A Trip Through Pennsylvania's Longest Covered Bridges

Pennsylvania has more covered bridges than any other state in the United States, with over 200 historic structures still standing. The state became a hub for covered bridge construction in the early 1800s due to its abundant timber, growing rural communities, and the need for durable crossings over rivers and streams. Covering the wooden structures with roofs and siding helped protect them from the elements, allowing many to survive for over a century. These bridges were not only practical for transportation but also reflect the engineering techniques and design choices of their time.

Among Pennsylvania’s covered bridges, the longest structures stand out for both their size and historical significance. From the Pomeroy Academia Bridge in Juniata County to the Pine Grove Bridge on the Chester-Lancaster border, these seven bridges offer a clear view into the state’s rich covered bridge tradition and the role these crossings played in connecting communities.

Pomeroy Academia Covered Bridge

• Length: 278 feet

• Style: Burr Arch Truss

• Year Built: 1902

Spanning Tuscarora Creek in Juniata County, the Pomeroy Academia Covered Bridge holds the title of Pennsylvania's longest covered bridge. This two-span timber Burr truss bridge stretches an impressive 278 feet. Built by James N. Groninger in 1902, it originally served as a vital transportation link for local communities, carrying horse-drawn wagons and later automobiles across the creek. Its distinctive wooden arches and weathered exterior tell a story of resilience, surviving more than a century of harsh weather and seasonal flooding.

In 2009, the bridge underwent a careful rehabilitation with support from the Keystone Fund, preserving its historic charm while reinforcing its structure for continued public use. Today, the bridge not only functions as a scenic passageway but also stands as a beloved landmark, drawing photographers, history enthusiasts, and travelers eager to experience Pennsylvania’s covered bridge heritage.

Martin’s Mill Covered Bridge

• Length: 205 feet

• Style: Town Truss

• Year Built: 1849

Martin’s Mill Covered Bridge in Franklin County is a rare example of the Town truss design, featuring a strong lattice-style framework that distributes weight evenly across the structure. Built in 1849, it spans Licking Creek and has carried traffic for more than 170 years. The bridge has been raised and rehabilitated multiple times to reinforce its timber, replace worn planks, and ensure it remains safe for vehicles and pedestrians.

Its gently arched roof and vertical wooden siding protect the interior from rain and snow, helping the bridge endure Pennsylvania’s changing seasons. Martin’s Mill continues to function as a roadway while standing as a well-preserved piece of the state’s historic covered bridge network, illustrating the practical design techniques of its era.

Wertz’s Covered Bridge

• Length: 204 feet

• Style: Burr Arch Truss

• Year Built: 1843

Wertz’s Covered Bridge crosses Tulpehocken Creek in Berks County and stretches 204 feet, making it one of Pennsylvania’s longest covered bridges. Built in 1843, it uses a Burr arch truss, which combines a large arch with supporting beams to carry vehicles safely. The bridge’s wooden roof and vertical siding protect it from rain, snow, and ice, helping it withstand floods and harsh seasonal weather. Over the years, the structure has undergone restorations to replace worn planks, reinforce supports, and maintain safe passage for traffic. Wertz’s Covered Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, recognizing its historical significance and role in Pennsylvania’s covered bridge heritage.

Pine Grove Covered Bridge

• Length: 198 feet

• Style: Burr Arch Truss

• Year Built: 1884

Pine Grove Covered Bridge spans the border between Chester and Lancaster counties and is the longest covered bridge in both. Built using a Burr arch truss, it measures 198 feet and has carried traffic for well over a century. The bridge crosses a section of Pine Creek and features a gently pitched roof and enclosed wooden sides that protect the structure from weather.

Over the years, it has undergone several restorations to maintain its stability and ensure it continues to function as a safe passage for vehicles and pedestrians. Pine Grove remains an important part of the local transportation network and a notable example of Pennsylvania’s historic covered bridges.

Hunsecker’s Mill Covered Bridge

• Length: 180 feet

• Style: Burr Arch Truss

• Year Built: 1843

Hunsecker’s Mill Covered Bridge crosses the Conestoga River in Lancaster County and measures 180 feet in length, making it one of the county’s longest covered bridges. Built using a Burr arch truss, the bridge combines a sturdy arch with a multiple kingpost framework to support both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Originally constructed in the mid-1800s, it has undergone several restorations to reinforce its wooden structure, replace deteriorating planks, and maintain safe passage.

The bridge is fully enclosed with vertical wooden siding and a pitched roof, which help protect the structure from weather and extend its lifespan. Hunsecker’s Mill remains fully functional today.

Rupert Covered Bridge

• Length: 185 feet

• Style: Burr Arch Truss

• Year Built: 1847

Rupert Covered Bridge No. 56 spans Fishing Creek in Columbia County, Pennsylvania. Constructed in 1847 by Jesse W. Beard at a cost of $1,637, it is the oldest existing covered bridge in Columbia County. The bridge is a three-span Burr arch truss structure measuring approximately 185 feet in total length. It is the longest covered bridge in Columbia County and remains open to traffic today.

The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 29, 1979. It is named after the nearby village of Rupert, which was settled by Leonard Rupert in 1788. Over the years, the Rupert Covered Bridge has undergone several restorations to maintain its structural integrity and ensure its continued use. 

Dreibelbis Station Covered Bridge

• Length: 172 feet

• Style: Queenpost Truss

• Year Built: 1869

Dreibelbis Station Covered Bridge crosses Maiden Creek, connecting Windsor and Greenwich Townships in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Built in 1869 by Simon Dreibelbis and Charles Kutz, it is a 172-foot single-span Burr arch truss bridge. The bridge has decorative stepped portals, timber siding, and a wooden deck, reflecting typical covered bridge construction in the region.

It is one of only five remaining covered bridges in Berks County. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981, the bridge underwent a major rehabilitation from 2019 to 2020, restoring its original timbers on new abutments with a steel substructure for continued vehicular use.

Crossing Into Pennsylvania’s History

Pennsylvania’s longest covered bridges offer more than scenic views, they provide insight into the state’s history, transportation, and rural development. These wooden structures were essential in connecting communities, allowing farmers, merchants, and travelers to cross rivers safely long before modern infrastructure existed. From the Pomeroy Academia Bridge in Juniata County to the Dreibelbis Station Bridge in Berks County, each span demonstrates unique construction techniques, including Burr arch and Town lattice truss designs, which were carefully chosen to maximize durability and load-bearing capacity.

Maintained through restorations and preservation efforts, these bridges remain functional for modern traffic while also safeguarding their historic character. Their inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places highlights their significance as cultural landmarks and engineering achievements. For anyone interested in American history, architecture, or transportation, Pennsylvania’s covered bridges provide a tangible link to the past and a deeper understanding of how communities adapted to their natural surroundings.

Pennsylvania's Longest Covered Bridges