Whittier Bridge

Whittier Bridge is a covered wooden structure that crosses the Bearcamp River using a Paddleford truss design. Its sides feature shorter board walls rather than full-height enclosure, creating openings that let people see through to the water below.

This structure was built in 1870 to replace a crossing destroyed by severe floods. Earlier bridges at this site dated back to 1792, when the first settlers arrived in the area.

The bridge takes its name from poet John Greenleaf Whittier, who spent summers at the nearby West Ossipee Hotel during the 1870s. His presence in the area left an impression that locals still remember when they speak of this crossing.

You will find this bridge west of Route 16 at West Ossipee Village along old Route 125. It is now open only to foot traffic following a comprehensive restoration completed in 2022.

What sets this bridge apart is its shorter vertical board siding that stops partway up instead of reaching full height. This distinctive design lets walkers peek at the river while moving through the covered structure.