Travel theme: Below Humpback Bridge

26Oct
by Oh, the Places We See
Fall color at Humpback Bridge near Covington, Virginia.

Fall color at Humpback Bridge near Covington, Virginia.

With some travel time dedicated to leaf peeping this fall, we learned of a destination quite by accident from someone at a Virginia rest stop:  Humpback Bridge near Covington. This 100-foot long single-span structure, Virginia’s oldest covered bridge, is four feet higher in the middle than on the ends — and thus the name, Humpback Bridge. Built in 1857, the structure has stood empty, almost abandoned, except for a time a farmer stored hay in it. Thanks to numerous civic organizations, however, it has been restored and preserved in a park-like setting.

Looking below the bridge at the rock base and Dunlap Creek.

Looking below the bridge at the rock base and Dunlap Creek.

Below the bridge flows (ever so slowly) Dunlap Creek, making this area even more picturesque.

Reflections in Dunlap Creek, below Humpback Bridge.

Reflections in Dunlap Creek, below Humpback Bridge.

And underneath the bridge, old wooden cross-beam construction belies the detail and age of the structure.

Looking under the bridge at wood beams and what seems to be rope just waiting to be grabbed!

Looking under the bridge at wood beams and what seems to be ropes just waiting to be grabbed!

We couldn’t help but ask a couple of passersby if they’d take a picture of us below the “hump” where, again, construction seems pretty fascinating.

Below the ceiling of Humpback Bridge, oldest covered bridge in Virginia.

Below the ceiling of Humpback Bridge, oldest covered bridge in Virginia.

At least we think so.

For more information on Humpback Bridge, click here.

For more examples of Travel theme: Below from Ailsa’s blog Where’s My Backpack?, click here.  

22 thoughts on “Travel theme: Below Humpback Bridge”

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Would love a return trip in the spring. We also have a picture taken with the LOVE letters at the park! How fun a trip is this!!

      Reply

      1. lingeringvisions by Dawn

        I live in Virgina and have been tracking down the LOVEworks art across the state. Great blogging material and a lovely excuse for a road trip!

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      It was a great find. We had never heard of it, so lesson learned: always ask the folks at the visitor centers what to see! Hope your fall is good.

      Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      We were so excited when we saw it. Although we’ve seen covered bridges, this is the first humpback bridge — and maybe our last. Who knows? Thanks for taking a look.

      Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      I agree. And I’m so glad the community has rallied behind it to preserve it. I love these old things!!!

      Reply

  5. gallivance.net

    Fascinating, Rusha. We lived in Virginia – twice – and never discovered this bridge! 🙂 Must be time to head back for a visit. Beautiful photos – I love the last one. ~Terri

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks so much, Terri! This wasn’t on our original itinerary, but we’ve been known to (more than once, of course) veer off the planned path! When the guy at the Info Center told us we should see this, we adjusted our plans (sketchy as they were) to see it. And what fun! We found several byways and off-interstate prize paths on this trip. Always fun! Appreciate your stopping by!

      Reply

  7. Touring NH

    That is an awesome bridge. We have quite a few here in New Hampshire and I’m always happy to come across them. Is it still open to traffic?

    Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      It’s not open to traffic, but people can cross it by foot. There’s a little park next to it. Beautifully done but simple. Someday I’m going to get up to NH during leaf season and see your bridges, too!!!

      Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      We loved this bridge. So glad we happened upon a talkative person in the Visitor Center. Thanks for leaving us a message!

      Reply

      1. jenny

        Surprise finds like that are priceless. Even better when there’s someone to tell you all about it! 🙂

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      It’s one of the best! And most unusual. So glad someone thought it would be a good idea to clean her up and show her off. Love it!

      Reply

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Me, too. It was an awesome covered bridge — one of the finest I’ve ever seen. Thanks for “going through” with us!

      Reply

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