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Utica Covered Bridge

4.7
·127 reviews·Thurmont, United States

A historic 19th-century covered bridge in rural Maryland, perfect for scenic drives and picturesque photography.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Golden hour (early morning/late afternoon)

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
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exterior

Utica Covered Bridge

Best Time

Golden hour (early morning/late afternoon)

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic 19th-century covered bridge in rural Maryland, perfect for scenic drives and picturesque photography.

4.7
(127 reviews)

"A charming stop for photos and scenic drives, part of Frederick County's historic covered bridge tour."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Drive Carefully on Road

This is a single-lane bridge on an active road. Be cautious of oncoming traffic and use pull-offs for photos.

📸 Capture the Details

Don't miss the interior wood architecture and the surrounding scenic beauty for great shots.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Wood Architecture

Historic Wood Architecture

Inside the bridge

Admire the intricate wooden truss system and aged timbers that showcase the bridge's historical craftsmanship.

Picturesque Rural Setting

Picturesque Rural Setting

Surrounding area

Enjoy the charming countryside views and serene atmosphere of this historic landmark nestled over Fishing Creek.

Photographer's Dream

Photographer's Dream

Exterior views

Perfect spot for capturing beautiful photos, especially during autumn or with a dusting of snow.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Photos

Visit during golden hour for stunning photos of the Utica Covered Bridge. Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer cars on this active road. Be mindful of traffic as it's a single-lane bridge.

Explore Frederick County's Bridges

The Utica Covered Bridge is one of three historic covered bridges in Frederick County, MD. Many visitors enjoy a scenic drive to see all three, including Loys Station and Roddy Road bridges, in a single outing.

Best Times

When
Golden hour (early morning/late afternoon)
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn
Why
Vibrant fall foliage
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter (with snow)
Why
Winter wonderland charm
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The last clip of the three covered bridges in Frederick County. The Loys Station Covered Bridge in Thurmont, MD. #bmw #m4 #g82 #maryland #bridge #insta360
@am4relo_g82
3.3K likes • 57K views

🚗 Drive Carefully on Road

This is a single-lane bridge on an active road. Be cautious of oncoming traffic and use pull-offs for photos. Instagram

📸 Capture the Details

Don't miss the interior wood architecture and the surrounding scenic beauty for great shots. Instagram

Maryland has only 6 Existing Covered Bridges. Frederick County is home to half of them, Roddy Road near Thurmont, Loys Station at Loys, north of Creagerstown and Utica Mills in Utica, near Lewistown. All three are unique and beautiful in their own way. The best part, you can visit all 3 in less than 30 minutes! Obviously feel free to visit in your own order however here was my itinerary that helpe...
@mdfunfam
1.6K likes • 70.4K views
#mlaku2 top down driving through Historic Utica covered bridge, Thurmont, MD. #audi #audiquattro #audicabriolet
gatutachmadi
4 likes • 225 views

🗺️ Visit All 3 Bridges

Combine your visit with Loys Station and Roddy Road bridges for a full Frederick County covered bridge tour. TikTok

🕰️ Respect Local Traffic

Be discreet as this is a functional bridge on an ordinary road. Reddit

Utica Covered Bridge is one of Maryland’s 6️⃣ remaining authentic covered bridges! Located in Thurmont, the bridge originally spanned the Monocacy River but was damaged and later reconstructed in its current position over Fishing Creek. 🚘 The bridge sits on a rural but active road. There’s a small pull-off on the side where you can park. It’s next to private property that includes a residence, ...
_theweekendwanderer
103 likes • 2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive Carefully on Road

This is a single-lane bridge on an active road. Be cautious of oncoming traffic and use pull-offs for photos. Instagram

📸 Capture the Details

Don't miss the interior wood architecture and the surrounding scenic beauty for great shots. Instagram

🗺️ Visit All 3 Bridges

Combine your visit with Loys Station and Roddy Road bridges for a full Frederick County covered bridge tour. TikTok

🕰️ Respect Local Traffic

Be discreet as this is a functional bridge on an ordinary road. Reddit

💡 Seek Historical Info

Look for historical plaques or online resources to learn more about the bridge's past. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(127 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Utica Covered Bridge a charming and picturesque stop, especially for photography and scenic drives. While some note the lack of dedicated parking and the need for caution on the active road, most appreciate its historical significance and the beauty of its rural setting. It's often enjoyed as part of a larger tour of Frederick County's covered bridges.

"Nice stop and close to the beaten path we were on. Had a sandwich and took pics."

Linda Avila

"August 26, 2024 - Years ago while riding my motorcycle across rural Maryland . . . discovering the old wooded covered bridges was/is an ADVENTURE!

Now my wife and I are seeking out Frederick County’s 3 Covered Bridges via car:

Utica C.B.

Loys Station C. B.

Roddy Road C. B.

* Extra in PA . . . Sachs C. B.

( I’ll write a review on each ! )

Originally called Devilbliss Covered Bridge, built in 1843, over the Monocracy River. The Johnstown Flood damaged the 250 foot bridge . Then half the bridge was rebuilt 1891, and moved to Utica a few miles away.

The new covered bridge is 101 feet long, and located over Fishing Creek, near the Utica Recreation Park . Theodore Burr was the engineer who designed the bridge “wooden truss system” in the mid 1800’s.

Currently this bridge has a few modifications. Be careful of traffic, single vehicle at a time. . . but pedestrians can walk this covered bridge. You’ll notice a security camera inside the bridge mounted on one of the ceiling beams. You also notice a sprinkler system. Fires were common from lightening strikes.

Fun Facts

+Maryland had over 100 covered bridges

+Now MD only has 6 covered bridges

+China used covered bridges 3,000 yrs ago

+Switzerland has oldest Wood truss C. B. dating back to 1300’s

+Utica C.B. added to National Register of Historic Places in 1978

Overall, it’s worth traveling around MD to find these covered bridges. I hope Maryland might invest in historical plaques & online digital links for first time visitors who want more information. Some of their bridge information was difficult to read , damaged due to the weather conditions. Go for that 5 th star on people’s reviews!"

Clayton & Cindy Putnam

"Absolutely nice bridge. Reminds of many of the covered bridges I’ve driven on in Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts. No safe place to park for one to enjoy the bridge.

Nice area and not far from the Utica Park. The scenery is beautiful and is great to be cherished."

Spiral Tote

What People Like

Picturesque scenery
Historic architecture
Great photo opportunities

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Active road traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Utica Covered Bridge is located in Utica, near Lewistown, Maryland. It's accessible by car and is part of a scenic route that includes other covered bridges in Frederick County. Many visitors find it convenient to use GPS navigation to reach the bridge. TikTok

There is a small pull-off on the side of the road near the bridge where you can park. It's important to be mindful of traffic as it's a single-lane bridge on an active road. Instagram

Yes, the Utica Covered Bridge is a single-lane bridge that vehicles can drive over. However, be prepared to yield to oncoming traffic. Reddit

While it's a historic landmark, it's located on a regular road. Using GPS and looking for signage can help. It's often visited in conjunction with other nearby covered bridges. TikTok

Many visitors enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside to reach the bridge. It's a popular stop for car enthusiasts and those looking for picturesque routes. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no admission fee to visit the Utica Covered Bridge. It is a public landmark accessible to everyone. Reddit

The Utica Covered Bridge is accessible at any time, as it is an outdoor historical site. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and photography. Instagram

There is no entrance fee for the Utica Covered Bridge. It's a free historical site to visit and admire. Reddit

While the bridge is physically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the lack of lighting. Daylight hours are best for appreciating its structure and surroundings. Instagram

The main restriction is to be mindful of traffic as it's a single-lane bridge on an active road. Pedestrians can walk across it, but drivers should be cautious. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most beautiful light for photography. Autumn foliage also provides a stunning backdrop. Instagram+1

Experiment with shots from both ends of the bridge, capturing its length and the surrounding creek. Don't forget to photograph the interior details of the wooden structure. Instagram

Drone regulations vary by location and airspace. It's advisable to check local FAA guidelines and any specific restrictions for the area before flying a drone. TikTok

The bridge is a popular spot for car photography, especially with classic or sports cars. It's also a picturesque location for graduation or prom photos. Instagram+1

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the entire bridge and its surroundings. A telephoto lens can be useful for details inside the bridge or distant landscape shots. TikTok

🎫 💡 History & Significance

Originally built in 1843 as the Devilbliss Covered Bridge over the Monocacy River, it was damaged by the Johnstown Flood. Half of it was rebuilt in 1891 and moved to its current location over Fishing Creek. Reddit

Theodore Burr, a renowned engineer known for his wooden truss systems, is credited with the design principles used in the bridge's construction. Reddit

Covered bridges protected the wooden decks from weather, extending their lifespan. They are also significant historical and architectural landmarks. Reddit

Maryland currently has only 6 remaining covered bridges, with three of them located in Frederick County. TikTokReddit

Yes, the Utica Covered Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, recognizing its historical and architectural significance. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Utica Covered Bridge offers a simple yet engaging stop for families. It's a chance to break up a car ride and introduce children to historical landmarks in a tangible way. The short drive and easy access make it manageable for younger children. Pack a picnic to enjoy nearby, as there are lovely scenic spots. Reddit

Encourage kids to look for the different wooden beams inside the bridge and imagine what it was like when it was first built. It's a great opportunity for a quick history lesson and some fun photos. Visiting the other two covered bridges in Frederick County can turn it into a mini-adventure for the day. TikTok

🚗 Car Enthusiasts & Road Trippers

The Utica Covered Bridge is a popular destination for those who love scenic drives and classic vehicles. The picturesque rural setting and the iconic bridge make for fantastic photo opportunities with cars. Many visitors share photos of their vehicles, from BMWs to Audis and Aston Martins, passing through or parked near the bridge. TikTokInstagram+1

It's an ideal stop on a longer road trip through Maryland's countryside. Combine it with visits to the other two Frederick County covered bridges for a dedicated 'covered bridge tour.' The single-lane nature of the bridge adds a unique element to the driving experience, requiring careful navigation and a sense of adventure. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Content Creators

For photographers, the Utica Covered Bridge presents a wealth of visual opportunities. The bridge itself is a beautiful subject, especially during the golden hours when the light is soft and warm. Autumn foliage and winter snowfalls transform the scene into a photographer's paradise. Instagram+1

Beyond the exterior, the interior wooden architecture offers intricate details worth capturing. The surrounding rural landscape provides a charming backdrop. Many creators use this location for car photography, lifestyle shots, and even graduation or prom portraits, highlighting its aesthetic appeal. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Frederick County's Covered Bridge Trail

Frederick County, Maryland, is a treasure trove for covered bridge enthusiasts, boasting three of the state's six remaining historic covered bridges. The Utica Covered Bridge is a key stop on this charming trail. Many visitors make a day of it, driving between the Utica Mills bridge, the Loys Station Covered Bridge, and the Roddy Road Covered Bridge. This allows for a comprehensive appreciation of the region's rural heritage and architectural ingenuity. The drive itself is often highlighted as scenic, with rolling hills and picturesque landscapes. TikTokInstagram

Each bridge has its own unique story and character. The Utica Covered Bridge, originally built in 1843, was relocated and reconstructed, showcasing the resilience of these historic structures. Visiting all three provides a fantastic opportunity to compare their designs and settings. It's a popular route for motorcycle riders and car clubs looking for scenic drives and photo opportunities. InstagramReddit+1

To make the most of your covered bridge tour, consider planning your route in advance. While the bridges are relatively close, navigating rural roads can take time. Pack a picnic to enjoy at a scenic spot, and be sure to bring your camera to capture the rustic beauty of these enduring landmarks. Reddit

Architectural Significance and Preservation

The Utica Covered Bridge is a testament to 19th-century engineering, particularly the Theodore Burr truss system. This design was crucial for creating strong, long-span bridges that could withstand heavy loads and the elements. The original bridge, built in 1843, was a substantial 250-foot structure over the Monocacy River. Its survival, even after damage from the Johnstown Flood, and subsequent reconstruction and relocation, highlights the value placed on these structures. Reddit

The current Utica Covered Bridge, measuring 101 feet, is a blend of old and new timbers, showing visible signs of preservation efforts. Visitors can observe the intricate joinery and the robust wooden beams that form its core. The presence of modern safety features like security cameras and sprinkler systems underscores the ongoing efforts to protect these historical assets from fire and vandalism, common threats to wooden structures. Reddit

Its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 solidifies its importance. For those interested in historical architecture, the Utica Covered Bridge offers a tangible connection to the past, demonstrating the craftsmanship and ingenuity of early American bridge builders. Reddit

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