Discover the State with the Most Covered Bridges

In America covered bridges once dotted the landscape, with over 12,000 said to have been constructed from 1825 to 1875. Most were red and “covered” for a very important reason — to protect the wooden bridge structure from exposure to rain and snow.

Of course, other than sheer utility, a covered bridge had many other functions. Bedraggled travelers could take shelter under it from a storm. Or it could be used as a place to hold meetings, protests, or even picnics. Some say these spans prevented horses from being spooked by the sight of the water below.

Whatever extras covered bridges provided, there’s no doubt that they lasted far longer than wooden ones without a roof. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, uncovered wooden bridges only lasted around 20 years on average, while covered ones have been known to survive a century or more. The oldest covered bridge in the U.S., the Hyde Hall Covered Bridge in Otsego Lake, N.Y., is proof of that durability! It was built in 1825 and is still standing strong.

While around 750 of these historic structures can still be found in the U.S., one state, Pennsylvania, has more of them than any other, close to 200!

Here are a few of that state’s most rustic and picture-worthy covered bridges.

Barronvale Covered Bridge, Somerset County

Constructed in 1830 the Barronvale Bridge is one of the longest covered bridges in the state at 162 feet. Located in southwestern Somerset County, it’s a stone’s throw from the town of New Centerville.

You can still cross this bridge when you come to it, but only on foot.

Sachs Covered Bridge, Gettysburg

It was designated in 1938 as Pennsylvania’s most historic bridge due to its frequent use during the Civil War. Sachs Bridge transported both Union and Confederate troops during the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg. It’s a beautiful structure that has been preserved to appear as solid as the day it was built in 1852. It also may be haunted, as some visitors have reported ghostly visions near and on the bridge.

Banks Covered Bridge, New Wilmington

Smack in the middle of the Pennsylvania Dutch countryside, the Banks Covered Bridge still resonates with the clip-clop of horses pulling Amish buggies across its span. Built in 1889, this 121-foot-long span is on the National Register of Historic Places.

While you can drive across this bridge, it’s only wide enough for one vehicle (or buggy) at a time.

Packsaddle Covered Bridge, Fairhope

Perhaps the most scenic covered bridge in the state, the Packsaddle Covered Bridge spans the Brush Creek waterfall. Every season offers another splendid view of the falls flowing beneath it. Whether the water is trickling, surging due to heavy rainfall, or frozen in the winter, it’s a calendar-worthy photo opportunity year-round.

Built in 1870, the Packsaddle Bridge is only 48 feet long.

Bartram’s Covered Bridge, Newtown Square

Constructed in 1860 for the grand sum of $1,133, Bartram’s is the last of its kind in Delaware County. At 80 feet long, and 13 feet wide, the bridge was built to be as “hi (sic) and wide as a load of hay.” The bridge has undergone extensive renovations over the years, but has been closed to the public since 1941.

Even in the 1860s, however, there was graffiti. The slogan “LINCOLN, save the Union and Congress,” could still be seen painted inside the bridge until its last major renovation in 1995.

Adairs Covered Bridge, Perry County

First constructed in 1864, the 150-foot-long Adairs Bridge was rebuilt in 1919. Owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it crosses Sherman’s Creek in the town of Kistler.

The Enslow (a.k.a. Turkey Tail), Rice, and Dellville covered bridges also span Sherman’s Creek. The Dellville bridge, which was originally constructed in 1889 was devastated by a fire in 2014. A replica was built several years later.

Pinetown Covered Bridge, Bird in Hand

For more than a century after it was built in 1867, the Pinetown Covered Bridge, which is 124 feet long and 15 feet wide, successfully withstood many a storm. But in 1972 a hurricane named Agnes brought it down. Being in the heart of Amish country, the locals petitioned for its reconstruction. Although the new Pinetown bridge was built above the high-water line to prevent future damage, it had to be closed again in 2011 after being knocked off its foundation by tropical storm Lee. It was restored a second time and now stands two feet higher.

Zook’s Mill Covered Bridge, Leola

Constructed by Henry Zook in 1849, the 74-foot-long Zook’s Mill Covered Bridge in Lancaster County is a real survivor, having even managed to withstand the ravages of Hurricane Agnes despite filling with almost seven feet of water. The bridge which crosses Cocalico Creek and is owned by the county, has also gone by various names, including Cocalico #7 Bridge and Rose Hill Covered Bridge.

So if touring covered bridges is your idea of an ideal vacation activity, the Keystone State is the place to do it.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Ralf Broskvar/Shutterstock.com