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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for photos

Utica Covered Bridge
Best Time
Best light for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 19th-century covered bridge in rural Maryland, perfect for scenic drives and picturesque photography.
"A charming stop for photos and scenic drives, part of Frederick County's historic covered bridge tour."

🚗 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Photographer's Dream
Exterior views
Perfect spot for capturing beautiful photos, especially during autumn or with a dusting of snow.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Photos
Explore Frederick County's Bridges
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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.
🗺️ Visit All 3 Bridges
Combine your visit with Loys Station and Roddy Road bridges for a full Frederick County covered bridge tour.
🕰️ Respect Local Traffic
Be discreet as this is a functional bridge on an ordinary road.
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.
📸 Capture the Details
Don't miss the interior wood architecture and the surrounding scenic beauty for great shots.
🗺️ Visit All 3 Bridges
Combine your visit with Loys Station and Roddy Road bridges for a full Frederick County covered bridge tour.
🕰️ Respect Local Traffic
Be discreet as this is a functional bridge on an ordinary road.
💡 Seek Historical Info
Look for historical plaques or online resources to learn more about the bridge's past.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Yes, the Utica Covered Bridge is a single-lane bridge that vehicles can drive over. However, be prepared to yield to oncoming traffic.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit the Utica Covered Bridge. It is a public landmark accessible to everyone.
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.
There is no entrance fee for the Utica Covered Bridge. It's a free historical site to visit and admire.
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.
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.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most beautiful light for photography. Autumn foliage also provides a stunning backdrop.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 💡 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.
Theodore Burr, a renowned engineer known for his wooden truss systems, is credited with the design principles used in the bridge's construction.
Covered bridges protected the wooden decks from weather, extending their lifespan. They are also significant historical and architectural landmarks.
Maryland currently has only 6 remaining covered bridges, with three of them located in Frederick County.
Yes, the Utica Covered Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, recognizing its historical and architectural significance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚗 Car Enthusiasts & Road Trippers
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.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Frederick County's Covered Bridge Trail
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.
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.
Architectural Significance and Preservation
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.
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.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit