Hemlock Covered Bridge – The Old Saco Crossing
Welcome to the Hemlock Covered Bridge, one of Maine’s last standing 19th-century covered bridges and a cherished landmark of East Fryeburg. Built in 1857, this 109-foot span crosses what’s known as the Old Course of the Saco River—a remnant of the river’s original meandering path through the region.
This bridge is the last survivor of seven such structures that once spanned the Saco in Fryeburg. It was built using the Paddleford truss system, strengthened with laminated wooden arches and granite abutments, allowing it to withstand the challenges of Maine’s harsh climate and frequent flooding. The craftsmanship is a testament to Yankee ingenuity and practical beauty.
The story of the old course begins in the early 1800s. The Saco River once twisted and looped through this valley, causing frequent flooding and carving unpredictable channels through farmland. In 1815, local residents petitioned to straighten the river’s course, resulting in the construction of a canal that bypassed this sweeping loop. What remains today is a tranquil oxbow—a ghost of the river’s former path, now laregly cut off from the main flow, albeit still connected. Have a look on the map and look how much distance of the river was cutoff by the dredging of the new Saco.
Though no longer a major crossing, the Hemlock Bridge was used regularly for generations by local farmers and travelers. In 1970, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and in 2002, it was named a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark—a fitting tribute to a piece of living history.
This cache invites you to pause and admire the structure from a time when bridges were built not just to span water, but to endure. Whether you’re here for the cache, the fall foliage, a quiet picnic, or a dose of history, take a moment to appreciate this beautiful remnant of Fryeburg’s past—and the winding path the Saco once carved. Putting in your canoe here can connect you to the main flow of the Saco, or to Kezar pond with a short paddle to the north.
The cache is large enough to house some TBs and trinkets. Parking is readily available on the East side of the bridge.