteristics

The bridge is constructed primarily of wood, with a red-painted exterior. It measures approximately 45 feet in length and 15 feet in width. The roof is made of wooden shingles, and the sides are partially open, allowing views of the internal lattice structure. The bridge's foundation is composed of stone abutments.

Location & Access Logistics

The bridge is situated approximately 2 miles south of the Stowe village center. Access is via Covered Bridge Road, which is a paved, unpaved, and then paved road. Parking is available at a small, designated pull-off area adjacent to the bridge. No public transport services directly reach the bridge.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Gold Brook Covered Bridge was constructed in 1844. Its original purpose was to provide a protected crossing over Gold Brook for horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians. The bridge is a representative example of early American bridge-building techniques.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can walk across the bridge and observe its construction. Photography of the bridge and the surrounding natural environment is a common activity. The area is suitable for short walks along the stream.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no restrooms or food vendors directly at the bridge. Cell phone signal is intermittent. Limited shade is available from the bridge's roof.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning or late afternoon light provides optimal illumination. The bridge is accessible year-round, but winter conditions may affect road access and the surrounding landscape.

Facts & Legends

Local legend associates the bridge with the ghost of Emily, a young woman who is said to have died there after a tragic romantic encounter. While unverified, this story contributes to the bridge's local folklore.