Columbia Covered Bridge River Access
Columbia, Vermont
Connecticut River
- Public access: Yes
- Activities: fishing, photography, paddling
- Caretaker: Town of Columbia, NH
Columbia Covered Bridge River Access
Generations of Connecticut River paddlers and anglers have launched their boats and set their hooks from this spot. Plus, thousands of people visit just to see the river and snap a photo of the iconic Columbia Covered Bridge. Built in 1912, the historic “Howe truss” style bridge spans 145 feet of the Connecticut River from Columbia, NH to Lemington, VT. We wanted to make sure people would always have river access here, which is why we stretched across state boundaries to protect this New Hampshire site. Today, it’s a stop on the Connecticut River Paddlers’ Trail, and — with our conservation easement in place — is now owned by the town of Columbia. We partnered with Northwoods Stewardship Center to build wooden stairs down to the river, making it even easier to enjoy this special spot.
Conservation Details
- River: Connecticut River
- Acreage: 0.52
- River frontage (ft): 386
Funding Partners
This project made possible thanks to the support and partnership of:
- Connecticut River Paddlers Trail
- Upper Connecticut River Mitigation and Enhancement Fund
- Reggie Ellingwood Memorial Fund
- Contributions from local paddlers and anglers
Directions
From the Lemington Town Office on River Road (Highway 102), drive south 0.4 miles along the Connecticut River. Turn left onto Columbia Bridge Road to cross the Connecticut River on the covered bridge, crossing into New Hampshire. Immediately after the bridge there’s a small gravel parking area on the left with room for 2-3 cars. There’s a mowed area and wooden steps down to the river’s edge.
