I’ve encountered many different types of bridges while doing Road Trips for the b section. Some are so memorable I like to go back and photograph them time after time for their historical background or because they are different or just plain beautiful.

There is the Songo Locks in Naples connecting Long Pond with Sebago Lake. Or how about when you enter Maine, you cross the Memorial Bridge from Portsmouth, N.H., and the first sign you see is “Welcome to Maine — The Way Life Should Be.” I’ll never forget that bridge or sign when I returned to Maine after being in exile for many years. For Mainers, that is when you know you are home.

We still have a lot of covered bridges standing in Maine, some of which are very well-known, just as others, like the Lovejoy Covered Bridge in South Andover, which is Maine’s shortest covered bridge and spans the Ellis River, are not well-known by most Mainers.

Have you ever heard of the Ticonic Footbridge, also known as the Two Cent Bridge? It was a footbridge spanning the Kennebec River between Waterville and Winslow, and was a toll bridge — hence the name. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and is still in use today.

And for some really beautiful and unique stone bridges, Acadia National Park’s carriage road system is the place to visit. http://www.acadiamagic.com/carriage-roads.htm

Read on for more interesting Maine bridges. Some I already knew well, others were complete surprises to me and a joy to uncover. To find a good listing of historic and wood-covered bridges, go to the MDOT’s website: http://www.maine.gov/mdot/covered-bridges/index.php

The Grist Mill Bridge

Little River Road

East Lebanon

A small bridge spanning the Little River, about 3 miles south of Route 202 in East Lebanon on the Little River Road. It is a stone and wood structure built upon laid rubblestone. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. It is just east of the old Grist Mill, which makes it amenable to scenic photos.

While there:

Blue Door Primitive Peddler

27 Waterboro Road/Route 202

Alfred

324-4713

This shop which has many things, from furnishings to accessories for the primitive style home. Stop in and look at the whimsical handmade dolls sitting and waiting to go home with you.

The Wire Bridge

New Portland

http://www.newportlandmaine.org/history.html

This bridge spans the Carrabassett River and is unique. Only one of four made with wire cable suspension in Maine, and perhaps the only remaining one in existence in the United States. It is notable for towers at either end that are constructed of timber framing and totally covered in cedar shingles.

While there:

The Granary Brew Pub and Restaurant

147 Pleasant St.

Farmington

779-0710

www.thegranarybrewpub.com

Try their Pub Steak Burger along with a glass of Oak Pond Nut Brown draft.

The Cribstone Bridge

Route 24

Bailey Island

http://www.bowdoin.edu/news/archives/summerresearch/003397.shtml

An unusual bridge connecting Orr’s and Bailey Islands. It is made with large granite slabs that create open cribbing, to allow the tide to flow through it. This bridge is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is the only one of its kind in the world. Be aware it is being renovated right now and there is a temporary bridge constructed next to it to allow passage. The work will be finished this fall.

While there:

Cooks Lobster House

68 Garrison Cove Road

Bailey Island

833-2818

http://www.cookslobster.com/

Why? A great seafood meal while enjoying the scenic views of the bay and the Cribstone Bridge.

AND:

The Giant Steps

Just north of Lands End at the end of Bailey Island

A must-see if you’re in the area. On Route 24 on Bailey Island, look for Washington Avenue near the southern end of the island. Continue east on Washington Avenue for one mile. The only parking available is at the Episcopal Chapel. Parking is limited and prohibited on Sunday mornings. From there walk down a short distance on Ocean Street to the end to find the entrance to the trail.

Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory

711 Fort Knox Road

Prospect

http://fortknox.maineguide.com/

A great engineering feat with an amazing observatory sitting 437 feet above the Penobscot River and an elevator ride that will take you up there in less than 60 seconds and promises a fantastic view from the top.  It stands next to its sister bridge, the Waldo-Hancock Bridge, which it replaced.

While there:

Fort Knox State Historic Site

711 Fort Knox Road

Prospect

469-7719

Construction began on this fort in 1844 and was completed in 1869. It is open to the public from May 1 to Oct. 31. Explore the fort than stay and picnic on the grounds while you are there. Make a day of it.

Wire Suspension Bridge over the Wild River

Route 113 in Evans Notch

South of Gilead

http://hikenh.netfirms.com/TDWildRv.htm

The bridge can be seen from the road and is the head of the Wild River Trail. There is a picnic and camping area adjacent to the bridge for those who want to camp out. Just north of the bridge on Route113 is Roost Trail, which is well marked and not for beginner hikers.

While there:

Peabody Tavern Antiques & Collectibles

The Red House on Route 2

Gilead

836-2422

http://gileadhistoricalsociety.blogspot.com/

A veritable treasure trove of antique items ranging from old uniforms and a gas mask to an old crank wall telephone and children’s pedal cars.

AND:

Peabody Cemetery Bridge

Route 2 just West of Peabody Tavern Antiques

An old wooden walking bridge is built over the railroad tracks to allow people access to the Peabody Cemetery. This was one of the surprises I encountered on this road trip.

Sunday River Covered Bridge

About 4 miles northwest of North Bethel on Sunday River Road

http://www.maine.gov/mdot/covered-bridges/artists.php

Also known as the Artists Bridge because it has supposedly been photographed and painted more than any other covered bridge in Maine. Made of wood trusses, it spans the Sunday River.

While there:

The Sunday River Brewing Company

29 Sunday River Road

Bethel

824-4253

http://www.sundayriverbrewpub.com/

Open Thursday through Sunday, try their Wild-N-Wacky Apple Smoked Wings along with a tall glass of Sunday River IPA or any of the other selections on their menu.

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