Meems Bottom Covered Bridge

The first covered bridge that I've been to which is actually open to vehicular traffic. I drove back and forth on it safely! Constructed in 1892-1893, it was originally just used to provide access to a local farmer's apple orchards. Rumor has it that this bridge was a replacement for one that was burned by Union troops during the Civil War. Handed over to the Virginia Highway Department in the 1930's, they took over maintenance and inspections. It did a great job until Halloween 1976 when it was damaged by vandals. Much of the bridge materials were recovered and incorporated into the replacement, though it is undergirded by modern steel beams and concrete piers before it was reopened to traffic in 1979. There is a picnic area on the east side (close to US-11) and an unofficial walking trail if you want to get some pictures. When I stopped by today, it was being used by parents and children as a watering hole. If you're traveling on Interstate 81, it's a very quick detour to see this piece of history. [Review 15111 overall, 613 of 2021, number 1324 in Virginia.]

Covered bridges thrill me! I love planning trips and seeking out these architectural "dinosaurs" of the past. This one is still operational to vehicular traffic and it's the longest covered bridge in Virginia spanning 204 feet! With its stone foundation entrance and the gorgeous arched trusses, this fascinating bridge over the Shenandoah River is a sight to be seen! I loved walking thru it (watch for cars) and having my imagination take a journey to the past. This deep red wooden bridge has a rich history connecting to the Civil War, and has had its ups and downs. It has been destroyed by floods and fire on various occasions but has been rebuilt several times, rising above its adversity and has truly stood the test of time. Now standing proudly as a monument to its heritage and as a landmark to Virginia's history. If you are in the Shenandoah area, or traveling thru, a trip to this glorious bridge is worth the stop! I'm definitely planning another visit here soon!

As all have stated, this is a beautiful bridge. When approaching from the east, there is a small place covered with gravel for 4-5 vehicles to park, as well as a small picnic area with tables and a garbage can. I stopped in New Market at Southern Kitchen Restaurant, purchased a bucket of chicken and sides, then drove to the bridge and enjoyed a picnic on a clear, crisp fall afternoon. Bring the kids; bring the dog and enjoy a small bit of time enjoying the bridge and the ridge of mountains off to the east. You are less than 1,000 feet from I-81, but you will feel like you're in a different world.

Meem's Bottom Bridge is an old school looking covered bridge spanning the North Fork of the Shenandoah River - just south of Mount Jackson, VA. As you are traveling up and down U.S. 11 - you'll see historical signs for "covered bridge." According the the Mount Jackson web site (http://www.mountjackson.com) - Meem's Bottom Bridge was constructed in 1892-93 by Franklin H. Wissler to provide a more convenient access to his apple orchards and Strathmore Farm. Mr. Wissler deeded the bridge to the Highway Department in the 1930's in return for assuming its maintenance. It was placed on the Virginia Landmark Register, as well as the National Historic Register in April 1975. According to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) web site: "The site takes its name from the Meem family that owned large landholdings in the area. This long span over the North Fork of the river carried traffic for more than 80 years before being burned by vandals on Halloween in 1976. After salvaging the original timbers, the bridge was reconstructed and eventually undergirded with steel beams and concrete piers." Take some time to check out this covered bridge - there is a place to pull over and park on the eastern side of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River - and a short trail takes you right down to the river below the bridge. Very cool!

Virginia's only working Covered Bridge open to vehicular traffic. Meem's Bottom Covered Bridge in Mt. Jackson was constructed in 1892-93. The 200 ft span over the North Fork of the Shenandoah River has carried traffic for more than 80 years . It was burned by vandals Halloween of 1976. Thankfully they were able to salvage the original timber. The bridge was reconstructed with steels beams and concrete piers , reopening in 1979. It is still in operation to date . This Bridge is a must see and be sure to take pictures . It's easy to get to right off of Route 11 on Wissler Rd .

My family has never seen a covered bridge before and this is amazing!!!!! We came to visit the Luray Caverns and the Shenandoah National Park. And this was just a little treat in Woodstock where we stayed for the time we was here.

Virginia's only working Covered Bridge . What a beauty this bridge is . It has been well preserved and kept up.

Meem's Bottom is a beautiful 204 foot long wooded covered bridge that uses a single-span Burr Arch truss. The original bridge was built in 1867, but replaced in 1871 after a flood destroyed the first bridge. Flood waters attacked again in 1877 causing a third bridge to be constructed and by 1894 a fourth bridge had been built. That version lasted almost a century until vandals destroyed it by fire on Halloween of 1976. Many of the original timbers were salvaged during reconstruction and the current bridge has been carrying vehicular traffic since it was reopened in 1979. ---------- BRIDGE FACTS Year Built: 1894 Builder: Franklin Hiser Wissler (1979) Length: 204 feet Truss type: Burr Arch Location: North Fork of the Shenandoah River ---------- FINAL THOUGHTS Its scenic location along a tree lined road with open fields on both sides and beautiful construction make this bridge one of my top favorites. Makes me wish I could rewind time and watch as generations past made use of the bridge in their comings and goings. If only all these historic landmarks could talk!

This is a beautiful classic covered bridge. It is one of a few that are still in use. There is a parking area so you can view and take pictures if you'd like. View it while it's still there. Tractor trailer trucks keep trying to enter the low clearance bridge and damaging it. As of today ,9 February 2022 , it is closed to traffic because of such damage

Why aren't there more covered bridges still around? Well, if you're in VA and want to see a beautiful bridge, you need to check this one out! It was recently updated slightly to keep it operational. Very nice to visit, stop and take pix by or drive through!

The bridge is a piece of Virginia history and I'm glad they restored it after it was vandalized in the 70s. There is a picnic table next to the parking lot so bring your lunch. You can ask fish in the creek. Once you're done, travel over to Rt. 11 Chips factory to see how they make their chips and get free samples. Then go check out the Shenandoah Caverns. Great time!!

Such a neat thing to come across on our excursion to somewhere else - great photo ops there and with it being a surprise it gave us an extra smile as we continued on our adventures for the day.