One Pennsylvania covered bridge stretches 204 feet across a creek without a single pier holding up the middle. I had to read that twice, honestly.
Builders pulled it off in 1867, using timber and math instead of steel.
Another bridge on this list comes with a ghost story tied to the Civil War. A third rests along a canal towpath where cyclists roll right past it.
Covered bridges were built to protect wooden decks from rain and snow, which is why so many lasted this long.
October turns these old crossings into something close to a painting. Red siding, golden leaves, and a quiet creek below make a combo that’s hard to beat.
I love that you can still drive through some of them. Others are strictly for walkers now.
So which one gets the first stop on your fall road trip?
Historic Lower Humbert Covered Bridge
Down at the very bottom of Somerset County, one wooden bridge gets bragging rights as the southernmost of the bunch. Lower Humbert has held that spot since 1892, and it still looks ready for company.
The setting does a lot of the talking here. You’ll find rolling farmland, quiet country roads, and the Laurel Highlands framing the view on all sides.
Fall is when this bridge really shows off. It’s known as one of the most photographed covered bridges in Pennsylvania, and autumn is the big reason why.
Bring a camera with a full battery. Better yet, bring a backup, because you’ll probably take more shots than you planned.
Here’s a fun bonus for road trippers. You can still drive right through it, so your car gets to feel like part of the history too.
Take it slow as you roll across. Old timber bridges deserve a little patience, and the view out the side openings is worth the extra seconds.
Families will like it here as well. The bridge works great for kids who want to see something old that isn’t behind glass in a museum.
Since it’s open around the clock, timing is up to you. Early morning light on fall leaves can look amazing, while late afternoon brings golden glow across the hills.
Pack some snacks and plan a lazy loop of back roads nearby. Somerset County has plenty of rural scenery, and this bridge makes a fine starting point.
Address: Humbert Road, Confluence, PA 15424
Historic Sachs Covered Bridge, Gettysburg, PA
Ghost stories and Civil War history share the same wooden planks at this Gettysburg landmark. Few covered bridges can claim a past this dramatic.
The Sachs Covered Bridge dates back to 1852. It spans Marsh Creek and its ties to the Battle of Gettysburg make it a must for history fans.
Cars stay off this one now. It’s open to pedestrians only, which means you can wander across at your own pace without dodging traffic.
Look down while you’re crossing. Marsh Creek can reflect the bridge and surrounding trees, especially on calm days.
In autumn, that reflection gets even better. Gold and orange leaves hang over the water, and the whole scene feels like a postcard you can step inside.
Now for the spooky part. The bridge is associated with paranormal tales, including stories of cigar smoke and voices linked to Civil War soldiers.
Do you believe in ghosts? You don’t have to, but the stories sure make a visit more interesting.
Getting here is easy, and parking is available nearby. Check current visitor information before you go, and plan your visit during daylight hours.
Want a quieter visit? Midweek can be a smart choice, giving you more room for photos and a little peace by the creek.
Pair your stop with the town’s famous battlefield sites. You’ll leave with a fuller picture of what happened here in 1863.
Address: Waterworks Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Historic Uhlerstown Covered Bridge, Erwinna, PA
Cyclists, walkers, and canal fans all end up at the same spot in Bucks County. That spot is a 102-foot wooden bridge from 1856.
Uhlerstown ranks among the earliest covered bridges in the county. It sits right along the Delaware Canal and the D&L Trail, so the scenery comes built in.
Got a bike? You’re in luck, because the towpath makes for a pleasant ride along the water.
One popular route runs south from the lock near Routes 212 and 611 down to the bridge. The round trip is roughly 20 miles, which is a solid fall workout with a payoff.
Not a cyclist? No problem at all.
Walking the canal trail gives you some of the best views of the bridge. From the path, you can see how neatly it crosses the water.
Autumn turns the tree-lined towpath into a tunnel of color. Leaves drift onto the canal, and the old bridge looks especially sharp against the gold.
The area tends to stay calm and quiet. That makes it a lovely place to pause, breathe, and snap a few pictures without much fuss.
Sunday afternoons can draw more visitors. If you’d rather have the trail mostly to yourself, aim for a weekday or a Saturday evening.
Pack water, a light jacket, and maybe a picnic for later. Bucks County back roads are worth exploring after you leave.
Address: Uhlerstown Hill Rd, Erwinna, PA 18920
Historic Colvin Covered Bridge, Schellsburg, PA
Woods on every side and a creek rolling underneath give this 1880 bridge a storybook kind of setting. It feels like the trees agreed to frame it on purpose.
You’ll find the Colvin Covered Bridge just south of Schellsburg, crossing Shawnee Creek in a quiet, wooded stretch of countryside.
Built around 1880, it’s one of the older bridges in the area. Even better, it has been kept in remarkably good shape over the years.
That care shows up in the details. The bridge looks tidy and solid, which makes it a popular stop for travelers passing through.
Fall might be its finest season. The surrounding trees turn bright shades of red and orange, and the creek below catches some of that color.
Photographers, take note. The wooded backdrop makes it easy to frame a shot that looks almost too pretty to be real.
Kids tend to enjoy a stop like this too. It’s a simple, low-pressure way to show them a piece of Pennsylvania history up close.
The bridge is best visited during daylight hours. Weekday visits may offer a quieter experience if you want fewer people in your photos.
Plan to linger a bit. Listening to the water and the rustle of leaves is half the fun of coming out here.
Afterward, take your time on the drive back. The rolling roads near Schellsburg offer more fall views along the way.
Address: 707 Mill Rd, Schellsburg, PA 15559
Historic Wertz’s Covered Bridge, Reading, PA
Two hundred and four feet with no support in the middle sounds like a dare. Builders took that dare in 1867, and the result still stands over Tulpehocken Creek.
Wertz’s Covered Bridge is the longest single-span covered bridge in Pennsylvania. That’s a big title for a wooden structure built more than 150 years ago.
It’s also rare in another way. Only five covered bridges remain in Berks County, and this one is easily the showstopper.
Trails are a big part of the appeal here. You can hike along the creek, and one walking path even passes right under the bridge.
Seeing it from below gives you a whole new respect for that long span. Look up, and you’ll understand why people call it a feat of engineering.
Hungry? Bring lunch, because the area offers a nice place for picnics near the water.
Fall adds a layer of magic to the scene. The wooded canopy along the creek turns golden, and the red bridge pops against the leaves.
Parking is available near the site, and the trail connects to the bridge. That makes it easy for walkers and cyclists to plan an outing.
Families with kids will find plenty of room to roam. A walk, a snack, and a giant old bridge make for a pretty great afternoon.
Wear comfy shoes and plan for a longer visit than you expect. Once you start exploring the trails, it’s hard to stop.
Address: Red Bridge Rd, Reading, PA 19605
Historic Stillwater Covered Bridge, Stillwater, PA
Picnic tables on a bridge? That’s not a typo, and it’s one of the best reasons to stop in Stillwater.
The Stillwater Covered Bridge dates to 1849. It crosses Fishing Creek in the borough that shares its name, which is a nice bit of hometown pride.
Columbia County is known for having lots of covered bridges. This one stands out because it feels like an open invitation to sit down and stay awhile.
Tables on the bridge make lunch feel like an event. Some of the picnic tables around the site even feature artwork, so your sandwich gets a gallery setting.
Don’t skip the sign-in book. Adding your name is a fun way to leave a tiny mark on a bridge that’s been around for over 170 years.
The bridge was recently renovated and looks well cared for. It’s easy to reach, too, with free parking close by.
Traveling through on a long drive? This makes a handy stop to stretch your legs and rest your eyes on something pretty.
Autumn brings out the best in the surrounding countryside. Leaves along the rural waterways shift to bright colors, and the creek adds a peaceful soundtrack.
It’s open 24 hours, but Saturday afternoons can get busier. Sunday mornings tend to be quiet if you want a calm breakfast picnic.
Bring a pen, a packed lunch, and some patience for photos. You’ll probably want to stay longer than planned.
Address: 899 Paperdale Rd, Stillwater, PA 17878
Historic Poole Forge Covered Bridge, Narvon, PA
Some bridges are a quick photo stop, but Poole Forge comes with a whole park attached. Think of it as a covered bridge with bonus features.
The site in Narvon is a historic park and landmark. Along with the bridge, you’ll find walking paths, picnic areas, a stream, and historic buildings.
Kids get their own perk here. A playground gives younger visitors something to do once they’ve finished admiring the old timber.
Planning a cookout? The park has picnic areas and seating, making it a pleasant spot for a fall lunch.
Check current park rules before bringing a grill.
The bridge itself is still standing, but it has been bypassed by a newer road and is open to foot traffic only.
Walking paths let you see it from different angles. Stroll along the stream, and the bridge keeps popping up in new and pretty ways.
This corner of the Pennsylvania countryside is a lovely spot in autumn. Tree-lined grounds turn bright with color, and the water reflects the show.
Free parking makes the visit simple. Weekdays may offer a quieter visit than weekends.
The historic buildings add extra layers to explore. They help tell the story of this 19th-century site beyond the bridge alone.
Pack a blanket, grab some snacks, and plan a lazy afternoon. Few places make slowing down this easy, and that might be the best reason to go.
Address: 131 S. Pool Forge Road, Narvon, PA 17555
