Bucks County Covered Bridge Society
Welcome to Bucks County Covered Bridges
Discover the beauty of Bucks County’s twelve maintained and loved Covered Bridges. They are scattered throughout the county, stretching out over 91 miles. It is suggested you spread your covered bridge quest to last for least two days. A self-guided tour found on this website starts at Washington’s Crossing Historical Park and continues to all twelve bridges. GPS coordinates are given for each bridge.
Many covered bridges in Bucks County are along wooded, narrow and winding roads interspersed with farms, old stone houses, barns, inns and villages. 150 year old Knecht’s Covered Bridge, Springfield Township is one such example. A unique feature of this bridge is the internal soft glow of light in the dark rural setting. Not too far away Sheard’s Mill Covered Bridge, also 150 years old is adjacent to the Tohickon Family Campgrounds .
Be sure to see Mean’s Ford Bridge a rare Pony Bridge (only 6 in the United States) located in Ralph Stover Park, great place for hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing.
Located in charming historic Victorian Perkasie are two covered bridges, Mood’s and South Perkasie. Discover 181 year old Pine Valley Covered Bridge in New Britain; this bridge is brightly lit inside at night and is surrounded by New Britain Borough and a housing development.
Another Buck’s County experience, is a drive on River Road near the Delaware River and next to the Delaware Canal. It is very scenic and is close to three bridges. This is just a sampling of what has inspired authors, artists, poets, musicians, engineers, and craftsman.
Why are bridges covered?
In the 1800’s as transportation and commerce moved across the Pennsylvania, major rivers and streams had to be crossed. Using the plentiful wood, very ingenious inventors designed and patented trusses, the weight bearing walls of the covered bridge. If the trusses were covered on the top and sides, the bridge could last for over a hundred years; uncovered they last for about 10 years. These American engineering marvels of their day were sought out by European travelers.
There have been at least 20 different truss systems developed across the United States. The twelve Bucks County Bridges use the Town Lattice Truss created by the American architect Ithiel Town. He received patent royalties and charged one dollar per running foot. This system didn’t require master carpenters and could be built by local woodworkers.
Explore this website for information on all the bridges; included are the names of Bed and Breakfast establishments, and restaurants.
Check Visit Bucks County Official Tourism for a complete list. Link on this website.
Enjoy your free adventure!
For information on all Bucks 51 original bridges read Wooden Treasures: The Story of Bucks County Covered Bridges by R. Scott Bomboy.
Preserve, Protect, Promote
YouTube: Enjoy this brief history of covered bridges!
