Stories and photos by Jeanine Consoli
What is it about the romance of a covered bridge that makes us yearn for simpler times? The single-lane enclosures that cross hidden creeks and gurgling streams evoke the images of rural towns untouched by the dizzying progress of a modern world. Covered bridges became popular in Pennsylvania in the early 1800s as a way to drive skittish livestock safely across small bodies of water. Historians say they were made to look like barns so that the animals would feel at ease.
Constructed of local woods such as Hemlock, oak, and pine, the structures in Bucks County were built using lattice-type beams in crosses of overlapping triangles referred to as Town Truss. Connecticut architect Ithiel Town patented the design in 1820. The sides were clad with wood and roofs were added to extend the lifespan and provide a way to keep the crossings safe during inclement weather. Often called a “kissing bridge” or “wishing bridge,” it was also a spot where lovers could steal some private time away from prying eyes.
A Reminder of Pennsylvania’s Historic Past
From 1830 – 1880, the state of Pennsylvania built most of the covered bridges in the United States (1500 representing all the significant truss designs) going against the trend after the Civil War to move from wood to iron. Perhaps it was because the first-ever covered bridge in America was built in Philadelphia in 1805. The original was created by Timothy Palmer, a craftsman from Massachusetts. His 550-foot bridge spanned the Schuylkill River. A roof and sides were added to Palmer’s design after estate owner Richard Peters suggested it would make the bridge more durable and more appealing to view from his property bordering the river.
This first bridge prompted the construction of other such structures across the eastern seaboard to assist carriages (and later cars) across waterways. As time went on, the low roofs and single lanes of the wooden structures encouraged many states to replace covered bridges with iron bridges. By 2018 the Federal Highway Administration reported that less than 1,000 covered bridges are left around the United States. Bucks County (established in 1682), which occupies the southeastern corner of Pennsylvania, once had 36 within its county limits. Today it’s home to 12 original or reconstructed bridges, some are 150 years old, and almost all are listed on the (NRHP) National Register of Historic Places.
A Tour of Bucks County and the Covered Bridges
Bucks is one of the oldest counties in Pennsylvania. It was one of the originals established at the formation of the state alongside Philadelphia and Chester County. Its age enhances its beauty as the area can best be described as rustic. The drive around Bucks County in search of covered bridges is like a scavenger hunt back in time. As you locate each bridge, you will discover the beauty of the county’s historic homes and rolling hills reminiscent of the English Countryside. Horses and sheep dot the landscape where hundred-year-old stone walls and buildings delineate farms and estates that have been preserved for the ages. The enormous native trees and flora highlight the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the peaceful sound of water tinkling in the creeks and the flowing, swirling, currents of more massive streams mesmerize observers. There are delightful discoveries around every winding turn.
Where are the Bridges of Bucks County?
The best way to see all of the bridges is to follow the suggested route on the Bucks County Covered Bridge Trail, which begins north of Washington Crossing State Park. If you start at the park and head north along River Road (Route 32), you can make a loop through Bucks County with stops at all twelve bridges. Even though they are mapped out in a sequence, it is a self-guided tour. You can begin and end at any point. When visiting the area, you could make it a weekend trip.
Stop in one of the Delaware River towns for refreshments, provisions, or to stay for the weekend (for example, visit the first six and finish the trail the next day). For a romantic experience, stop to pick up some selections at a local store for a picnic lunch. Some of the bridges are located in parks or park-like settings and are perfect for dining alfresco. The tour is over 60 miles long, so if you visit each one, it could take a few hours (It took me four hours at a slow pace with stops). It is a lovely way to spend the day on the road, especially with the windows down and fresh breezes blowing through your hair.
A Short Description of Twelve Covered Bridges
Van Sant Bridge
Van Sant Bridge or “Cry Baby Bridge”– 184 Covered Bridge Road, New Hope, PA.
It was built in 1875 and is 86 feet long. Local lore suggests that this bridge over Pidcock Creek is haunted. The story of a distraught, unwed mother throwing her baby off the bridge and then taking her own life is a famous urban legend. Others believe that it was a hanging place for horse thieves. Either way, it is said that if you park in the center of the bridge, you can hear the cries of a baby. (NRHP)
Loux Bridge
Loux Bridge – 6303-6329 Carversville Road, Pipersville, PA.
Loux Bridge, at 60 feet long, is the second shortest bridge out of the 12 bridges. It was built in 1874 out of Hemlock and crossed Cabin Run Creek. It has a stone marker on the side that refers to it as the Cabin Run Bridge, but Loux is actually upstream from the Cabin Run Bridge. The bridge is picturesque as it is painted all white with stone footings and only suitable for foot traffic. (NRHP)
The Cabin Run Bridge
Cabin Run Bridge – Covered Bridge Road, Pipersville, PA.
The Cabin Run Bridge was built in 1871 and is 82 feet long. The bridge crosses Cabin Run Creek downstream from the Loux Bridge. The creek and bridge were named for the log cabins that dotted the banks over one hundred years ago. The Cabin Run Creek empties into the nearby Tohickon Creek, a tributary of the Delaware River. (NRHP)
Frankenfield Covered Bridge
Frankenfield Covered Bridge – Hollow Horn Road, Erwinna, PA.
Frankenfield is an oak bridge. Built in 1872, it is one of the longest in the county at 130 feet long. It spans Tinicum Creek two miles upstream from the point where it empties into the Delaware River. (NRHP)
Erwinna Covered Bridge
Erwinna Covered Bridge – Giegel Hill Road, Tinicum, PA.
Erwinna was built in 1832, but the date on the (NRHP) states that it was built in 1871. Erwinna is the shortest in the county at 56 feet long crossing over Lodi Creek, and it is notable for its exceptional lattice-type construction. This bridge is close to Tinicum County Park – a great place to explore or enjoy a picnic.
Uhlerstown Covered Bridge
Uhlerstown Covered Bridge – Uhlerstown Hill Road, Upper Black Eddy, PA.
Uhlerstown is 101 feet long and constructed out of oak. It was built in 1832 by Michael Uhler, the first postmaster of Uhlerstown (founded in 1871). Uhler was also a canal boat builder who ran a boat building yard as well as operating boats that traveled up and down the canal. The bridge is notable because it has windows on both sides and is the only covered bridge that crosses the Delaware Canal.
Knechts Covered Bridge
Knechts Covered Bridge – Knechts Bridge Road, Springfield, PA.
Knechts was built in 1873 out of Hemlock and is 110 feet long. It spans Cooks Creek off of Slifer Valley Road. In 2007 it was the target of arson. The fire was set intentionally using gasoline and hay. It had been the second time in three years that the span experienced this type of destruction. The county raised funds to add low-level lighting on the bridge and treat the structure with a fire retardant. (NRHP)
Sheard’s Covered Bridge
Sheard’s Covered Bridge – Covered Bridge Road, Perkasie, PA.
Sheard was built in 1873 and is 130 feet long. It sits next to the Levi Sheard Mill (a historic grist mill) and spans the Tohickon Creek. It is one of the longest bridges in Bucks County. (NRHP)
South Perkasie Bridge
South Perkasie Bridge – 149 W. Walnut St., Perkasie, PA.
The South Perkasie Bridge was built in 1832 and is 93 feet long. Fun fact, it does not sit over a body of water. It once crossed the Pleasant Spring Creek, but it was moved to Lenape Park in Perkasie on August 15, 1959. The bridge is not open to car traffic as it sits majestically in a park for visitors to explore. A plaque inside the bridge describes the moving process with vintage photos and information. (NRHP)
Mood’s Covered Bridge
Mood’s Covered Bridge – Blooming Glen Road, Perkasie, PA.
Mood’s was built in 1874, is 120 feet long, and crosses the NE branch of the Perkiomen Creek. It was removed from NRHP because the bridge was burned down due to arson on June 22, 2004. It was rebuilt as an exact replica with some of the original woodwork and reopened in February 2008.
Pine Valley Covered Bridge
Pine Valley Covered Bridge – 229 Keeley Avenue, New Britain, PA.
Pine Valley ( also known as Iron Hill Bridge) was crafted out of white pine and Hemlock to cross the Pine Run Creek. The bridge was built in 1842 and is 81 feet long at the cost of $5553.50. It is near Peace Valley Park, a 1,500 – acre park with 14 miles of paved walking trails. The roof was damaged when an over-height truck tried to pass through it. It was repaired and reposted at the height of 9’4” high. (NRHP)
Schofield Ford Covered Bridge
Schofield Ford Covered Bridge – 101 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA.
Schofield Ford is an oak and hemlock bridge that crosses Neshaminy Creek in Tyler State Park. It is the longest covered bridge in Bucks County at 150 feet. Initially built in 1873, the beloved bridge sat proudly alongside farmland. In 1991 the structure was set on fire but restored in 1997. You will find the bridge in Tyler State Park, a 1,700 – acre park at 101Swamp Road. The bridge is a short walk on foot and worth the trip. The opportunity to explore this bridge up close is fascinating as the restoration used original specifications (post and beam construction). It was never painted, which is historically accurate.
Buck’s County is a wonderful place to spend time back in the 19th century exploring covered bridges. Having completed the trail, I have an appreciation for the care and craftsmanship that has lasted over 150 years.
For more great stories about the Delaware River Valley Towns, check out some of these articles by Jeanine Consoli.
