PA Covered Bridges

Exploring Kings Covered Bridge in Somerset County

A reflection of Kings Covered Bridge in the still waters of Laurel Hill Creek.

Kings Covered Bridge in Somerset County, PA is one of ten remaining covered bridges in “America’s County”.

Located one mile south of the Barronvale Covered Bridge (the longest covered bridge in Somerset County), Kings Covered Bridge is the heart of a small park-like setting just off of Route 653, 12 miles southwest of Somerset.

A late summer/early autumn view of Barronvale Covered Bridge and Laurel Hill Creek in Somerset County, PA — The Barronvale Covered Bridge, located one mile upstream from Kings Covered Bridge on Laurel Hill Creek.

Kings Covered Bridge FAQs

How old is Kings Covered Bridge?

The covered bridge is believed to have been built in 1906, on the site of a previous bridge. It was again extensively refurbished in 2008.
The nameplate on Kings Covered Bridge in Somerset County.

Can I navigate to Kings Covered Bridge using GPS?

Yes – the GPS coordinates for Kings Covered Bridge are: 39.937731, -79.271369
Kings Covered Bridge on a winter afternoon.

What body of water does Kings Covered Bridge span?

Laurel Hill Creek.
Informational sign about Laurel Hill Creek next to Kings Covered Bridge.

How long is Kings Covered Bridge?

127 feet long.
An autumn reflection of Kings Covered Bridge.

How wide is Kings Covered Bridge?

12 feet wide.
Kings Covered Bridge in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania.

What are the inventory numbers for Kings Covered Bridge?

WGCB 38-56-06 (World Guide to Covered Bridges number)
NRHP 80003632 (National Register of Historic Places reference number)

Who owns Kings Covered Bridge?

Middlecreek Township.
Historical monument at Kings Covered Bridge in Somerset County.

Can I drive through Kings Covered Bridge?

No – it was bypassed by the modern bridge next to it in the 1930s and is now open to pedestrian traffic only.
Interior of the Kings Covered Bridge in Somerset County.

Where can I park to visit Kings Covered Bridge?

There is a large parking area on the west side of the bridge, and a smaller parking area on the east side.

The parking area at Kings Covered Bridge in Somerset County.

Are there any amenities at Kings Covered Bridge?

There is a picnic pavillion next to the bridge and Laurel Hill Creek. There are no restrooms.

The picnic pavilion at Kings Covered Bridge in Somerset County.

What attractions are near Kings Covered Bridge?

As previously mentioned, the Barronvale Covered Bridge is one mile away, easily accessible via Ream Road and then a quick right on Covered Bridge Road.
A map to Kings Covered Bridge in Somerset County.

Exploring the Bridge

This is one of the easiest covered bridges to explore in Somerset County, owing to the fact that it sits right next to a main road and the modern bridge that bypassed it.

A springtime view of Kings Covered Bridge in Somerset County.

This close proximity to a maintained road means that it’s an excellent spot for getting winter bridge photos without too much difficulty.

A snowy morning at Kings Covered Bridge in Somerset County.

Of course if you show up DURING a snow squall be prepared to deal with the elements!

Kings Covered Bridge photographed during a snow squall.

The fall foliage around Kings Covered Bridge is equally spectacular.

Autumn in the Laurel Highlands at Kings Covered Bridge.

It’s the kind of autumn scene the Laurel Highlands are famous for.

Final Thoughts

Stepping onto Kings Covered Bridge is literally like taking a step back in time.

Trusswork at Kings Covered Bridge in Somerset County.

The craftsmanship and ingenuity that went into building the early infrastructure of western Pennsylvania is abundantly apparent here.

Kings Covered Bridge surrounded by snow.

And thanks to the efforts of various private and public benefactors and organizations, Kings Covered Bridge will hopefully be with us for many years to come.

Nearby Attractions

Covered bridge lovers will of course want to visit the Barronvale Covered Bridge, located just a mile away.

Laurel Highlands fall foliage in full swing at the Barronvale Covered Bridge, Somerset County PA

For those looking for something a little more “natural”, Cole Run Falls is located just minutes from both bridges.

A summer view of Cole Run Falls in the Forbes State Forest.

And if you’re spending the weekend (or even a long day) in the Laurel Highlands, then the Pack Saddle Covered Bridge should find its way onto your itinerary.

A lone fisherman on Brush Creek below the Pack Saddle Covered Bridge in Somerset County, PA.

Looking for more Somerset County Covered Bridges?

Lower Humbert Covered Bridge is the southernmost covered bridge in Somerset County.

Autumn at Lower Humbert Covered Bridge — Lower Humbert Covered Bridge near Confluence, Somerset County.

Glessner Covered Bridge is on the outskirts of Shanksville, near the Flight 93 Memorial.

The Glessner Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania — The Glessner Covered Bridge near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

New Baltimore Covered Bridge spans the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River in eastern Somerset County.

New Baltimore Covered Bridge surrounded by fall foliage.

For a completely different type of bridge, the Salisbury Viaduct along the Great Allegheny Passage rail trail is a 1,908 foot long engineering marvel, towering 101 feet above the Casselman River in Somerset County.