Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge Day Trip
Welcome to the Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge
In the Central Massachusetts (MA) town of Gilbertville (located in Ware), the Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge is one of the only standing, intact 19th century Covered Bridges in the Commonwealth. Originally built in 1886, you can walk through this 137-foot long bridge and see the scenic Ware River flowing underneath it.
Situated in an area with scenic, rolling landscapes, nature trails, farms and breweries, The Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge, is a great Central MA day trip destination for history enthusiasts, photographers and families.
How to get to the Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge
Located on Bridge Street off of MA-32, plot directions here. You can park on either side of the one-lane bridge. On the residential side (Bridge Street), avoid parking by private property signs; across the river, park on the small, flat dirt patch (advise parking so your vehicle is facing the road).
You can walk your dog here too and suggest keeping your companion on leash given the traffic that goes through the bridge and the short slopes to the Ware River banks.
What to see at the Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge
I like to walk through the bridge to the other side and go down the slope to the Ware River shore, looking up to see the design and length of the bridge.
Looking up at the Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge from the Ware River bank.
On a bright day, you can see beautiful cloud skies framing the bridge. This is also a good spot to get photographs of the Ware River flowing.
Tip: While there was no snow cover when I visited the last week of 2022, seeing the bridge with fresh snow is a classic New England winter scape with the pop of red at each entrance.
Afterwards, it’s only a few minutes drive to see one of the best sunset vistas in all seasons on Upper Church Street in Hardwick. This street is wide and has areas to pull off on both sides for incredible sunsets.
Be sure to continue driving a bit further after Google Maps indicates you’ve arrived; you’ll veer left to get to the area where rolling hills line each side of the road.
You’ll see the sunset over the side of the street lined with a rock boundary and can choose a spot with an opening between the trees. The sunset vistas are also beautiful with snow cover.
A visit to the Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge is not complete without stopping by Lost Towns Brewing for delicious local beers. Located on MA-32 about a half mile from the covered bridge, this craft brewery has a variety of styles to enjoy; my favorites are the Fog Dancer IPA and Plough Horse Porter.
For a half day, excurision you’ll see a 19th century landmark, view incredible sunsets over rolling hills and sample tasty local beers.
Have you seen the Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge or explored the this area of Central Massachusetts?
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