Exploring the Hooversville Swinging Bridge in Somerset County

A collage of four photos showcasing the Hooversville Swinging Bridge in Somerset County, PA, featuring a view across the wooden walkway toward town, a side view of the bridge spanning the Stonycreek River, a scenic river landscape surrounded by trees, and a perspective from the opposite end highlighting the green metal supports.

Visiting the Hooversville Swinging Bridge in Somerset County is a memorable experience that blends history with small-town character.

A view looking west across the Hooversville Swinging Bridge in Somerset County, PA, showing the wooden walkway, chain-link fencing, and the Dan Shaffer's building with cars parked nearby, surrounded by trees and hills under a partly cloudy sky.

This 180-foot-long suspension-style bridge spans the Stonycreek River, linking the east and west ends of Hooversville Borough.


Originally erected in 1907, the bridge quickly became a vital connection for local residents.

A view of the Hooversville Swinging Bridge in Somerset County, PA, showing the green metal supports and wooden walkway leading across the Stonycreek River, with trees, buildings, and a hillside in the background.

On January 19, 1996, the bridge was destroyed by a devastating flood, leaving the town divided both physically and emotionally.

A scenic view of the Stonycreek River from the Hooversville Swinging Bridge in Somerset County, PA, with clear shallow water, rocky banks, lush green trees, and rolling hills under a partly cloudy sky.

Thanks to community efforts, the bridge was rebuilt the same year, and a commemorative plaque now honors that remarkable achievement.

A bronze plaque on the Hooversville Swinging Bridge in Somerset County, PA, commemorating its original 1907 construction, destruction by a 1996 flood, and rebuilding that same year, with an inscription honoring the bridge's role in uniting the community.

Walking across the swinging bridge provides not only beautiful river views but also a sense of connection to the town’s resilient past.

A side view of the Hooversville Swinging Bridge in Somerset County, PA, with a person walking across the narrow pedestrian bridge over the Stonycreek River, surrounded by lush greenery, houses, and a partly cloudy sky.

The gentle sway of the bridge adds an adventurous element to the crossing, making it popular with both locals and visitors.

The Hooversville Swinging Bridge in Somerset County, PA, viewed from the west bank, with its green metal supports, wooden walkway, and chain-link sides spanning the Stonycreek River, surrounded by trees and small-town houses under a partly cloudy sky.

Many people stop to read the plaque, which highlights how the bridge serves as more than just a structure but as a symbol of unity.

A view of the Hooversville Swinging Bridge in Somerset County, PA, looking east across the wooden walkway with chain-link sides, green metal supports, and a commemorative plaque above the entrance, with small-town houses and tree-covered hills in the background.

The surrounding area offers a peaceful, small-town atmosphere that invites exploration.

A bright red Toyota Tacoma parked near the Hooversville Swinging Bridge, with a person walking across the 180-foot pedestrian bridge over the Stonycreek River, surrounded by trees and small-town homes under a partly cloudy sky.

A visit to the Hooversville Swinging Bridge is a simple yet meaningful way to appreciate local history and the enduring spirit of this Somerset County community.

A view looking east across the Hooversville Swinging Bridge in Somerset County, PA, showing the wooden planks, chain-link sides, and the small-town street and houses beyond the bridge, with wooded hills in the background.

Exploring the Best Swinging Bridges in Pennsylvania is an interactive guide to many more swinging bridges all across the Keystone State.

Exploring some of the best swinging bridges in Pennsylvania.

Nearby Attractions

25 Must-See Attractions in Somerset County is your guide to more great things to see and do near the Hooversville Swinging Bridge.

A collage of four images showcasing attractions in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. The top left image features a fisherman by a creek in front of a picturesque red covered bridge surrounded by autumn foliage. The top right photo shows a person standing on a rocky outcrop overlooking a vast landscape of colorful fall trees under a clear sky. The bottom left picture captures a well-lit tunnel with multiple lights creating a starburst effect. The bottom right image is a tranquil scene of a park with a bicyclist on a path next to a lake reflecting the vibrant autumn trees and blue sky.

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Rusty Glessner
Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and a frequently-cited authority on PA's best travel destinations.