Pennsylvania is home to more covered bridges than any other state, and among them are some that hold remarkable records and tell unforgettable stories.
From the longest and shortest spans to the oldest, newest, and even the highest, each bridge offers a glimpse into the Commonwealth’s rich craftsmanship and history.
A few are truly one of a kind – like the Pack Saddle Covered Bridge, the only one built over a natural waterfall; the Twin Covered Bridges of Columbia County, the only surviving pair of their kind in Pennsylvania; and Sachs Covered Bridge near Gettysburg, often called the state’s most historic for its Civil War connection.
Together, these record-holding crossings form a living museum of Pennsylvania’s ingenuity, resilience, and scenic charm.
So follow along as I take you on a tour of Pennsylvania’s record-holding covered bridges and one-of-a-kind spans that continue to capture the imagination of travelers and history lovers alike.
I’ve also included a handy Google map showing each bridge’s location, should you want to visit any or all of these remarkable crossings for yourself.
The Longest Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
At 278 feet long, the Pomeroy-Academia Covered Bridge holds the record of the longest covered bridge in Pennsylvania.
Built in 1902 by James N. Groninger, this impressive double-span Burr Arch bridge crosses Tuscarora Creek about seven miles southwest of Port Royal and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Owned by the Juniata County Historical Society since 1962, it underwent an extensive eight-year, $1.4 million restoration between 2001 and 2009.
Now closed to vehicular traffic, the bridge offers visitors the chance to stroll its full length and experience a tranquil step back in time.
The Shortest Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
The McClurg Covered Bridge in Washington County holds the record of being the shortest covered bridge in Pennsylvania, measuring just 24 feet long.
Originally built in 1880 as a Kingpost truss bridge on Devil’s Den Road, it once carried traffic across Kings Creek.
In 1987, the bridge was carefully relocated to Hanover Township Park, where it now spans a dry ravine and serves foot traffic only.
Though modest in size, it remains a beautifully preserved example of 19th-century craftsmanship and local heritage.
The Oldest Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
The Hassenplug Covered Bridge in Mifflinburg, Union County, holds the record of being the oldest covered bridge in Pennsylvania and is believed to be the second-oldest in the United States.
Built in 1825, this 80-foot-long, 16-foot-wide span carries North Fourth Street across Buffalo Creek using classic Burr arch trusses.
In 1959, the bridge was reinforced with a central pier, steel supports, and an iron-grill floor to preserve its structural integrity.
Nearly two centuries later, the Hassenplug Covered Bridge remains open to vehicular traffic, a remarkable testament to early American engineering.
The Youngest Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
The Willows Covered Bridge in Lancaster County, built in 1962, holds the record of being Pennsylvania’s youngest historic (50+ years old) covered bridge.
Formed by combining two older spans originally slated for demolition – the 1871 Millers Farm Bridge and the 1855 Goods Ford Bridge – it stands as a remarkable example of historic preservation.
Using nearly all original materials, including handmade spikes and bolts, restorer Roy Zimmerman reconstructed the bridge under the direction of Adolph Neuber, owner of the nearby Willows Restaurant (1931–1996).
Featuring red oak flooring and arches crafted from pine trees that were already 150 years old when cut in the mid-19th century, portions of the bridge’s wood are now approaching 300 years in age.
The Highest Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
Sitting 30 feet above Brown’s Creek, Knapp’s Covered Bridge in Bradford County holds the record of being the highest covered bridge in Pennsylvania.
Built in 1853, it is the only remaining covered bridge in the county and an excellent example of Burr Arch truss construction.
Measuring 95 feet in length, the bridge underwent an extensive renovation in 2000 to ensure its preservation.
Today, it remains open to vehicular traffic, continuing to serve travelers much as it has for more than 170 years.
The Only Covered Bridge in PA Built Over a Natural Waterfall
The Pack Saddle Covered Bridge in Somerset County is unique as the only covered bridge in Pennsylvania built over a natural waterfall.
Constructed in 1870 by an unknown builder, this 48-foot-long King Post truss bridge is the shortest of Somerset County’s ten covered bridges and one of the most photographed spots in the Laurel Highlands.
An extensive rehabilitation project in the spring of 2020 ensured the bridge’s continued safety and stability.
Still open to everyday vehicular traffic, the Pack Saddle Bridge remains both a functional crossing and a beloved scenic landmark.
The Only Twin Covered Bridges in PA
The East and West Paden Covered Bridges in Columbia County, known collectively as the “Twin Bridges,” are the only set of twin covered bridges in Pennsylvania and one of just two such pairs in the entire United States.
Built in 1884 by W.C. Pennington for $720, the bridges were named after John Paden, a local sawmill operator who likely supplied lumber for their construction.
Though called “twins,” the bridges differ in both size and truss design – making them more like fraternal than identical siblings.
Today, both bridges are open to pedestrian traffic only, featuring mural-covered picnic tables and long rectangular window openings that frame views of their picturesque surroundings.
The “Most Historic” Covered Bridge in PA
Built around 1854, Sachs Covered Bridge in Adams County spans Marsh Creek just south of Gettysburg and is often called Pennsylvania’s most historic covered bridge for its Civil War connections.
Union troops crossed the 100-foot-long, 15-foot-wide span on July 1, 1863, as they advanced toward Gettysburg, while retreating Confederate forces used it three days later.
Constructed for $1,544, the bridge features a Town Lattice truss design—an innovative technique developed by Ithiel Town that uses crisscrossed wooden beams for strength and stability.
Closed to vehicles but open to pedestrians, Sachs Covered Bridge remains a beautifully preserved reminder of one of the most pivotal moments in American history.
Related Attractions
If you love these historic spans, be sure to visit my Covered Bridges page to explore many more of Pennsylvania’s most beloved examples!
The 10 Longest Covered Bridges in PA Road Trip is a road trip itinerary that visits the ten longest covered bridges in Pennsylvania, and includes a route map that you can download for free to your computer or mobile device.
Find even more great destinations to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!
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