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Saco River Covered Bridge

4.6
·491k reviews·Conway, United States

A historic 1890s covered bridge in Conway, NH, offering picturesque views, especially stunning during fall foliage.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-October

Peak fall foliage colors

CrowdHigh
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Bella covered bridge

Saco River Covered Bridge

Best Time

Mid-October

Peak fall foliage colors

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic 1890s covered bridge in Conway, NH, offering picturesque views, especially stunning during fall foliage.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A timeless gem on the Kancamagus Highway, perfect for a scenic stop and stunning photos."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Kancamagus Pass Fee

A $5 fee per car is required for access to Kancamagus Highway spots. Buy it at the Saco Ranger station.

📸 Best Photo Spots

Rocky Gorge and Falls Pond offer stunning reflections and foliage views.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Saco River Covered Bridge

Saco River Covered Bridge

Conway, New Hampshire

Iconic 1890s covered bridge, a picturesque gem especially vibrant during fall foliage.

Kancamagus Highway Drive

Kancamagus Highway Drive

Conway to Lincoln, NH

A breathtaking 35-mile scenic byway offering stunning mountain vistas and access to natural wonders.

Sabbaday Falls

Sabbaday Falls

Kancamagus Highway

A short, rewarding hike leads to beautiful cascading falls, a popular stop on the scenic route.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Foliage

The Saco River Covered Bridge is stunning year-round, but fall foliage transforms it into a postcard scene. For the best autumn colors, aim for mid-October. Be prepared for crowds during peak foliage season, especially on weekends. Consider a weekday visit to enjoy the scenery with fewer people.

Bridge Access and Nearby Attractions

The Saco River Covered Bridge is easily accessible and often visited as part of a scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway. While the bridge itself is a quick stop, many visitors combine it with hikes to nearby waterfalls like Sabbaday Falls or exploring the charming towns of Conway and North Conway. Plan for a half-day to a full-day exploration.

Best Times

When
Mid-October
Why
Peak fall foliage colors
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late Spring/Early Summer
Why
Lush greenery, pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

New Hampshire Fall foliage trip- 3 Days itinerary Day 1- We drove the most famous 35-mile long Kancamagus highway which stretches from Conway to Lincoln. This is the most scenic road in New Hampshire. There is a 5-dollar charge per car to access all the spots on this highway which we bought from the Saco Ranger station. On this highway, there are different spots to stop and enjoy great scenic view...
@travelwithsudipa
702 likes • 44.2K views

🚗 Kancamagus Pass Fee

A $5 fee per car is required for access to Kancamagus Highway spots. Buy it at the Saco Ranger station. TikTok

📸 Best Photo Spots

Rocky Gorge and Falls Pond offer stunning reflections and foliage views. TikTok

Our Top 5 Stops we made on The Kancamagus Highway: We started in Conway and drove to Lincoln. 1. Sabbaday Falls - it was about a 0.3 mile hike to see these but it was worth it and my favorite part! 2. Rocky Gorge and Falls Pond - the Gorge had beautiful foliage, but Falls Pond is the star here. A short hike over the bridge and a must see. 3. Albany Covered Bridge - this was our first stop and it ...
@nicolebottema
550 likes • 12.3K views
One of only 9 remaining historic covered bridges in Maine. Hemlock Bridge, 1857….Over the old Saco River, Fryeburg, ME
thehivehomesofmaine
5 likes • 100 views

🚶‍♀️ Short & Sweet Hikes

Sabbaday Falls is a must-see with a short, rewarding hike. TikTok

🛶 Saco River Floating

For a 4-6 hour float, try putting in off River Road in North Conway (GPS: 44.0565, -71.1380). Reddit

💥 Swept Away by History 🌊 In 1869, a massive flood tore the original Swift River Covered Bridge from its foundation—and sent it crashing into the Saco River Covered Bridge. Both floated nearly 2 miles downriver before the wreckage was salvaged. 🪵 That very debris was used to build the Swift River Covered Bridge that still stands today at this historic site just 16 miles from Tamworth Campground! ...
tamworth_campground
9 likes • 414 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Kancamagus Pass Fee

A $5 fee per car is required for access to Kancamagus Highway spots. Buy it at the Saco Ranger station. TikTok

📸 Best Photo Spots

Rocky Gorge and Falls Pond offer stunning reflections and foliage views. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Short & Sweet Hikes

Sabbaday Falls is a must-see with a short, rewarding hike. TikTok

🛶 Saco River Floating

For a 4-6 hour float, try putting in off River Road in North Conway (GPS: 44.0565, -71.1380). Reddit

🌉 Maine's Covered Bridges

Don't miss Maine's Hemlock Bridge, one of nine remaining historic covered bridges. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Saco River Covered Bridge for its picturesque beauty, especially during the fall foliage season. The surrounding Kancamagus Highway is a major draw, offering stunning scenic drives and access to natural attractions like Sabbaday Falls. Some visitors note that it can get crowded during peak times, and the $5 Kancamagus fee is an important consideration.

What People Like

Stunning fall foliage
Picturesque covered bridge
Scenic Kancamagus Highway

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Kancamagus fee

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Saco River Covered Bridge is located in Conway, New Hampshire, and is easily accessible by car. It's often visited as part of a drive along the scenic Kancamagus Highway (NH-112). Many visitors access it from the Conway side. TikTokInstagram

Yes, there are typically parking areas available near the bridge, especially during peak seasons. However, parking can fill up quickly, particularly during fall foliage. Instagram

The Saco River Covered Bridge is primarily a pedestrian and photo opportunity. While it was historically used for vehicle traffic, it's best to park and walk across to admire its architecture and surroundings. Instagram

The Kancamagus Highway is a 35-mile scenic byway in New Hampshire's White Mountains, stretching from Conway to Lincoln. It's renowned for its stunning natural beauty, especially during autumn. TikTok+1

Yes, there is a $5 per car fee to access the Kancamagus Highway and its various viewpoints and trailheads. This fee is typically purchased at the Saco Ranger Station or other designated points. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no specific entrance fee for the Saco River Covered Bridge itself. However, if you are accessing it via the Kancamagus Highway, you will need to pay the $5 scenic byway toll. TikTok

The Saco River Covered Bridge is an outdoor historical landmark and is accessible at all times. However, the surrounding areas and visitor centers may have specific operating hours. Instagram

No, tickets are not required for the Saco River Covered Bridge as it is a public landmark. The only associated fee is for the Kancamagus Highway. TikTok

While there aren't typically official guided tours specifically for the bridge, local historical societies or tour operators in the Conway area might offer tours that include it as part of a broader historical or scenic route. Instagram

The best way to experience the bridge is to park nearby and walk across it, taking in the views of the Saco River and the surrounding landscape. It's particularly beautiful during the fall foliage season. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography Tips

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing a warm glow. Sunset can be particularly magical over the bridge. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the entire bridge and its setting. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or capturing the river flow. Drones are also popular for aerial shots. Instagram

Many photographers capture the bridge from the riverbanks, looking towards it. The view from the bridge itself, looking out at the river, is also popular. Drone shots offer a unique perspective. Instagram

Fall foliage season (mid-October) is incredibly popular for its vibrant colors. However, the bridge is picturesque year-round, with lush greenery in summer and a serene, potentially snow-dusted look in winter. Instagram+1

Drone usage is generally permitted in the area, but always check local regulations and be mindful of other visitors. Drone footage can offer stunning aerial views of the bridge and the Saco River. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Outdoor Activities

The area offers fantastic opportunities for scenic drives along the Kancamagus Highway, hiking to waterfalls like Sabbaday Falls, and tubing or kayaking on the Saco River. TikTokReddit+1

A popular spot for tubing is off River Road in North Conway (GPS: 44.0565, -71.1380), which can lead back to The Beach Camping Area after a 4-6 hour float. Reddit

Yes, the Kancamagus Highway is dotted with trailheads. Sabbaday Falls is a short, popular hike, and there are many other options for various skill levels in the White Mountain National Forest. TikTok

The Saco River can be swift and deep in places. Always exercise caution, be aware of currents, and wear a life jacket if engaging in activities like tubing or kayaking. Flooding can also occur. Instagram

Late spring through early fall offers the best weather for outdoor activities. Summer is ideal for tubing, while fall is perfect for scenic drives and hiking amidst foliage. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Saco River Covered Bridge and its surroundings offer a delightful experience for families. The short, accessible hike to Sabbaday Falls is perfect for little legs, and the scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway provides plenty of opportunities for spotting wildlife and enjoying the views. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many scenic overlooks. TikTok

Consider a gentle float down a calmer section of the Saco River in inflatable tubes during the warmer months, ensuring everyone wears life jackets. The historical aspect of the covered bridge can also spark curiosity in children about how things were built in the past. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as amenities can be spread out along the Kancamagus Highway.

🚗 Road Trippers & Scenic Drivers

For those who love a good road trip, the Saco River Covered Bridge is a perfect stop along the legendary Kancamagus Highway. This 35-mile byway is renowned for its stunning mountain scenery, especially during fall. Plan to spend a good portion of your day exploring the various viewpoints, short hikes, and historical markers along the route. TikTokInstagram

Don't rush the experience. Utilize the numerous pull-offs to capture photos, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and perhaps even have a picnic. The bridge itself is a quick but rewarding stop, offering a classic New England photo opportunity. Consider downloading offline maps, as cell service can be spotty in some areas of the White Mountains.

📸 Photographers & Content Creators

The Saco River Covered Bridge is a photographer's dream, particularly during the autumn foliage season. The combination of the historic bridge, the flowing river, and the vibrant fall colors creates countless stunning compositions. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for capturing the bridge's charm. Instagram+1

Beyond the bridge, the Kancamagus Highway provides a wealth of photographic opportunities, from sweeping mountain vistas to intimate waterfall shots. Drone photography can offer unique perspectives of the bridge and the surrounding forest. Be sure to experiment with different angles and focal lengths to capture the essence of this picturesque New England landscape. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Significance of Covered Bridges

Covered bridges, like the Saco River Covered Bridge, were a common sight in the 19th century. The roofing and siding protected the wooden trusses from the elements, significantly extending their lifespan. This practical design choice has preserved these structures as charming historical landmarks. The Saco River Covered Bridge, built in 1890, is a testament to this enduring architectural style. Instagram+1

These bridges often served as vital links in transportation networks, connecting communities and facilitating trade. Their unique aesthetic has made them popular subjects for artists, photographers, and tourists alike. The Saco River Covered Bridge, in particular, is celebrated for its picturesque setting, especially when framed by the vibrant colors of autumn foliage. Instagram+1

While many covered bridges have been lost to time, fire, or modernization, efforts are made to preserve the remaining ones. They offer a tangible connection to the past and a romantic glimpse into a bygone era of American infrastructure. Visiting a covered bridge like the Saco River offers not just a scenic view, but a step back in time.

Experiencing the Kancamagus Highway

The Kancamagus Highway, or 'The Kanc' as it's known locally, is a 35-mile scenic byway that winds through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. It's a must-drive for anyone visiting the region, offering breathtaking vistas, numerous pull-offs, and access to various natural attractions. The road itself is a marvel, with its curves and elevation changes providing a dynamic driving experience. TikTok+1

Along the Kancamagus, you'll find popular stops like Sabbaday Falls, Rocky Gorge, and Falls Pond. These spots offer short hikes to impressive waterfalls and scenic water features, making them perfect for quick breaks during your drive. The highway is particularly famous for its spectacular fall foliage, drawing visitors from all over to witness the explosion of reds, oranges, and yellows. TikTokInstagram

Remember that a $5 fee is required per vehicle to access the Kancamagus Highway, which helps maintain the forest and its facilities. It's advisable to purchase this pass at the Saco Ranger Station or other designated points. Plan for at least half a day to fully enjoy the drive and its many scenic overlooks and short trails. TikTok

Saco River Activities: Tubing and More

The Saco River is a popular destination for summer recreation, with tubing being a favored activity. Many visitors enjoy floating downstream, taking in the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape. A commonly recommended put-in spot for a longer float (4-6 hours) is off River Road in North Conway, with the potential to return to The Beach Camping Area. Reddit

While tubing is a highlight, the Saco River also offers opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. The river's character can vary, with some sections being calm and others featuring more moderate currents. It's crucial to be aware of river conditions, especially after heavy rainfall, as the river can rise quickly and become hazardous. Instagram

Safety is paramount when enjoying the Saco River. Always check local conditions, wear a life jacket, and be mindful of submerged obstacles. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, simply enjoying the views of the river from its banks, including near the Saco River Covered Bridge, is also a wonderful way to appreciate this natural resource. Instagram

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