When history and the beauty of nature collide we are left with some pretty spectacular must see landmarks. Connecticut is filled with historic monuments, but some are concealed in plain sight and we miss the elegance and story they tell.
Bull’s Bridge is one of those places. If you haven’t checked it out yet then be sure to add it to your list of CT must-sees.
History of Bull’s Bridge
Located in Kent, Bull’s Bridge is one of the few functional covered bridges remaining in Connecticut. Built in 1842, the bridge was one of the few ways to cross the Housatonic River from New York state, and was intended to bring more traffic into the area.
History tells us that a few versions of the bridge have been built throughout the years and that the first version dates back to 1740. The first recorded instance of a bridge was in 1760. It is believed that the current bridge design was constructed in 1842. Popular legend suggests that George Washington crossed the bridge with the Bull brothers’ assistance while it was still under construction.
Bulls Bridge on a beautiful autumn day.
In 1917, Connecticut Light and Power built the Rocky River power station to generate electricity from the river. The dam and canal system from the hydroelectric plant creates the scenic waterfalls and rapids for which much of the area around Bull’s Bridge is loved.
The bridge is historically significant as one of three surviving covered bridges in Connecticut, and one of two still in-service for motor vehicles. Bull’s Bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Hiking Around Bull’s Bridge
In addition to the scenic wooden bridge, the area features waterfalls, rapids, overviews, a small gorge, and hiking trails. The trail system borders the Appalachian Trail, so you can follow the marker as long as you’d like. If you’re running away from the harsh CT winters, it’s only 2,000 miles until you hit Georgia!
The bridge and falls are only a short walk from the parking area. The trail is relatively easy to walk, but is narrow in spots, so be cautious. Most people tend walk straight towards the bridge and down towards the rapids, where you can view the waterfall that comes from the old power station.
There is another short walking path that isn’t the easiest to spot, but is located directly across the street from the parking lot which will bring you to a scenic overlook of the river down below.
If You Want To Go
Parking in the main lot and access to the trails are free of charge. Signage will direct you to the area’s hiking trails, which link up with the Appalachian Trail. This destination is great for all of you who are interested in photography to take some great pictures of nature and history. Hiking with your dog is allowed.
You can find a trail map of the forest around Bull’s Bridge here.
