Emily’s Bridge – Lamoille County, Stowe, Vermont
They call it Emily’s Bridge — though its official name is the Gold Brook Covered Bridge. Built in 1844, this modest wooden span over Gold Brook now carries whispers of heartbreak, vengeance, and restless spirits. Locals will tell you that under the moonlight, Emily still haunts these rafters, waiting for someone to notice her.
The bridge itself is built in the **Howe truss** style, a sturdy design for its time, and is one of Vermont’s few surviving 19th‑century covered bridges. 0 It sits tucked in the “Stowe Hollow” area, accessible via Covered Bridge Road off Gold Brook Road. 1 Though quiet by day, by night the bridge takes on a more sinister presence.
The Legend of Emily
The most persistent version of the tale says that Emily was a young woman deeply in love, but forced against her will to wait at midnight on the bridge for a lover who never came. Some say she and he planned to elope. Others say her family forbade the match. In despair, Emily hanged herself from the rafters — the Brook her only witness. Variations even suggest she drowned when her rope broke. Whatever the version, Emily’s heartbreak became a ghost story etched into the community memory.
Hauntings & Strange Encounters
Many who visit after dark report sudden chills, disembodied sobbing, or the soft scrape of fingernails across metal. Some claim to hear whispered pleas — “Wait for me” — carried on cold wind. Others say their car doors were scratched overnight, or mysterious handprints appeared on their vehicles after passing through the bridge. A few bold paranormal teams report recording EVPs, meltdowns of equipment, and even the sensation of something brushing their necks while inside the bridge.
Skepticism, Lore, and Modern Debates
Despite its haunting reputation, Emily’s Bridge has no verifiable historical record confirming that “Emily” ever lived, died, or even existed. Local historians note that the legend’s earliest mentions appear only in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Some believe the story was possibly invented or expanded by locals in past decades to deter trespassing or vandalism near a secluded swimming hole. Paranormal author Joseph Citro and others argue that while many swear they’ve felt Emily’s presence, the legend may be more folkloric than factual.
A Haunting Experience
Allan Barnes, lead investigator with Xpara, recounted stepping into near-total darkness within Emily’s Bridge. The sound of Gold Brook rushing below echoed through the beams. Then, without warning, he felt pressure on his shoulders — as though someone had leaned close. He says the weight lifted, and silence swallowed him whole. A local in 1978 reported gathering courage to cross with friends, only for one of them to panic mid‑span, insisting they hear sobbing, footsteps behind them, and something scratching at the wood.
Whether Emily lingers in anguish, or her spirit is a manifestation of collective grief, the bridge remains a magnet to those who believe in voices beyond death.
Address & Visitor Info:
Gold Brook Covered Bridge (Emily’s Bridge)
Covered Bridge Road & Gold Brook Road
Stowe, Vermont 05672
Built: 1844
The bridge carries a public roadway. It’s accessible via Route 100 → Gold Brook Road → Covered Bridge Road.
Visiting tips: Best visited at dusk or after dark (for those seeking the haunted experience). Be respectful of locals and private property. Leave no trace. Some nearby parking is available, but roadways are narrow.
