12 Scenic Pennsylvania Covered Bridges Ideal For A Day Trip

Timber beams, red-painted portals, and the soft echo of footsteps on old planks, covered bridges have a way of pulling you into another era. Some span dramatic gorges, others rest in postcard-perfect countryside, but all offer the same irresistible charm that keeps travelers coming back.

This roundup highlights 12 of the most scenic covered bridges in Pennsylvania, each one a picture-perfect excuse to hit the road and enjoy a day trip filled with history, beauty, and a touch of nostalgia.

1. Sachs Covered Bridge (Gettysburg)

Standing proudly since 1854, this bridge witnessed some serious Civil War action and still bears the scars to prove it. Bullet holes from Confederate sharpshooters remain visible in the wooden beams, making history buffs practically giddy with excitement.

The 100-foot span crosses Marsh Creek and sits just outside Gettysburg National Military Park. Ghost hunters claim it’s one of the most haunted spots in Pennsylvania, with reports of phantom soldiers and mysterious lights appearing after dark.

Pack a picnic and spend time exploring the surrounding trails for a perfect afternoon adventure.

2. Cabin Run Covered Bridge (Pipersville)

Built in 1871, this Bucks County beauty stretches 82 feet across Cabin Run Creek with classic red paint that photographers absolutely adore. The bridge uses a Town truss design, which sounds fancy but basically means it’s super sturdy and has lasted over 150 years without major issues.

Located in a quiet rural setting, it offers peaceful surroundings perfect for sketching, reading, or just enjoying nature’s soundtrack. The nearby countryside features rolling hills and farms that look like they jumped straight out of a painting.

Visit during autumn when the foliage creates a spectacular color show.

3. Erwinna Covered Bridge (Erwinna)

This 1832 gem holds the distinction of being one of the oldest covered bridges still carrying traffic in Pennsylvania. At 56 feet long, it might be modest in size, but its historical significance is enormous.

The bridge crosses Lodi Creek in a picturesque corner of Bucks County where time seems to have stopped completely. Its weathered gray exterior gives it a distinguished, grandfather-clock kind of charm that newer bridges simply can’t match.

The surrounding village of Erwinna offers quaint shops and cafes, making it easy to spend an entire day exploring the area without getting bored.

4. Knecht’s Covered Bridge (Springfield Township)

Constructed in 1873, this Bucks County treasure spans 110 feet across Tohickon Creek with impressive engineering that still works perfectly today. The bridge got its name from the Knecht family who owned nearby property and probably never imagined their name would become a tourist attraction.

Its distinctive red paint and white trim create a postcard-perfect scene that Instagram influencers dream about. The surrounding area features excellent hiking trails and fishing spots for outdoor enthusiasts looking to extend their visit.

Spring brings wildflowers that transform the creek banks into a natural garden worth the trip alone.

5. Academia Pomeroy Covered Bridge (Academia)

Dating back to 1859, this Juniata County landmark stretches an impressive 278 feet, making it one of the longest covered bridges in the entire state. The Burr arch truss design combines strength with elegance, proving that Victorian engineers really knew their stuff.

Located near Academia (population: tiny), the bridge crosses the Tuscarora Creek in a remote setting that feels wonderfully isolated from modern chaos. The peaceful surroundings make it ideal for meditation, nature photography, or escaping annoying relatives during family reunions.

Winter visits offer stunning snow-covered scenes that belong on holiday cards.

6. McConnell’s Mill Covered Bridge (Portersville)

Built in 1874, this Lawrence County showstopper spans 90 feet across Slippery Rock Creek Gorge in one of Pennsylvania’s most dramatic natural settings. The surrounding state park offers hiking trails, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting for adventure seekers who think covered bridges alone aren’t exciting enough.

The gorge’s steep walls and rushing water create a soundtrack that beats any meditation app on the market. Photographers go absolutely bonkers over the combination of historic architecture and wild natural beauty converging in one spot.

Plan extra time to explore the restored gristmill nearby.

7. Kutz’s Mill Covered Bridge (Kutztown)

Originally constructed in 1854, this Berks County charmer crosses Saucony Creek with graceful lines that have inspired countless artists over the decades. The bridge underwent restoration in recent years, preserving its authentic character while ensuring it’ll stick around for future generations to enjoy.

Located in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, the surrounding area offers opportunities to explore unique cultural traditions, sample amazing pretzels, and maybe pick up some handmade quilts. The creek below provides habitat for various wildlife species, so bring binoculars if you’re into birdwatching.

Summer evenings here feel magical as fireflies dance around the bridge.

8. Rapps Dam Covered Bridge (Phoenixville)

This 1866 Chester County landmark got its unusual name from the nearby dam on French Creek, not from any musical aspirations. At 84 feet long, the bridge features a classic Burr truss design painted in traditional barn red that practically glows during golden hour.

The surrounding area includes the Schuylkill River Trail, perfect for biking or walking off that huge lunch you probably ate. Local legends whisper about Revolutionary War soldiers using the creek crossing during nighttime marches, though the current bridge came along much later.

Autumn transforms the area into a kaleidoscope of oranges, reds, and yellows worth photographing.

9. Knox Covered Bridge (Valley Forge)

Constructed in 1865, this Chester County bridge sits in Valley Forge Park where American history practically oozes from every square inch of ground. The 93-foot structure crosses Valley Creek using a Town lattice truss design that engineers still study today for its clever simplicity.

George Washington’s troops camped nearby during that brutal Revolutionary War winter, though they obviously didn’t get to enjoy the covered bridge since it came along 89 years later. The park offers miles of trails connecting historic sites, making it easy to combine bridge-hunting with history lessons.

Winter visits feel especially poignant given the area’s Revolutionary War significance.

10. Manasses Guth Covered Bridge (South Whitehall Township)

Built in 1858, this Lehigh County treasure spans Jordan Creek with a distinctive white exterior that sets it apart from Pennsylvania’s typical red covered bridges. The 127-foot structure uses a Burr arch truss system that’s held up remarkably well considering it’s been standing for over 160 years.

The bridge got its memorable name from a local landowner who probably never imagined becoming a tourist attraction footnote. Surrounding parkland offers picnic facilities and walking paths perfect for families with energetic kids who need space to run around.

Spring brings migrating birds that make the area a birdwatcher’s paradise worth visiting repeatedly.

11. Kreidersville Covered Bridge (Kreidersville)

Dating to 1839, this Northampton County landmark represents one of Pennsylvania’s oldest surviving covered bridges still welcoming visitors today. The 120-foot span crosses Hokendauqua Creek using construction techniques that modern builders study with genuine admiration and maybe a little envy.

Its weathered appearance tells stories of countless seasons, floods survived, and generations who’ve passed through its wooden tunnel. The surrounding rural setting remains remarkably unchanged, offering a genuine time-travel experience without requiring a DeLorean or flux capacitor.

Photography enthusiasts particularly love the way morning mist rises from the creek, creating ethereal scenes worth framing.

12. Thomas Mill Covered Bridge (Philadelphia)

Originally built in 1855, this Wissahickon Valley Park gem underwent careful restoration to preserve its character while keeping it structurally sound for modern visitors. The bridge spans Wissahickon Creek in what feels like wilderness despite being located within Philadelphia city limits.

At 90 feet long, it features classic Town lattice truss construction that’s both beautiful and incredibly strong. The surrounding park offers over 50 miles of trails, making it a favorite destination for hikers, mountain bikers, and anyone desperate to escape urban noise.

Its city location means you can combine bridge-visiting with exploring Philadelphia’s other countless attractions afterward.