Covered Bridges on Two Wheels
A photographic journey to Vermont's Covered Bridges
Hitchcock-Cormier Footbridge
Photo by Ray Hitchcock, as hosted on the vermontbridges.com web site
Current Status: Pedestrian Only (by design)
Location: Rockingham, off Atcherson Hollow Road
Crosses: unnamed brook
GPS: 43.160095N, 72.552283W (unverified)
Built: 2008 Length: 21.5 feet
Truss Design: Town lattice
WGN*: VT-13-r NRHP**: not eligible
* WGN: World Guide to Covered Bridges Number
**NRHP: Listed on National Register of Historic Places
There are many covered bridges in the state of Vermont that have been built as small pedestrian bridges, typically in backyards, and privately owned. Most of these bridges were built using non-authentic construction techniques, using stringers for support rather than trusses. These bridges, since not being "real" covered bridges, are typically called "romantic shelters". There are some exceptions, though, and this bridge is one of the few.
Located in Rockingham, it is a fine example of two men's desires to address the practical need of crossing a brook using design and construction honoring engineering history.
The bridge was designed by Gerald Cormier based on the Town lattice truss. It was built by and is owned by Ray Hitchcock. They stayed true to authentic construction techniques, even introducing a slight camber to the short span. The lattice was assembled using bolts, rather than trunnels, but that doesn't detract from its authenticity.
From the photos I've seen, it is truly a well-designed, well-constructed, and beautiful little bridge. The type I'd love to build if I had property that needed a bridge.
Visiting the bridge:
In my research, I have not determined whether visits to the bridge (which is on private property) are permitted, but I strongly suspect they are. This is the only authentic covered bridge in Vermont that I have yet to visit. And even though I was in the area, I had trouble finding it, and didn't have time to pussy-foot around. I will make plans to try again.
So since I can't verify the exact location, I will just repeat the directions to it that have been made public on the Internet, which I have attempted to pinpoint on the map at left. As always, but especially more so here, be respectful to property when visiting.
"Take ... Atcherson Hollow Road on gravel across a field, and then on tar, uphill 400 yards. There will be a field/lawn to your right and an access point with limited parking at the base of the field/lawn. Hike the trail from the old rock basement and along the field/lawn/woods line about 400 yards to the bridge."
It probably goes without saying that if you are on a motorcycle, you will not be getting a picture of it with the bridge.