Newfield Covered Bridge is the last remaining of three covered bridges built in Tompkins County, as well as the only covered bridge in the Finger Lakes. This bridge is not only just a piece of tangible history, but it also comes with a beautiful park and picnic area attached.
Constructed: 1853
Length: 115 Feet
The History of Newfield Covered Bridge
This bridge was built to span the west branch of Cayuga Creek. Originally it wasn’t intended to be covered, but it was decided that adding a roof to the bridge would be cheaper in the long run, rather than restoring the bridge continuously due to the damage from the elements. The bridge was dedicated to Elijah Moore, the son of one of the original settlers.
The bridge was initially built without windows, which were added later. A couple, Grant and Marie Musser, who would later come to be known as the “Keeper of the Bridges,” worked tirelessly to keep the bridge from being torn down.
The Bridge was restored in 1972 and again in 1998 when the area around the bridge was landscaped and turned into a park.
Newfield Covered Bridge Park
If you are looking to linger and enjoy the bridge, there is a lovely park on the south side of the bridge that backs up to the Newfield Town Court. The park has benches and a picnic area. There is a viewing platform at the bottom of the step (leading down from the parking lot) where you can get excellent photos of the covered bridge and the creek. The park is small, but it is truly beautiful.
Visit more of New York’s Covered Bridges
Getting to Newfield Covered Bridge
Address: 20 Bridge St, Newfield, NY