If you love history and enjoy exploring country roads then add Pennsylvania's Americana Region's Covered Bridge Trail to your to-do list this summer or fall.
Most of the historic structures you will see on the trail were built well over a century ago. They functioned to protect the wooden floors of the spans from inclement weather. They also served to shield pedestrians from the elements and to help water-shy horses traverse the bridges fearlessly. Whatever the reason, these beautiful and romantic structures are a beautiful addition to America's landscape, especially in Pennsylvania’s Americana Region.
It's hard to believe, but at one time, more than 12,000 covered bridges existed in the United States. Of these, it is estimated that less than 1,000 remain today. The majority of those still standing are more than 150 years old. Pennsylvania is fortunate to be home to 200 of the surviving bridges. Our region is home to five of them:
Dreibelbis Bridge
Griesemer’s Mill Bridge
Kutz’s Mill Bridge
Pleasantville Bridge
Wertz’s Covered Bridge
Most of the bridges have been restored and are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places or Historic Structures. Our self-guided bridge trail is a trip back in time as well as a history lesson too. Come learn the stories of our five bridges with the trail. As you visit these lovely structures, imagine those who crossed them before you - farmers, explorers, soldiers, runaways. If only their walls could talk!
Exploring our Covered Bridge Trail is a great way to spend a day in the beautiful Berks County countryside. Take time to check out attractions, shops, and wineries along the way. Download our free Covered Bridge Trail for information about each bridge, driving directions from one bridge to the next, and a map of the area.
Tips:
Make a day of it – head out in the morning to the first bridge and make side stops along the way to shop for antiques, taste wine at a winery, visit a café for a break, or just enjoy the scenery.
Make sure your camera has fresh batteries or your cell phone is fully charged because you are going to want to take lots of photos and videos of these beautiful structures!
And pack a picnic lunch to eat near one of the bridges, or search for nearby restaurants on our website.