A Bridge Worth Painting
The Sunday River Bridge in Newry has been called the Artist’s Covered Bridge since the late 1800s, and the name stuck for good reason. John Enneking, one of America’s first impressionist painters, came to Newry so often to paint the bridge and the surrounding river valley that locals started calling it the Artist’s Bridge after him. He was drawn to the light on the water, the timber frame of the bridge against the mountains, and the way the Sunday River bends through a rocky channel beneath the span. Today it is widely considered the most photographed and painted covered bridge in Maine.
The bridge was built in 1872 by Hiram York using a Paddleford truss design, a style common to covered bridges in northern New England at the time. It stretches roughly 87 to 100 feet across the Sunday River (sources vary on the exact measurement) and rests on cut granite abutments. The Town of Newry voted to build it, and York completed the work that same year. The last vehicle to cross the bridge was in 1958, when a modern span was built alongside it. Since then the covered bridge has been pedestrian-only, preserved as a historic landmark.
The State of Maine owns the bridge, and the Maine Department of Transportation maintains it. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
What to See
The bridge itself is the main attraction, but the setting carries it. The Sunday River runs through a rocky channel below the bridge, with small cascades and pools that reflect the timber structure above. On either side, the Western Mountains of Maine rise up, forested with birch, maple, spruce, and fir. In fall, the foliage frames the bridge in orange, red, and gold.
You can walk through the bridge and stand inside it, looking out through the open sides at the river and the mountains. The interior smells like old timber and river air. The Paddleford truss construction is visible overhead, and you can see how the interlocking beams distribute weight across the span.
Below the bridge, the riverbanks are accessible. In summer, people wade in the Sunday River, sit on the rocks, and picnic on the grassy banks. The water is cold and clear, fed by mountain runoff from the Mahoosuc Range to the north.
The Artist
John Enneking (1841-1916) studied in Munich and Paris before returning to New England, where he became known for atmospheric landscapes in the Barbizon and early Impressionist traditions. He painted extensively across New England but returned to Newry repeatedly. Locals saw him so often at his easel near the bridge that the name simply attached itself to the structure. He never asked for the honor, and there is no formal dedication. The bridge became the Artist’s Bridge through use and repetition, which feels appropriate for a painter who valued the everyday over the grand.
When to Go
Summer
Warm weather, good light for photography, wading in the Sunday River. Weekends can be busy with visitors to the Sunday River area.
Fall
Peak foliage in early to mid-October creates the most dramatic compositions. The bridge framed by fall color is the iconic shot. Expect more visitors.
Winter
Snow-covered bridge against bare trees and white mountains. Quiet and scenic. Combine with a day at Sunday River ski resort nearby.
Spring
Mud season through May. The river runs high with snowmelt, which is dramatic but limits access to the rocks below. Black flies appear in late May.
Practical Notes
There is a small gravel parking area right next to the bridge. No restrooms, no fees, no formal hours. The bridge is open to pedestrians year-round and the parking area is maintained by the state. In winter the road is plowed but conditions can vary.
The Sunday River ski resort is just a few miles up the road, and the town of Bethel is about 6 miles to the south with restaurants, shops, lodging, and the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum. Grafton Notch State Park, with its waterfalls and hiking trails, is a 20-minute drive north on Route 26.
Getting There
From Bethel, take Route 2 east about 4 miles, then turn left onto Sunday River Road. The bridge is about 2 miles up on the left, well before you reach the ski resort. A small sign marks the turnoff to the bridge parking area.
From Portland, take the Maine Turnpike (I-95) north to Exit 63 (Gray), then follow Route 26 north through Norway, Paris, and Bryant Pond to Bethel. The total drive is about 2 hours.
GPS coordinates: 44.4633, -70.8783
FAQ
Can you drive across the Artist's Covered Bridge?
No. The bridge has been closed to vehicles since 1958 when a modern span was built alongside it. It is open to pedestrians only.
Is the Artist's Covered Bridge free to visit?
Yes. There is no fee and no formal hours. The bridge and parking area are open year-round.
Who was the artist the bridge is named after?
John Enneking (1841-1916), an American impressionist painter who frequently set up his easel near the bridge to paint the Sunday River valley. Locals began calling it the Artist's Bridge because he was seen there so often.
When was the Artist's Covered Bridge built?
The bridge was built in 1872 by Hiram York using a Paddleford truss design. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
Is the Artist's Covered Bridge near Sunday River ski resort?
Yes. The bridge is on Sunday River Road, about 2 miles before the ski resort entrance. It is easy to combine a visit with a day on the slopes in winter.
