Covered bridges evoke a simpler, kinder time in America, a time of friendly small towns,
wooded country roads, trickling streams, flowing rivers, and families unpacking a picnic
basket at a table in the shade of the covered bridge. Nothing is more photogenic than
a covered bridge framed by autumn leaves.
In the winter, workers would often "snow" the bridges for uninterrupted sleigh rides.
Historically, covered bridges have been called "kissing" or "wishing" bridges
because young couples used to steal a kiss or make a wish before
entering a new bridge for the first time. The bridge was roofed to protect the wood and
timbers from rotting. People were not to drive or ride over the bridges faster than
a walk (about 3 to 4 miles per hour) and smoking was prohibited.
While these covered bridges were primary routes in the late 1800's, they've been
bypassed by modern roads and highways. Seeking out the bridges - and the beautiful
small towns that are still alive and thriving today - is a wonderful Bucks County
Adventure.
| Cabin Run Covered Bridge |
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This bridge spans Cabin Run Creek, named for the many small houses along its
banks in the 1800's. It is on Covered Bridge Road in Plumstead Township,
downstream from Loux Covered Bridge and near the historic Stover-Myers Mill.
Built: 1871
Height Limit: 11 ft 10 in
Width Limit: 15 ft
Length: 82 feet
Weight Limit: 3 tons
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| Erwinna Covered Bridge |
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This bridge spans Lodi Creek and is on Geigel Hill road in Tinicum. It is a good
example of lattice-type construction, and is the shortest covered bridge in the county.
Built: 1871 (National Historic Register), or 1832 (County Records)
Height Limit: 11 ft
Width Limit: 15 ft
Length: 56 feet
Weight Limit: 29 tons
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| Frankenfield Covered Bridge |
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This bridge crosses Tinicum Creek in an area once known for its abundant turtle
population. It is located two miles upstream from where the creek enters
the Delaware River.
Built: 1872
Height Limit: 11 ft 3 in
Width Limit: 12 ft
Length: 130 feet
Weight Limit: check local posting
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| Haupts Mill Covered Bridge |
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Also known as Bucks County Bridge No. 212, this bridge crossed Cook's Creek in Springfield
Township. It was destroyed by fire in January of 1985.
Built: 1872
Length: 107 feet
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| Knecht's Covered Bridge |
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Also known as "Slifer's Bridge." It crosses Durham Creek, formerly known as Cook's Creek.
It is located on Knecht's Road in Springfield Township.
Built: 1873
Height Limit: 11 ft 6 in
Width Limit: 15 ft
Length: 110 feet
Weight Limit: 3 tons
Building Material: hemlock
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| Loux Covered Bridge |
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This is one of two bridges to span the Cabin Run Creek. It is located in a small scenic valley on Wismer Road in Plumstead Township.
It was built at the insistence of local residents who complained about the dangers of crossing the creek.
Built: 1874
Height Limit: 11 ft
Width Limit: 15 ft
Length: 60 feet
Weight Limit: 15 tons
Building Material: hemlock
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| Mood's Covered Bridge |
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This bridge crosses the Perkiomen Creek on Blooming Glen Road, East Rockhill Township, Perkasie.
The bridge was damaged by trucks in 1993 and 2004, then destroyed by arson on 6/22/2004. As of
February 2008, the bridge has been fully restored once again."
Built: 1874
Height Limit: 11 ft 2 in
Width Limit: 15 ft
Length: 120 feet
Weight Limit: check local postings
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| Pine Valley Covered Bridge |
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This bridge carries Old Iron Hill Road, New Britain Township, over Pine Run Creek, named
after the neighboring trees. It is also known as "Iron Hill Bridge".
Built: 1842
Height Limit: 11 ft 10 in
Width Limit: 15 ft
Length: 82 feet
Weight Limit: check local postings
Building Material: native hemlock and pine
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| Schofield Ford Covered Bridge |
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The bridge was destroyed by fire in 1991 but rebuilt according to original specifications (with the
addition of a window on each side). This town truss bridge, the longest in
Bucks County, is also known as "Twining Ford Bridge." It crosses the Neshaminy Creek in Tyler
State Park off Swamp Road in Newtown. It is accessible by foot, bike, or horseback. About 1/4 mile from parking.
Built: 1873, rebuilt in 1997
Height Limit: 13 ft
Width Limit: 16 ft
Length: 170 feet
Building Material: native hemlock and oak
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| Sheard's Mill Covered Bridge |
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This bridge is on Covered Bridge Road between East Rockhill and Haycock Townships.
It spans Tochickon Creek. It was built to allow farmers to transport grains
to local mills.
Built: 1873
Height Limit: 12 ft 1 in
Width Limit: 15 ft
Length: 130 feet
Weight Limit: see local postings
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| South Perkasie Covered Bridge |
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This bridge is located in Lenape Park in Perkasie. It once crossed Pleasant Spring
Creek, was moved to the park in 1958, and is now owned by the Perkasie Historical Society.
Built: 1832
Width Limit: 15 ft
Length: 93 feet
Weight Limit: no vehicle access
Building Material: pine and oak
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| Uhlerstown Covered Bridge |
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This bridge is located on Uhlerstown Road in Tinicum Township. It crosses the
Delaware Canal.
Built: 1871
Height Limit: 11 ft 3 in
Width Limit: 15 ft
Length: 101 feet
Weight Limit: check local postings
Building Material: oak
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| Van Sant Covered Bridge |
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This bridge crosses Pidcock Creek near Bowman's Hill and the Thompson-Neeley House
in Washington Crossing Historic Park. It is also known as "Beaver Dam Bridge."
It is located on Covered Bridge Road in Solebury Township.
Built: 1870
Height Limit: 12 ft 6 in
Width Limit: 15 ft
Length: 86 feet
Weight Limit: 7 tons
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