If you’re looking for information about visiting the Pack Saddle Covered Bridge in Somerset County, you’re in the right place!
The Pack Saddle Bridge is famous for being the only covered bridge in Pennsylvania built over a natural waterfall.
Directions to the Pack Saddle Bridge
The Pack Saddle Bridge is located roughly 6 miles south of Route 31, along Pack Saddle Road.
If navigating by GPS, use coordinates 39.867592, -78.817354 to find the bridge.
History of the Pack Saddle Bridge
Built in 1870 by an unknown builder, the Pack Saddle Bridge is one of the most-picturesque and most-photographed spots in the PA Laurel Highlands.
At 48 feet long, it is the shortest of the 10 covered bridges in Somerset County.
The bridge utilizes King Post style trusses in its construction.
An informational plaque is located near the eastern end of the bridge.
An extensive rehabilitation project took place at the Pack Saddle Bridge in April/May of 2020.
The Pack Saddle Covered Bridge had suffered a considerable amount of insect damage in recent years.
The fact that this bridge is used for everyday vehicular traffic made the repairs a matter of public safety.
Thankfully, the repairs were made with the original aesthetics and historical authenticity in mind as well.
Photos of the waterfalls beneath the Pack Saddle Bridge looked a little strange in the interim.
Although I admit as a photographer, having the chance to document such an historic event was exciting.
What You’ll See at the Pack Saddle Bridge
The downstream view of the bridge, framed by sky, hemlocks, and waterfalls, sets the Pack Saddle Bridge apart from every other covered bridge in Pennsylvania.
That also makes it a tremendously popular setting for senior portraits and engagement photos.
The large pool of water below the Pack Saddle Bridge is also makes it a popular local fishing hole.
Even from above, the Pack Saddle Bridge is magnificent!
The Pack Saddle Bridge Mystique
For nearly 150 years, the Pack Saddle Bridge has been both a practical necessity as a creek crossing in the area, as well as a source of identity and pride in the Laurel Highlands.
Whether the unknown builder intentionally laid this bridge out with aesthetics in mind, we’ll never know.
But certainly all who have stopped to gaze upon the bridge, or cast a line beneath it, or snap a photo of it owe a debt of gratitude to the builders of the Pack Saddle Covered Bridge, perhaps Pennsylvania’s most beautiful covered bridge!
Looking for more Somerset County Covered Bridges?
The nearby New Baltimore Covered Bridge spans the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River.
Barronvale Covered Bridge is the longest covered bridge in Somerset County, at 162 feet.
Lower Humbert Covered Bridge is the southernmost covered bridge in Somerset County.
Glessner Covered Bridge is on the outskirts of Shanksville, near the Flight 93 National Memorial.
Kings Covered Bridge is a great spot for a creekside picnic, with a covered pavillion right next to the bridge.
Nearby Attractions
If waterfalls are your thing, be sure to check out 24 Must-See Waterfalls in the Laurel Highlands of PA.
If scenic vistas are your thing, be sure to check out The 14 Best Scenic Overlooks in the Laurel Highlands.
If fall foliage is your thing, be sure to check out 26 Fabulous Fall Foliage Destinations in the Laurel Highlands of PA.
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