When you stop and think about it, bridges are one of the coolest engineering feats around. It’s likely that people have used stones and fallen trees as makeshift bridges since the beginning of human history, but the oldest reliably-dated bridge is a stone arch bridge in Turkey known as the Caravan Bridge. Constructed in 850 BC, it was referenced by Homer in his works. We may not have any bridges in Connecticut that are quite that old, but if you’d like to see some great historic ones, you won’t want to miss Devil’s Hopyard State Park. This is a great state park in its own right, with plenty of trails, waterfalls, and scenic views, but it’s an absolute must for bridge lovers!
Devil’s Hopyard is one of the best state parks in Connecticut and definitely worth a visit even if you aren’t particularly fond of bridges. With over 1,000 acres to explore, there’s something for everyone.
Brendon T./Google Local
Chapman Falls is one of the primary draws of the park. This 60-foot waterfall was the setting of a Puritan legend that claimed the devil played his fiddle atop the summit.
Tịnh Quán Tâm/Google Local
The park is home to three officially-designated historic bridges known as Historic Bridge No. 1603, 1604, and 1605. These masonry arch bridges were constructed in 1937 and are part of Hopyard Road.
Magicpiano/Wikimedia Commons
Though it looks incredibly old, the park’s covered bridge was built in 1986. It’s not an authentic covered bridge (authentic covered bridges are constructed using trusses), but it’s still charming!
seth Hutchinson (HutchnSuch88)/Google Local
Various trails through the park will take you past and over many of these bridges.
Steve “Covered Bridge Hunter!” Keene/Google Local
This is a wonderful state park in Connecticut that’s truly worthy of an adventure!
1 Mr. Fusion/Google Local
For more information about Devil’s Hopyard State Park, check out the official Connecticut website.
Brendon T./Google Local
Tịnh Quán Tâm/Google Local
Magicpiano/Wikimedia Commons
seth Hutchinson (HutchnSuch88)/Google Local
Steve “Covered Bridge Hunter!” Keene/Google Local
1 Mr. Fusion/Google Local
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Address: Devil’s Hopyard State Park, 366 Hopyard Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423, USA