Cannon Covered Bridge

A Scenic Covered Bridge in Cowlesville, NY

Take a scenic drive through the backroads of Cowlesville and the Town of Bennington to discover the Cannon Covered Bridge, an all-wood, single-lane covered bridge spanning Cayuga Creek.

Completed in 2022, the bridge was built to honor the area's rich covered-bridge history. The Town of Bennington once had six covered bridges, including several that crossed Cayuga Creek during the 1800s. The Cannon Covered Bridge recreates that distinctive character while providing a modern crossing for today's travelers.

The bridge was constructed at the site of the former Mosier Bridge, which had previously been replaced by an iron bridge. The new covered bridge was designed as a single-lane timber structure and officially opened and dedicated in June 2022.

A Bridge Built in Memory

The Cannon Covered Bridge is dedicated in memory of U.S. Army Sgt. Charles R. Cannon, a Bennington native who grew up along the banks of Cayuga Creek.

During World War II, Sgt. Cannon served with the 35th Engineer Combat Battalion, Company C, where his military service included constructing roads and bridges. He was killed in action during the Allied assault crossing of the Rhine River on March 25, 1945.

Naming the bridge for Cannon creates a fitting connection between his service as an Army engineer and a structure built to celebrate the area's long tradition of bridge construction.

A Scenic Stop in Wyoming County

Cannon Covered Bridge offers a chance to slow down and enjoy a quieter side of Wyoming County. The bridge crosses Cayuga Creek in a rural setting surrounded by countryside, making it a popular stop for photography, scenic drives, cyclists and visitors interested in local history.

Visitors can pull off near the bridge to photograph the structure and enjoy the scenery. Please remain on public property and respect neighboring private property when visiting.

The bridge is also featured in Wyoming County tourism materials as a scenic backroads destination, particularly for visitors exploring the area's countryside by car, bicycle or motorcycle.

Highlights

• All-wood covered bridge
• Spans Cayuga Creek
• Completed in 2022
• 135-foot-long bridge
• Single-lane crossing
• Located at the site of the former Mosier Bridge
• Inspired by Bennington's historic covered bridges
• Six covered bridges once stood in the Cowlesville/Bennington area
• Dedicated to U.S. Army Sgt. Charles R. Cannon
• WWII memorial
• Scenic countryside setting
• Great photography stop
• Popular scenic-drive destination
• Located in the Town of Bennington
• Near Cowlesville, NY
• Part of Wyoming County's covered-bridge heritage

Location: 624 Schoellkopf Road, Cowlesville, NY 14037

Note: Cannon Covered Bridge is an active one-lane public roadway. Visitors should pull completely off the roadway when stopping and should not enter or explore surrounding private property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Cannon Covered Bridge?

Cannon Covered Bridge is located on Schoellkopf Road in Cowlesville, New York, in the Town of Bennington, Wyoming County. It spans Cayuga Creek.

Is Cannon Covered Bridge a historic bridge?

The current Cannon Covered Bridge was constructed in 2022, so it is not an original 19th-century covered bridge. It was built as a modern covered timber bridge to honor the covered-bridge heritage of the Town of Bennington, which once had six covered bridges.

When was Cannon Covered Bridge built?

The bridge was completed in 2022 and officially dedicated on June 9, 2022.

How long is Cannon Covered Bridge?

Cannon Covered Bridge is approximately 135 feet long.

Who was Cannon Covered Bridge named after?

The bridge was named in honor of U.S. Army Sgt. Charles R. Cannon, a Bennington native and World War II Army engineer who was killed in action in 1945.

Why was Cannon Covered Bridge built?

The bridge replaced an aging iron bridge on Schoellkopf Road. The community also wanted the replacement to recognize the area's covered-bridge history, as six covered bridges once existed in the Town of Bennington.

How many covered bridges were once in Bennington?

The Town of Bennington once had six covered bridges, with five spanning Cayuga Creek and another located in Bennington Center. The last of the historic covered bridges was destroyed by fire in 1966.

Can you stop and take pictures of Cannon Covered Bridge?

Yes. Cannon Covered Bridge is a popular scenic and photography stop. Visitors should pull safely off the roadway and remain respectful of neighboring private property.

Can you drive across Cannon Covered Bridge?

Yes. The bridge is a single-lane public roadway on Schoellkopf Road. Drivers should use caution and watch for oncoming traffic.

Is Cannon Covered Bridge near Cowlesville?

Yes. The bridge is located in the Cowlesville area of the Town of Bennington, in northern Wyoming County.

Is Cannon Covered Bridge good for a scenic drive?

Absolutely. The bridge is located along the rural backroads of Wyoming County and is particularly well suited to fall foliage drives, motorcycle rides, bicycle routes and countryside photography. Wyoming County tourism materials specifically highlight the bridge as a scenic backroads destination.

Is Cannon Covered Bridge near Buffalo?

Yes. Cannon Covered Bridge is located in western Wyoming County, making it a scenic day-trip destination from the Buffalo area.