If you love a good road trip and a little old-school charm, get ready for an adventure packed with history, scenic backroads, and some seriously cool covered bridges.
Pennsylvania has more covered bridges than any other state—over 200!
Each one has its own story, from Civil War history to ghostly legends to picture-perfect creekside views.
This trip will take you through rolling farmland, quiet forests, and charming small towns, all while stopping at some of the most beautiful and unique covered bridges in the state.
Some are massive, stretching hundreds of feet, while others are tiny hidden gems with waterfalls flowing right underneath.
A few are still open to cars, some are strictly for walking, and at least one might just be haunted (if you believe the stories).
1. McConnell’s Mill Covered Bridge
McConnell’s Mill Covered Bridge sits inside McConnell’s Mill State Park in western Pennsylvania, stretching 96 feet across the rushing Slippery Rock Creek.
Built in 1874, this bright red wooden bridge has a rare Howe truss design, which basically means it’s held together with a mix of diagonal wooden beams and iron rods—pretty cool engineering for the 1800s!
It’s one of the few covered bridges in the state still open to cars, but even if you’re just walking, you’ll get awesome views of the rocky gorge, waterfalls, and the historic gristmill that gives the park its name.
2. Packsaddle Covered Bridge
Packsaddle Covered Bridge might be small at just 48 feet long, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for with an epic backdrop—a stunning waterfall right underneath it.
Tucked away in Somerset County, this 1870 bridge crosses Brush Creek and features a King Post truss design, a simple yet sturdy framework that has stood the test of time.
The best part? You can stand on the bridge, hear the water crashing below, and feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret spot straight out of a postcard.
3. Martin’s Mill Covered Bridge
Martin’s Mill Covered Bridge is a showstopper at 205 feet long, making it one of the longest covered bridges in Pennsylvania.
Located in Franklin County, this 1849 bridge stretches over Conococheague Creek and has been lovingly restored, complete with a picnic area and walking path so you can really soak in the scenery.
This one isn’t open to cars anymore—but that just means you can take your time strolling through and enjoying the peaceful creek views without worrying about traffic.
4. Sachs Covered Bridge
Sachs Covered Bridge isn’t just beautiful—it’s got some serious history too, dating back to 1852 and playing a role in the Civil War when both Union and Confederate troops crossed it during the Battle of Gettysburg.
Spanning 100 feet over Marsh Creek, this red wooden bridge has a dramatic lattice-style truss design, making it one of the most photographed in the state.
It’s closed to traffic now, but you can walk across, take in the quiet countryside, and—if you believe the local ghost stories—maybe even catch a glimpse of a wandering Civil War soldier.
5. Pomeroy-Academia Covered Bridge
If you’re looking for the king of Pennsylvania covered bridges, the Pomeroy-Academia Covered Bridge is it—stretching a massive 278 feet, it’s the longest one in the state.
Built in 1902, this Juniata County landmark crosses the Tuscarora Creek and has a double-span Burr truss design, meaning extra arches for extra strength (and extra wow factor).
You can’t drive on it anymore, but walking through feels like stepping back in time, with its towering wooden beams and the peaceful sounds of the creek flowing beneath your feet.
6. East and West Paden Covered Bridges
The East and West Paden Covered Bridges are a rare sight—you get not one, but two historic bridges standing side by side over Huntington Creek in Columbia County.
Originally built in 1884, these twin bridges were nearly lost to flooding in 2006, but the West Paden Bridge was carefully rebuilt in 2008, preserving its Burr Arch truss design, while the East Paden Bridge retains its Queen Post truss structure.
They’re part of a quiet park now, so you can walk between them and enjoy the fact that you’ve found one of the only twin covered bridges left in the entire country.
7. Uhlerstown Covered Bridge
Uhlerstown Covered Bridge isn’t just pretty—it’s the only covered bridge in Pennsylvania that still crosses the Delaware Canal in Bucks County.
Built in 1856, this deep red bridge is extra special because it still has its original wooden siding and a height warning sign that looks straight out of the 1800s.
It’s still open to cars (if they’re small enough to fit!), but the best way to see it is by walking or biking along the canal towpath, where you’ll get picture-perfect views of the bridge and the water.
8. Van Sant Covered Bridge
Van Sant Covered Bridge might look peaceful during the day, but once the sun goes down, it’s one of Pennsylvania’s most famous haunted spots.
Tucked away in Bucks County, this 86-foot bridge dates back to the 1870s and crosses Pidcock Creek, with its dark wooden beams and low clearance giving it an extra eerie vibe.
Legend has it that ghostly figures and strange lights appear at night, so whether you’re here for the history or the hauntings, this bridge is definitely one to remember.
9. Bitzer’s Mill Covered Bridge
Bitzer’s Mill Covered Bridge is pure Lancaster County charm, stretching 90 feet over the peaceful Conestoga River.
Originally built in 1846, this bright red bridge sits next to an old stone mill, making it one of those picture-perfect spots that just screams classic Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
It’s only open for pedestrians, and if you take a minute to walk through, you’ll hear the wooden boards creak under your feet and feel like you’ve stepped into a slower, simpler time.
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