Rifton, Ulster County

The historic Perrine’s Covered Bridge is one of the most popular covered bridges in New York State. Its scenic location and easy accessibility ensure that that it is often visited by artists, photographers, covered bridge fans, regional tourists and those just “passing through”. The bridge has long been touted in New York State and Ulster County tourist guides as step back into the past, a famed landmark and stopping point for any visitor to the county. Local newspapers describe it as a great picnic location or a romantic place to “pop the question”. Local politicians use the bridge site as a backdrop during campaigns, a location to make newsworthy announcements or to stage a photo opportunity. Any visit to the bridge will likely convince the observer that the enduring popularity of Perrine’s Bridge is well deserved.

Perrine’s Covered Bridge was constructed in 1835 by Benjamin Wood at a cost of $1,200. The wooden, 138-foot-long, one-lane bridge is located adjacent to the New York State Thruway as it spans the Wallkill River. It is open to pedestrian traffic only, having been closed to vehicle traffic since 1930. The bridge is named for James W. Perrine, a French Huguenot immigrant and local tavern owner. It is the second oldest covered bridge in New York State, after Hyde Hall Covered Bridge in Otsego County that was built in 1825. Perrine’s Covered Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.