Near Fifield...Town Lattice Covered Bridge

The Smith Rapids Covered Bridge makes a perfect background for those special "vacation memorabilia" pictures. It is the first Town Lattice Truss Bridge to be constructed in Wisconsin in over 100 years. Town Lattice refers to the diamond-shaped truss pattern originally designed and patented by the Town in the 1820's. A unique feature of this structure is the complete use of glue-laminated lumber in the construction, allowing for the use of continuous chords on the top and bottom of the trusses. The structure, put up by the U.S. Forest Service, spans the 90 foot wide South Fork of the Flambeau River at the crossing of the Smith Rapids campground which has been remodeled to accommodate equestrian users. The close proximity of the horse campgrounds and the covered bridge lend a nostalgic atmosphere to the area.

The South Fork of the Flambeau River is a possible candidate to be named a National Scenic River. By constructing this covered bridge, no concrete obstructions had to be placed into the river way. To reach the bridge, take Highway 70 east from Fifield for 12 miles; then north two miles on U.S. Forest Road 148.