If you’re looking for information about visiting the Great Crossings Bridge in Somerset County, you’re in the right place!
The Great Crossings Bridge, a long-submerged piece of Pennsylvania history, is now visible once more at Youghiogheny River Lake in southwestern Somerset County.
Due to recent drought conditions, water levels have dropped to a historic low, allowing this 206-year-old bridge and the nearby remnants of Somerfield to reappear.
Visitors have a unique chance to walk on both, gaining a rare firsthand view of these early American landmarks.
Directions to the Great Crossings Bridge
The Great Crossings Bridge is located adjacent to the Somerfield Recreation Area in southwestern Somerset County.
If navigating by GPS coordinates, use 39.75505, -79.39415 to find the large parking lot next to the lake, roughly 250 yards from the bridge.
History of the Great Crossings Bridge
Constructed in 1818, the Great Crossings Bridge is a stunning sandstone structure originally built to carry the National Road, better known now as Route 40, across the Youghiogheny River.
The bridge, with its three elegant stone arches, spans 375 feet in length and stands 40 feet high.
On July 4, 1818, this engineering marvel was dedicated with a ceremony attended by President James Monroe, underscoring its national importance.
At the eastern end of the bridge, the small town of Somerfield was established in 1817, thriving alongside the traffic from the National Road.
But in 1940, the landscape changed forever when Youghiogheny River Lake, a reservoir created by the Army Corps of Engineers, submerged the bridge and town as part of a federal flood control initiative.
Over 175 residents were relocated, and the area slipped beneath the lake, becoming part of Pennsylvania’s hidden history.
What You’ll See at the Great Crossings Bridge
As of October 2024, the lake, which normally spans six miles, has receded enough to reveal both the bridge and parts of Somerfield’s original main street.
This rare sight has drawn history enthusiasts and curious visitors from all around, eager to explore this architectural relic that’s usually underwater.
During my recent visit, dozens of other people joined me in enjoying this fleeting glimpse of history.
Visitors are treated to a surreal scene where the historic bridge runs parallel to the modern Route 40, juxtaposing early 19th-century infrastructure with today’s elevated highway.
Final Thoughts
The chance to experience this submerged landmark on foot, combined with the beauty of the surrounding landscape, makes the Great Crossings Bridge a must-visit while it remains visible.
For those who appreciate history, the bridge’s reappearance offers a tangible connection to the past and a striking reminder of how landscapes evolve over time.
Related Attractions
37 Abandoned Places in PA You Can Legally Explore is your guide to some of the Keystone State’s best old and abandoned roads, bridges, ghost towns, and historic ruins.
Nearby Attractions
23 Must-See Attractions in Somerset County is your guide to more of the best things to see and do on the east side of the Great Crossings Bridge.
21 Must-See Attractions in Fayette County is your guide to the best things to see and do on the west side of the Great Crossings Bridge.
Find even more great destinations to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!
Did you enjoy this article?
If so, be sure to like and follow PA Bucket List on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Pinterest to learn more about the best things to see and do in Pennsylvania!
Click on any of the icons below to get connected to PA Bucket List on social media.
Love the Logo? Get the Stickers!
Grab a FREE pair of stickers (one white and one holographic) featuring the famous PABucketlist.com Sasquatch logo on them.
Just send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the address above, and I’ll mail them out to you right away!