You don’t have to be a Bridges of Madison County fan to appreciate a covered bridge. They are charming historical marvels, harkening back to a time when the wilderness was uncharted and unpredictable. Covered to protect the wooden trusses from the weather — thereby extending the life of the structure — many covered bridges have stood the test of time.
The first covered bridge in the U.S. was built in the early 1800s by Timothy Palmer, crossing over the Schuylkill River at 30th Street in Philadelphia. Since then, PA has secured the title “Covered Bridge Capital of the Nation,” with over 200 bridges spanning dozens of counties.
Franklin County is home to a handful of beautiful covered bridges. Martin’s Mill Covered Bridge in Antrim Township, built in 1849 (and rebuilt in 1972 after Hurricane Agnes), is nearly 170 years old. Crossing the Conococheague Creek, the bridge is open to pedestrians and offers a great photo opportunity, especially during the fall foliage season.
Not far from Martin’s Mill is the Witherspoon Covered Bridge, a long-standing structure in Mercersburg. Built in 1883 and spanning Licking Creek, it remains open to traffic. Like Martin’s Mill, Witherspoon was damaged during Hurricane Agnes; the flood line is still painted on the bridge today.
Nearby Lancaster and Adams counties boast their fair share of covered bridges, as well. Sachs Covered Bridge in Gettysburg was used by both Union and Confederate troops during the Civil War. Lancaster County has 24 historic covered bridges — to view them all, the Visitor Center recommends five different driving tours through its scenic countryside.
If you want to explore covered bridges in other parts of the state, this interactive map includes directions to every single one in Pennsylvania. For background information, or to explore by county, check out this Uncovering PA page devoted to covered bridges.
Whether you’re already a covered bridge enthusiast, or simply charmed by the photogenic structures, it’s worth checking out the bridges in your area. As the weather starts to warm with spring, plan a route and enjoy a weekend drive through rural PA to take in these historic masterpieces.