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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Peak fall foliage colors

Saco River Covered Bridge
Best Time
Peak fall foliage colors

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 1890s covered bridge in Conway, NH, offering picturesque views, especially stunning during fall foliage.
"A timeless gem on the Kancamagus Highway, perfect for a scenic stop and stunning photos."

🚗 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Saco River Covered Bridge
Conway, New Hampshire
Iconic 1890s covered bridge, a picturesque gem especially vibrant during fall foliage.

Kancamagus Highway Drive
Conway to Lincoln, NH
A breathtaking 35-mile scenic byway offering stunning mountain vistas and access to natural wonders.

Sabbaday Falls
Kancamagus Highway
A short, rewarding hike leads to beautiful cascading falls, a popular stop on the scenic route.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Foliage
Bridge Access and Nearby Attractions
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🚗 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.
🚶♀️ Short & Sweet Hikes
Sabbaday Falls is a must-see with a short, rewarding hike.
🛶 Saco River Floating
For a 4-6 hour float, try putting in off River Road in North Conway (GPS: 44.0565, -71.1380).
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.
📸 Best Photo Spots
Rocky Gorge and Falls Pond offer stunning reflections and foliage views.
🚶♀️ Short & Sweet Hikes
Sabbaday Falls is a must-see with a short, rewarding hike.
🛶 Saco River Floating
For a 4-6 hour float, try putting in off River Road in North Conway (GPS: 44.0565, -71.1380).
🌉 Maine's Covered Bridges
Don't miss Maine's Hemlock Bridge, one of nine remaining historic covered bridges.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, there are typically parking areas available near the bridge, especially during peak seasons. However, parking can fill up quickly, particularly during fall foliage.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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
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
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Covered Bridges
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.
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
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.
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.
Saco River Activities: Tubing and More
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.
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.
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