Ever driven through a portal to another dimension?

In Stowe, Vermont, there’s a bridge that might just make you question reality.

Welcome to the Gold Brook Covered Bridge, where history and mystery collide in the most delightful way.

Picture this: You’re cruising through the lush green landscape of Vermont, minding your own business, when suddenly you come across a wooden structure that looks like it’s been plucked straight out of a fairy tale.

That’s the Gold Brook Covered Bridge, my friends, and let me tell you, it’s not your average bridge-over-troubled-water situation.

Now, I know what you’re thinking.

“It’s just a bridge, what’s the big deal?”

Oh, how wrong you are, my skeptical friend.

This isn’t just any bridge – it’s a bridge with a backstory so intriguing, it makes most soap operas look like child’s play.

Let’s start with the basics.

The Gold Brook Covered Bridge, also known as Emily’s Bridge (more on that juicy tidbit later), was built way back in 1844.

That’s right, this wooden wonder has been standing strong for nearly 180 years.

If that doesn’t impress you, I don’t know what will.

Maybe the fact that it’s survived countless harsh Vermont winters, the occasional flood, and probably a few overzealous truck drivers who didn’t quite grasp the concept of “clearance height.”

As you approach the bridge, you’ll notice its classic New England charm.

The weathered wooden exterior, the pitched roof, and the inviting entrance all scream “quintessential Vermont.”

It’s like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting, except this one might have a ghost or two lurking in the background.

Speaking of ghosts, let’s dive into the reason why this bridge has earned its spooky reputation.

Legend has it that back in the 1800s, a young woman named Emily was supposed to meet her lover at the bridge for a secret rendezvous.

But alas, her beau never showed up.

Heartbroken and distraught, Emily allegedly hung herself from the rafters of the bridge.

Now, I’m not saying I believe in ghosts, but if I were a spirit, I’d definitely choose a picturesque covered bridge as my eternal haunting grounds.

It beats a creepy old mansion any day of the week.

Since Emily’s tragic tale began circulating, people have reported all sorts of strange occurrences at the bridge.

Some say they’ve heard unexplained noises, like footsteps or crying.

Others claim to have seen mysterious figures or felt an unexplained chill.

And a few brave souls have even reported scratch marks appearing on their cars after driving through the bridge.

Now, I’m not saying it was Emily’s ghost keying cars like a jilted teenager, but I’m not not saying it either.

Maybe she’s just really passionate about proper vehicle maintenance.

But here’s the thing – whether you believe in the supernatural or not, there’s something undeniably eerie about this bridge.

Maybe it’s the way the sunlight filters through the wooden slats, creating dancing shadows on the floor.

Or perhaps it’s the quiet stillness that envelops you as you step inside, the outside world suddenly muffled and distant.

This bridge has seen nearly two centuries of history unfold.

It’s witnessed countless travelers, heard thousands of stories, and maybe, just maybe, harbored a lovesick ghost or two.

Now, I know some of you are probably rolling your eyes and thinking, “Great, another tourist trap cashing in on a spooky story.”

But here’s the thing – the Gold Brook Covered Bridge isn’t some commercialized haunted house attraction.

There are no gift shops selling Emily bobbleheads or “I Survived Emily’s Bridge” t-shirts (though I have to admit, I’d totally buy one if there were).

Instead, what you’ll find is a beautifully preserved piece of Vermont history.

The craftsmanship that went into building this bridge is truly remarkable.

The intricate lattice truss design isn’t just for show – it’s a feat of engineering that has kept this structure standing for almost two centuries.

Imagine all the people who had crossed before you.

Farmers taking their goods to market, young couples stealing a moment of privacy, children on their way to school – each with their own story, their own piece of history.

And let’s not forget about the brook itself.

Gold Brook, which flows beneath the bridge, is a picturesque stream that adds to the overall charm of the scene.

In the fall, when the surrounding trees burst into a riot of reds, oranges, and golds, the reflection in the water is nothing short of breathtaking.

It’s like Mother Nature decided to show off and create the perfect backdrop for your next Instagram post.

But the Gold Brook Covered Bridge isn’t just a pretty face.

It’s still a functioning bridge, carrying traffic over the brook day in and day out.

There’s something oddly satisfying about driving through a piece of history, knowing that you’re part of its ongoing story.

Now, for those of you who are more interested in the paranormal aspects of the bridge, there are plenty of opportunities to indulge your ghostly curiosities.

Many locals and tourists alike visit the bridge at night, hoping to catch a glimpse of Emily or experience something otherworldly.

Word of advice though – if you do decide to go ghost hunting, please be respectful.

Remember, this is a real place with real history, not a set for your next viral TikTok video.

And for the love of all that is holy, don’t try to recreate any scenes from “The Blair Witch Project.”

Nobody wants to see that, trust me.

If you’re more of a daytime explorer (or you just prefer your bridges ghost-free), the area around Gold Brook Covered Bridge is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.

The surrounding landscape is quintessential Vermont – rolling hills, lush forests, and if you’re lucky, maybe even a moose or two in the distance.

And here’s a pro tip: visit during different seasons if you can.

The bridge takes on a whole new character with each change in the weather.

In spring, it’s surrounded by blooming wildflowers.

Summer brings lush greenery and the soothing sound of the brook.

Fall, as I mentioned, is a spectacular display of autumnal colors.

And in winter?

Well, let’s just say there’s nothing quite like a snow-covered covered bridge to make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Christmas card.

Now, I know some of you history buffs out there are probably wondering about the bridge’s construction and design.

Well, strap in, because I’m about to drop some knowledge on you.

The Gold Brook Covered Bridge is what’s known as a Howe truss bridge.

This design, patented by William Howe in 1840, was revolutionary for its time.

It combined the strength of iron rods with the flexibility of wooden braces, creating a structure that was both sturdy and relatively easy to build.

The bridge spans 50 feet and is 15 feet wide, with a roadway that’s just over 13 feet wide.

That might seem narrow by today’s standards, but remember, this was built when horse-drawn carriages were the height of transportation technology.

I’m pretty sure the inventors didn’t anticipate SUVs the size of small apartments trying to squeeze through.

One of the most interesting features of covered bridges like this one is, well, the cover.

It’s not just there to make the bridge look cute (although it certainly doesn’t hurt).

The roof actually serves a practical purpose – it protects the wooden trusses from the elements, significantly extending the life of the bridge.

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Think about it – this bridge has been standing for almost 180 years.

That’s older than the lightbulb, the telephone, and sliced bread.

It’s seen more history than your great-great-grandpa’s diary, and it’s still going strong.

If that’s not a testament to the power of good engineering (and a solid roof), I don’t know what is.

But the Gold Brook Covered Bridge isn’t just an isolated relic.

It’s part of a proud tradition of covered bridges in Vermont.

The state once boasted over 600 of these structures.

Today, only about 100 remain, making each one a precious piece of architectural heritage.

These bridges aren’t just quaint reminders of the past – they’re living links to our history.

They tell the story of a time when communities came together to build these structures, when craftsmanship and ingenuity were valued above all else.