Bucks County, Pennsylvania is home to 12 covered bridges spanning across the county and are a must-see for locals and tourists alike. At one point in history, over 50 covered bridges could be visited in the area, however only these 12 remain.
The Visit Bucks County travel bureau has put together a turn by turn Covered Bridge Driving Tour which lays out the easiest path to take to embark on a self-guided tour to see these 12 beautiful pieces of Bucks County history. Follow along below as I visit.
To kick off the journey, we stop at the Van Sant Covered Bridge in New Hope, Pa. This bridge spans across the Pidcock Creek and is also known as “Cry Baby Bridge.” Haunted Bucks County legend has it that after being shunned by loved ones, a young mother hung herself from the bridge’s rafters after throwing her baby off the bridge. If you listen closely while at the bridge you may hear the cries of a young baby or the sound of the young woman’s feet slipping back and forth across your car roof while driving through.
The Loux Bridge and Cabin Run covered bridges are both located in Plumstead, Pa. and run across Cabin Run Creek followed by two bridges in Tinicum; Frankenfield Covered Bridge over Tinicum Creek and Erwinna Covered Bridge over the Lodi Creek.
The Uhlerstown Covered Bridge which is also in Tinicum crosses the Delaware Canal. This bridge is the only covered bridge in Bucks County that has windows built into both sides of the bridge.
Knecht’s Covered Bridge resides over Durham Creek in Springfield, Pa. Fun fact in history: This bridge lies along the path of the Walking Purchase that claimed the land from the Lenape in 1737.
Next we head over to Sheard’s Mill Covered Bridge in Quakertown that crosses over the Tohickon Creek and then visit the following two in Perkasie. Moods Covered Bridge sits over the Perkiomen Creek and was rebuit after being destroyed by arson in 2004. The oldest covered bridge in Bucks County is the South Perkasie Covered Bridge. It was moved to Lenape Park after being saved from demolition in 1958.
Pine Valley Covered Bridge on Iron Hill Road in New Britain has been the victim to several damaging events in its history. The Covered Bridge Park alongside the bridge allows for beautiful views of its side.
Finishing up our tour is the Schofield Ford Covered Bridge at Tyler State Park in Newtown which crosses the Neshaminy Creek and is the longest covered bridge remaining in Bucks County. It is located off of a trail in the park and is only accessible by foot.
These are the last bridges that stand to represent Bucks County’s history. Many of them have required normal wear-and-tear maintenance throughout the years. Some have required some additional renovations due to damaging incidents. If you are interested in taking the adventure to see these local Bucks County gems, please visit the Visit Bucks County website to follow along their driving tour! It’s a great way to get out and get some fresh air while still complying with social distancing regulations.
