Most of Ulster County's covered bridges are long gone, but in Esopus, Perrine's Bridge continues to span the Wallkill more than a century and a half after its construction. Joining Esopus to the Town of Rosendale, it is thought to be the second-oldest covered bridge in New York State and the only remaining example in the state of the Burr Arch Truss design, in which the entire weight of the bridge is supported by dual arches braced on abutments on both sides of the river. Built around 1844 by Rosencrans Wood, the bridge spans 138 feet, 3 inches, with a base constructed of Rosendale cement and local bluestone. It was named for James W. Perrine, who once owned a tavern and a hotel directly opposite the bridge's eastern end. The bridge was commissioned to provide passage to and from Esopus and the lands of the Hurley Patent, and it was used extensively by mill workers traveling from Tillson and beyond to the mills along the Wallkill in the Town of Esopus. Today it remains open to the public at a Wallkill spot popular for fishing and kayaking.

Photo: Steve Stoessel

Tillson, New York · USA