Charming, romantic, historic, and a true testament to 19th-century craftsmanship, Pennsylvania’s rustic covered bridges are some of the most Instagram-worthy you’ll find anywhere.
With approximately 200 covered bridges across the state, Pennsylvania is home to the most remaining covered bridges in the U.S. Their various architectural styles and classic bold colors set against our natural landscapes make for some amazing shots, so don’t pass up your chance to capture these pastoral throwbacks to rustic Pennsylvania culture. We’re sharing the most Instagram-worthy covered bridges across Pennsylvania for you to map out your next photoshoot.
1. Knapp’s Covered Bridge
Towanda
Nestled among the mountains of Bradford County, Knapp’s Covered Bridge in Luther Mills is the highest covered bridge in Pennsylvania. It’s the only covered bridge in the county and definitely one not to miss. Completely restored, the bridge sits 30 feet above Brown's Creek. Its natural gray wood, open sides, and spectacular mountain setting make this a favorite of covered bridge fans!
Bridge Profile: Constructed in 1853, 95 feet long, single span, Burr Arch design
2. Rishel Covered Bridge
Milton
What better place to start your covered bridge tour than at Pennsylvania’s oldest bridge (and possibly the oldest covered bridge still standing in the U.S.)! Linking East and West Chillisquaque Townships, the Rishel Covered Bridge retains all the charm and history as when it was first built in 1830 and is just waiting for you to stop by and snap a few pictures.
Bridge Profile: Constructed in 1830, 110 feet long, single span, Burr Truss design
3. Pomeroy-Academia Covered Bridge
Port Royal
The Pomeroy-Academia Covered Bridge in Port Royal has to be at the top of the list of Pennsylvania’s must-see covered bridges. Nearly 300 feet long spanning the scenic Tuscarora Creek, this bridge is considered by some to be the grand show piece of them all and is the longest covered bridge in the state. Come see why this particular bridge is an especially popular darling of Instagrammers.
Bridge Profile: Constructed in 1902, 278 feet long, double span, Burr Arch design.
4. Eric Benjamin Bridge
Bradford
Quickly becoming a favorite among covered bridge fans, the Eric Benjamin Bridge in Bradford offers an opportunity to incorporate your visit into a day or weekend spent exploring the surrounding landscape of the Allegheny National Forest. Even though this structure is relatively young by covered bridge standards, its eye-catching diagonal truss design delivers on photo-worthiness. Built in 2004, the bridge spans the cascading waters of the Marilla Reservoir spillway — itself built back in 1898 — and is part of the one-mile Marilla Bridges Trail that circles the reservoir, offering an easy, family friendly hike through the surrounding woodlands.
Bridge Profile: Constructed in 2004.
5. Sachs Bridge
Gettysburg
Sachs Bridge (aka, Saucks Covered Bridge) in Gettysburg is simply brimming with history — and perhaps a ghostly apparition or two! Used by both Union and Confederate soldiers during the Civil War, the bridge sailed about 100 yards down Marsh Creek after some heavy rains hit in 1997. Never fear — the bridge was repaired and placed back on its foundation. Now fully restored and secure, the bridge (with or without its rumored ghosts) invites you to stroll across its storied timbers for a step back in time and some pretty spectacular photos!
Bridge Profile: Constructed in 1852, 100 feet long, single span, Town Truss design
6. Martins Mill Covered Bridge
Greencastle
The Martins Mill Covered Bridge in Antrim Township has a different look and feel from most covered bridges you’ll ever see. It was built back in 1849 in a style known as the Town Lattice Truss design, meaning it has no arches or exterior supports, and is the largest lattice type covered bridge still standing in Pennsylvania. Its unique and beautiful design and setting among the woodlands surrounding Conococheague Creek provide some simply stunning photo ops!
Bridge Profile: Constructed in 1849, 205 feet long, single span, Town Lattice Truss design
7. Witherspoon Covered Bridge
Mercersburg
Known locally simply as the “Red Bridge,” the Witherspoon Covered Bridge in Montgomery Township is more than 135 years old. Clearly built to last, it’s one of the few covered bridges in Pennsylvania that’s still open to vehicular traffic, albeit one car at a time. Relax and soak up some peace on the shores of the slow-moving Licking Creek adjacent to the bridge. Don’t forget to snap a photo or two of its best angles!
Bridge Profile: Constructed in 1883, 87 feet long, Burr Truss design
8. Harrity Covered Bridge
Lehighton
For almost 130 years, the Harrity Covered Bridge safely carried travelers over the Pohopoca Creek in Lehighton. In 1970, when the creek was dammed to create Beltzville Lake, the bridge was dismantled and reconstructed on dry land in Beltzville State Park. This sweet little bridge now awaits new travelers in the area to explore the great outdoors. Here’s your chance to take some unique covered bridge photos now that it rests on dry land!
Bridge Profile: Constructed in 1841, 66 feet long, Burr Arch design
9. Schofield Ford Covered Bridge
Newtown
The Schofield Ford Covered Bridge(aka, Twinning Ford Bridge) in Tyler State Park in Newtown is a true phoenix risen from the ashes. After the original bridge was destroyed by arsonists in 1991, it was completely rebuilt at the same location using the original plans, specifications, and local wood as the original. Because the rebuilt bridge was left unpainted like the original, snaps of this bridge will have rustic character for days.
Bridge Profile: Originally constructed in 1873, rebuilt in 1997; 170 feet long, double span, Town Truss design
10. Thomas Mill Covered Bridge
Philadelphia
Philadelphia was the first place in the U.S. with a covered bridge, so it’s fitting that one can still be found within the city limits! While the Thomas Mill Covered Bridge is off the beaten path both literally and figuratively, you’ll enjoy the trek through the beautiful Fairmount Park woodlands to reach it. Painted barn red with stone abutments and spanning the Wissahickon Creek, this quintessential covered bridge is simply picture perfect!
Bridge Profile: Constructed in 1855, 86.5 feet long, single span, Howe Truss design
11. Knox Covered Bridge
Malvern
The Knox Covered Bridge in Tredyffrin Township was built decades after George Washington and his troops’ winter encampment. Nevertheless, no trip to historic Valley Forge can be considered complete without taking in this historic and beautiful bridge. Painted white, this distinctive bridge is hard to miss and happens to be the only bridge in the state owned by the federal government.
Bridge Profile: Constructed in 1865, 65 feet long, single span, Burr Arch design
12. Packsaddle Covered Bridge
Fairhope
Considered to be the most scenic covered bridge in Somerset County if not the entire state, Packsaddle Covered Bridge (aka, Doc Miller Covered Bridge) in Fairhope Township does not disappoint! Spanning a natural waterfall formed by a series of small drops along Brush Creek, the setting is almost too scenic for words. At a bit under 50 feet in length, the bridge offers a sweet ride over the creek and the chance for some stunning photos.
Bridge Profile: Constructed in 1870, 48 feet long, single span, Multiple Kingpost Truss design
13. Carmichaels Covered Bridge
Carmichaels
Located a block away from the Old Town section of Carmichaels, Carmichaels Covered Bridge is one of a handful of covered bridges that remains a key part of the vibrant local community. Spanning Muddy Creek, the bridge offers a wonderful glimpse into what life was like in days past when covered bridges were vital conduits for Pennsylvania’s towns and cities. Visit the third weekend in September for the annual Covered Bridge Festival for some great food, fun, and photo ops!
Bridge Profile: Constructed in 1889, 64 feet long, single span, Queenpost design
14. King’s Covered Bridge
Rockwood
Covered bridges were once known as “kissing bridges” back in the day when young couples would sometimes steal a kiss as they went across. Try it yourself with your favorite someone as you stroll across King’s Covered Bridge in Middlecreek Township. Take advantage of the fact that it’s closed to traffic and take all the time you need to line up the perfect snaps of the bridge’s intricate inner structure!
Bridge Profile: Constructed in 1806, 127 feet long, single span, Burr Truss design
15. Shriver Covered Bridge
Rogersville
Get ready to capture beautiful shots of a covered bridge in its natural habitat when you first spy the incredibly picturesque Shriver Covered Bridge. Surrounded by beautiful farms and spanning Hargus Creek in Center Township, this covered bridge comes complete with some of the most classic rural scenery in the state.
Bridge Profile: Constructed in 1900, 40 feet long, single span, Queenpost design
16. Claycomb Covered Bridge
Bedford
In the mood for a little living history with your covered bridge viewing? Drive across the Claycomb Covered Bridge to Old Bedford Village for a fun and informative step back in time. The bridge itself is 140+ years old, 97 of which it spent in Reynoldsville before being moved to its new home welcoming visitors in Old Bedford.
Bridge Profile: Constructed in 1880, 126 feet long, single span, Burr Truss design
17. St. Mary’s Covered Bridge
Orbisonia
It’s impossible to get a bad shot of St. Mary’s Covered Bridge in Shade Gap. And a bonus for those who know their covered bridge architecture, it’s one of only four covered bridges built in the Howe Truss design still standing in Pennsylvania. With its open framework providing views of Shade Creek, this is one bridge that’s a definite must-see.
Bridge Profile: Constructed in 1889, 65 feet long, single span, Howe Truss design
18. Jackson’s Sawmill Covered Bridge
Quarryville
The Jackson’s Sawmill Covered Bridge (aka, Eichelberger’s Covered Bridge) in Quarryville has a slightly different look than most covered bridges, crossing the west Branch of the Octoraro Creek at an angle rather than straight across. There are photo ops galore with the interplay of farmland and woods — especially when the trees are all decked out in their fall colors!
Bridge Profile: Constructed in 1878, 143 feet long, single span, Double Burr Arch design
19. East and West Paden Covered Bridges
Orangeville
You’ll be seeing double with the stunning photo opportunities at Twin Bridges Park in Fishing Creek Township. Known as the “Twin Bridges,” the East and West Paden Covered Bridges are truly one-of-a-kind and are the only twin covered bridges in the entire U.S. Though built simultaneously, they differ in size and design.
Bridge Profile: Constructed in 1884 (but West Paden was reconstructed in 2008 after the original was washed away by flood waters in 2006), 79 feet and 103 feet long, Queen Truss and Burr Arch designs
20. Kidd’s Mill Covered Bridge
Shenango
Want to stroll across a covered bridge with no worries of a car or truck suddenly appearing right behind you? The Kidd’s Mill Covered Bridge in Pymatuning Township is open only to foot traffic and sits right next to a beautiful park — perfect for pictures and a picnic lunch! Bonus: The bridge is a true treasure, as it’s the only Type 2 Smith Truss covered bridge still standing in the entire U.S.
Bridge Profile: Constructed in 1868, 125 feet long, single span, Type 2 Smith Truss design
21. Kreidersville Covered Bridge
Northampton
Allen Township residents deeply love the Kreidersville Covered Bridge, and we know you will, too. They saved it from the wrecking ball, have repaired and maintained it, built a park around it, and throw a biannual festival to celebrate it. The bridge even has its own website! Sit in the nearby gazebo and enjoy views of this beautiful bridge as the Hokendauqua Creek gurgles by.
Bridge Profile: Built in 1839, 116 feet long, single span, and is of the Burr construction with a curved truss support
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