The Oldest Covered Bridge Turns 200 Year Old and is Right Here in NYS

Did You Know The Oldest Covered Bridge In America is Located in NY?

There's something about a photo of an covered bridge that just brings a sense of nostalgia and peace.

One of the photos you may have seen is The Hyde Hall Covered Bridge. We say you've probably seen it because it's the oldest covered bridge in America and it's located right here in New York State.

The Hyde Hall Covered Bridge is in Glimmerglass State Park in Cooperstown, New York.

According to New York State Parks & Historic Sites the Hyde Hall Covered Bridge could be traced back to a man named George Clarke. NYS Parks explain that Clarke, bought land near Cooperstown in 1817 with plans to build "a grand country estate" along with one of the most prominent NY architects of that time period, Philip Hooker.

After the home was built, Clarke decided it was time for an update. He wanted a short bridge to act as an entrance to the home.

Historian Douglas Kent explains that Clark chose to build a covered bridge "not because it was the easiest engineering or design solution, but because it was the most dramatic."

Since it was built, there have been 14,000 other covered bridges constructed across America.  New York Parks add "With determined preservation work during the past 75 years, about 650 historic covered bridges remain today. None before the Hyde Hall bridge has ever turned 200 years old."

The Oldest Covered Bridge in America Celebrates 200th Anniversary

The Hyde Hall Covered Bridge will celebrate a big birthday this month.

On October 11th, 2025, Hyde Hall will celebrate its 200th anniversary.

According to Hyde Hall on Facebook Glimmerglass State Park will host a full day of live music, a classi car show, kids activities and historical talks all for free to celebrate America's oldest covered Bridge.

There will also be food vendors, camping options and commemorative souvenirs.

Beautiful Covered Bridges Across America