RV + the back roads
Covered-bridge country by region
Few drives feel as unhurried as a covered-bridge loop — timber spans from the 1800s strung along farm roads and river valleys, best in October when the hardwoods turn. These are the regions worth building a trip around, each drawn from an official county or state registry with a campground to base at. One rule throughout: these are fragile historic structures with strict weight and height limits, so park the rig and walk in — never drive an RV through a covered bridge.
Feel the route
October foliage is the classic window — base nearby and walk each span.
Parke County Covered Bridges
Best in early-to-mid October when fall foliage peaks
31 historic covered bridges · Oldest 1856 (Portland Mills)
Lancaster County Covered Bridges
Late September through late October for Amish-country fall color
20 county-maintained covered bridges · Mostly mid-1800s Burr Truss
Ashtabula County Covered Bridges
Peak in October
19 covered bridges (17 drive-through) · Built 1867-2016
Vermont Covered Bridges
Last week of September through mid-October for legendary Vermont foliage
About 100 covered bridges · Dating from 1820
New Hampshire Covered Bridges
Late September through mid-October for White Mountains and river-valley foliage
54 covered bridges · Historic timber spans
Cottage Grove Covered Bridges
Summer and early fall for dry roads and the Row River Trail
6 covered bridges in/around town · Built 1920-1997
Madison County Covered Bridges
September through October
6 covered bridges remaining (5 original) · Built 1868-1889