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The Pine Brook Covered Bridge, also known as the Wilder Covered Bridge, is a historic wooden covered bridge nestled in the scenic Mad River Valley of Waitsfield, Vermont. Built in 1872, this architectural gem spans Pine Brook, a tributary of the Mad River, carrying North Road at an elevation of approximately 209 meters. Recognized for its distinctive king post truss design, it stands as a testament to 19th-century engineering and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in…
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December 22, 2023
Cycling
August 26, 2024
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Best routes near Pine Brook Covered Bridge
7
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
6
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 210 m
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Saturday 28 March
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-12°C
17 %
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Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
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While the bridge is on North Road and open to vehicular traffic, specific dedicated parking information is not widely available. Visitors typically find roadside parking nearby, but it's advisable to be mindful of local regulations and private property. Given its rural setting, parking is generally less of a concern than at more heavily trafficked attractions.
The Pine Brook Covered Bridge is located in a rural area of Waitsfield, Vermont, and is not directly served by public transportation. Visitors typically reach the bridge by car or bicycle. Planning your visit with a personal vehicle or a ride-sharing service is recommended.
No, there are no permits required to visit or cross the Pine Brook Covered Bridge. It is a public road (North Road) and a historic landmark freely accessible to pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.
While the bridge is beautiful year-round, autumn is particularly popular for photography due to the vibrant fall foliage. For hiking, spring and summer offer pleasant weather and lush greenery. Winter provides a serene, snow-covered landscape, though surrounding trails might be less accessible depending on snow depth.
Yes, the Pine Brook Covered Bridge area can be suitable for families. The bridge itself is a fascinating historical structure for children to see, and its rural setting offers a peaceful environment. While there aren't specific playgrounds, the surrounding area provides opportunities for short, easy walks along North Road or nearby paths, making it a pleasant stop for a family outing.
Generally, dogs are welcome at the Pine Brook Covered Bridge and on many surrounding trails, provided they are kept on a leash and owners clean up after them. Always check specific trail regulations if you venture onto marked hiking paths, as policies can vary.
The immediate area around the Pine Brook Covered Bridge primarily consists of North Road, which offers a scenic, quiet drive or cycle. For more dedicated walking, you can explore the rural roads and discover various hiking trails in the broader Mad River Valley, which are accessible a short distance from the bridge. One user tip suggests taking the side road from the bridge up towards Moretown as an alternative to Highway 100, which can be a pleasant walk or cycle.
The Pine Brook Covered Bridge is in a quiet, rural part of Waitsfield. For cafes, pubs, and accommodation, you'll need to head into the main village of Waitsfield or nearby towns in the Mad River Valley, which are just a short drive away. These areas offer a range of dining and lodging options.
The Pine Brook Covered Bridge is approximately 48 feet (14.78 meters) long and 17.5 feet (5.3 meters) wide, with a roadway width of about 14.5 feet (4.4 meters). It features a distinctive king post truss design, vertical wooden board cladding, and a standing seam metal roof. Its stone abutments have been reinforced with concrete, and steel I-beams were discreetly added underneath the wooden road surface during repairs to provide additional support.
Yes, the Pine Brook Covered Bridge has undergone several significant repairs and rehabilitations to ensure its preservation. Major work occurred in 1976, including concrete caps for stone supports and the installation of steel I-beams. The entire wooden road surface was replaced in 1989, and a standing-seam steel roof was added in 2001. These efforts have maintained its structural integrity while preserving its historic authenticity.
Yes, the Pine Brook Covered Bridge is one of two surviving 19th-century covered bridges in Waitsfield. The other notable one is the Big Eddy Covered Bridge. Exploring both offers a deeper appreciation for Vermont's iconic covered bridge heritage.