West Cornwall Covered Bridge, Litchfield County Travel Guide

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Discover the timeless beauty of West Cornwall Covered Bridge, a historic landmark offering picturesque views and a glimpse into New England's past.

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West Cornwall Covered Bridge

The West Cornwall Covered Bridge, a historic landmark since 1864, gracefully spans the Housatonic River, embodying New England's rural charm. This red-spruce lattice truss bridge, a testament to 19th-century engineering, remains a beloved and picturesque symbol of Connecticut's heritage.

A brief summary to West Cornwall Covered Bridge

Housatonic River, Connecticut, West Cornwall, West Cornwall, CT, 06796, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring West Cornwall Covered Bridge.

Visit during the fall foliage season for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Explore the nearby town of West Cornwall for charming cafes and unique shops.
Take advantage of the parking area south of the bridge on Lower River Road for easy access.
Enjoy hiking trails along the Housatonic River, such as the Trinity Riverside Trail.

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Explore West Cornwall Covered Bridge on the Map

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Getting There

Driving

The West Cornwall Covered Bridge is accessible via Route 7 and Route 128. From Route 7, turn onto Route 128 East in West Cornwall, and you'll drive directly across the bridge. Parking is available in a small lot right before entering the bridge or on the other side. Additional parking can be found at The Bend, located just south of the bridge on Lower River Road. There are no tolls in Connecticut.
Walking

If you are in West Cornwall village, the bridge is easily accessible on foot. From the intersection of Route 7 and Route 128, walk east on Route 128, and you will reach the bridge in a short distance. Take time to explore the local shops and cafes in the village. Be mindful of vehicle traffic while walking on or near the bridge.
Train and Taxi

The nearest train station is in Wassaic, New York. From Wassaic, you can take a taxi to West Cornwall, which is approximately a 30-minute drive. Taxi fare is around $40. Several taxi companies and Uber operate at the Wassaic train station. Alternatively, you can take the train to Waterbury, CT and then a taxi to the bridge.

Discover more about West Cornwall Covered Bridge

The West Cornwall Covered Bridge, located in the town of Cornwall, Connecticut, stands as one of the few remaining covered bridges in the state. Spanning 172 feet over the Housatonic River, this iconic structure has been a symbol of the area's rural heritage for over 150 years. The bridge is constructed with a Town lattice truss design, using sturdy red spruce timbers held together by wooden treenails. This design was known in the 1800s for its lightweight yet durable load-bearing capacity.Attempts to build bridges at this location date back to 1762, but early structures were often claimed by ice storms and floods. The current bridge was likely built in 1864. In 1957, the bridge was painted its distinctive red color, adding to its rustic charm. In 1973, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) added a steel support deck to preserve the bridge, which won an award from the Federal Highway Administration.The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and carries vehicle traffic on Connecticut Route 128. Visitors can drive, walk, or bike across the bridge, enjoying picturesque views of the surrounding countryside. The area offers various amenities, including parking, restrooms, local shops, river access, and hiking trails. Nearby attractions include Housatonic Meadows State Park and Kent Falls State Park.