11 Pennsylvania Covered Bridges That Make The Perfect Day Trip Drive
Pennsylvania’s countryside is stitched together by historic covered bridges that whisk visitors to a gentler pace. These wooden treasures, many from the nineteenth century, still creak with the handiwork of early American engineers and carpenters.
I’ve spent countless weekends chasing them with my camera, following creek beds and narrow farm lanes, watching sunlight stripe their trusses. Each span feels like a doorway: red paint against green fields, river mist cooling the air, a rumble as tires meet old planks.
History, architecture, and nature converge here, turning simple drives into pilgrimages. Pack snacks, spare batteries, and curiosity—this road trip never disappoints.
1. Sachs Covered Bridge: Gettysburg’s Civil War Survivor
Ghost stories swirl around this haunting 1854 structure spanning Marsh Creek. During my autumn visit, the crimson and gold leaves framed its weathered timbers perfectly against the blue Pennsylvania sky.
Union and Confederate troops crossed this bridge during the Battle of Gettysburg, leaving behind tales of spectral soldiers who reportedly still patrol its 100-foot span. The distinctive Town truss design showcases the ingenuity of 19th-century builders.
Park at either end and walk through – the interior wooden lattice creates fascinating light patterns throughout the day. Bring your camera and a picnic lunch to fully appreciate this historic gem.
2. Knecht’s Covered Bridge: Bucks County’s Crimson Treasure
Morning fog lifting off Slifer Valley Creek creates a magical atmosphere around this vivid red bridge. I stumbled upon it during an early spring drive and couldn’t resist stopping to dangle my feet from its edge while listening to water burble beneath.
Built in 1873 and lovingly restored in 2001, this 110-foot beauty represents the classic Pennsylvania covered bridge aesthetic. The surrounding Bucks County countryside, with its rolling hills and stone farmhouses, completes the quintessential pastoral scene.
Local artisans sometimes set up nearby on weekends, offering handcrafted wares that complement the bridge’s rustic charm. The interior smells wonderfully of aged timber and history.
3. Erskine Covered Bridge: Washington County’s Hidden Gem
Tucked away on a less-traveled country road, this white-washed beauty took my breath away when I rounded the bend. Wildflowers carpet the surrounding meadows in summer, creating a painter’s dream landscape.
Spanning 38 feet across Pigeon Creek, Erskine Bridge has weathered nearly two centuries since its 1845 construction. The interior offers a cool respite on hot days, with dappled sunlight playing across the wooden planks.
Locals fish from nearby banks, happy to share tales of the bridge’s colorful history. My favorite memory? Watching a family of ducks parade through the structure as if they owned it – perhaps they do, in their own way.
4. Hunsecker’s Mill Covered Bridge: Lancaster County’s Mighty Span
Stretching an impressive 180 feet across Conestoga Creek, this red giant stands as Lancaster County’s longest covered bridge. My first visit coincided with an Amish buggy crossing – a timeless moment where past and present converged perfectly.
Rebuilt after Hurricane Agnes destroyed the original 1843 structure, today’s bridge maintains historical accuracy while incorporating modern engineering. The surrounding farmland, meticulously tended by Amish and Mennonite families, provides a stunning backdrop in all seasons.
Early mornings offer the most magical experience, with mist rising from the creek and the soft clop of horse hooves occasionally breaking the silence. The nearby mill ruins add another layer of historical interest.
5. Zimmerman’s Covered Bridge: Northumberland County’s Riverside Beauty
Framed by weeping willows that dance in summer breezes, this 1875 masterpiece creates perfect reflections in the still waters of Mahantango Creek. I’ve visited in every season, but winter transforms it into a magical snow-covered fairytale setting unlike any other.
The distinctive Burr arch truss design showcases the engineering brilliance of its era. Local legend claims a treasure was hidden beneath its foundations during Prohibition – though countless searches have yielded nothing but fish tales.
Pack a folding chair and a good book; the grassy bank beside the bridge offers one of Pennsylvania’s most peaceful reading spots. The occasional splash of jumping fish provides nature’s perfect soundtrack to a lazy afternoon.
6. Bitzer’s Mill Covered Bridge: Lancaster County’s Time Capsule
Sunlight filters through weathered boards, creating dancing patterns on the wooden floor of Lancaster County’s oldest covered bridge. My camera couldn’t capture the earthy scent of timber that’s been standing since 1846, but the memory lingers with me still.
Locals call it Eberly’s Bridge, named after the miller who once operated nearby. The single-lane structure spans 98 feet across the Conestoga River, its whitewashed exterior gleaming against the green landscape.
Park at the small gravel pull-off and walk the bridge’s length. Listen for the unique acoustic properties – a whisper at one end carries surprisingly well to the other. The surrounding water meadows burst with wildflowers from April through September.
7. Sheard’s Mill Covered Bridge: Bucks County’s Photogenic Wonder
Golden hour transforms this red beauty into a photographer’s dream as sunset light bathes its weathered sides. I’ve captured countless images here, but none compare to experiencing the bridge firsthand, with birds nesting in its eaves and fish darting in the clear stream below.
Built in 1873 and spanning Tohickon Creek, the bridge sits nestled among sycamore trees that provide dappled shade in summer. Kayakers often pause beneath its 130-foot span, creating postcard-worthy scenes of outdoor adventure.
The surrounding area offers excellent hiking trails through classic Pennsylvania woodland. Fall foliage season brings a spectacular display of color that perfectly complements the bridge’s rustic charm – arrive early to avoid crowds of fellow photographers.
8. McConnell’s Mill Covered Bridge: Lawrence County’s Rushing Wonder
White-water rapids roar beneath this dramatic red bridge, creating a symphony of sound unlike any other covered bridge setting in Pennsylvania. During my springtime visit, the swollen creek’s power was mesmerizing – nature’s strength contrasting with human craftsmanship.
Built in 1874 and nestled within McConnell’s Mill State Park, this Howe truss design spans Slippery Rock Creek. The surrounding gorge, with its towering hemlocks and moss-covered boulders, creates a primeval atmosphere that transports visitors back in time.
Hiking trails lead to spectacular views of the bridge from various vantage points. The historic gristmill nearby offers fascinating tours that explain the area’s industrial heritage – making this stop a perfect blend of natural and historical exploration.
9. Poole Forge Covered Bridge: Lancaster County’s Romantic Crossing
Fireflies dance around this enchanting white bridge on summer evenings, creating magical light shows that have inspired countless marriage proposals. I witnessed one such romantic moment during my twilight visit – the couple’s joy perfectly matching the bridge’s serene beauty.
Spanning 56 feet across Conestoga Creek, this 1859 gem sits within a 26-acre park that once housed an iron forge. The surrounding grounds feature picnic areas, historic buildings, and walking paths that showcase Pennsylvania’s industrial heritage.
The bridge’s interior feels like a wooden cathedral, with light filtering through board gaps and creating an almost sacred atmosphere. Wedding parties frequently use it as a backdrop, and it’s easy to see why – few structures capture Pennsylvania’s romantic charm so perfectly.
10. Hassenplug Covered Bridge: Union County’s Rustic Charmer
Autumn leaves create a golden carpet leading to this petite red bridge that spans Buffalo Creek with understated elegance. My fall visit coincided with a local artist capturing its likeness on canvas – a testament to its enduring appeal.
At just 82 feet long, what this 1825 structure lacks in size it makes up for in historical significance as one of Pennsylvania’s oldest surviving covered bridges. The nearby rural landscape, with its patchwork of farms and woodlands, remains largely unchanged since the bridge’s construction.
Look for the unique architectural details that distinguish it from other bridges – the hand-hewn beams and wooden pegs showcase craftsmanship rarely seen today. The surrounding creek banks offer excellent spots for wildlife watching, particularly in early morning.
11. Academia Pomeroy Covered Bridge: Perry County’s Majestic Survivor
Spanning an impressive 278 feet across Tuscarora Creek, this behemoth stands as Pennsylvania’s longest remaining covered bridge. My first glimpse of its massive scale left me speechless – photographs simply cannot convey its imposing presence against the rural landscape.
Built in 1902 after multiple predecessors were washed away by floods, this engineering marvel has withstood over a century of nature’s challenges. The multiple windows along its sides create fascinating light patterns that change throughout the day.
The bridge’s name derives from the nearby Academia settlement and the Pomeroy family who operated local businesses. Listen for the distinctive sound your tires make crossing the wooden planks – a rhythmic melody that has welcomed travelers for generations.