At least 5 of the 29 covered bridges New York State lays claim to are located in the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountain region. Of them all, perhaps the most visible and accessible is Perrine’s bridge on Route 213, in the Town of New Paltz, Ulster County. Spanning the Wallkill River just downstream from the New York State Thruway, this last surviving example of the Burr arch truss type construction in New York State is clearly visible on the right from the northbound lanes between exits 18 (New Paltz) and19 (Kingston).
Originally built in 1844, the vandalized and abandoned bridge was restored to its former glory twenty years ago. Today, the second oldest surviving covered bridge in the state is a pedestrian-only bridge. The antique structure is an all-season and all-weather destination, but especially perfect for a picnic when the air is warm and the fish are lazily swimming in the shadow cast on the water flowing beneath the 138 foot long span.
Covered bridges worth seeking out in the Catskill Mountains are the Turnwood bridge in Olivebridge, the Myer’s and the Grant’s Mill bridges in Hardenbergh, and in the tiny community of North Seager you'll find the Tappan Bridge.
For more information about Perrine’s Bridge and other Ulster County attractions: and for covered bridges of New York State see http://www.nycoveredbridges.org
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