There’s something timeless about a covered bridge. These historic wooden structures are scattered across the American landscape, each one a reminder of a simpler era when horse-drawn wagons and early automobiles rumbled over creaky floorboards, protected from the weather by the bridge’s iconic roof and walls.

Today, these charming bridges are more than just relics — they’re beloved landmarks, scenic photo ops, and treasured parts of local heritage. Whether you’re planning a road trip to see a few or you just love learning about America’s past, let’s take a journey through the story of covered bridges in the United States.

Covered bridges first appeared in the United States in the early 1800s. The very first was built in 1805 over the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Known as the Permanent Bridge, it was designed by Timothy Palmer and set the stage for thousands more to come.

With 23 historic covered bridges scattered across the hills, valleys, and farmlands of Washington County, seeing them all is definitely doable—but it’s not a quick afternoon trip. To really enjoy the drive, the scenery, and the history, I recommend planning to spread your adventure over the course of three to four days.

To make it easier, Washington County has organized the bridges into three self-guided driving tours—each covering a different region of the county. I followed this format for my own trip, and it worked beautifully!

 The Nortwestern Region – Eastern Region and the Southwestern Region.

If you are like me, you want to take your time in enjoy the view  along the way so I broke it out over a few weekends. Each tour gives you a differnt view of Washington County and a deeper appreciation for these incredialbe pieces of fPennsylvania hstory.

We’re kicking off this covered bridge journey in the Northwestern region of Washington County, where peaceful farmland and quiet backroads create the perfect setting for a relaxing drive.

Our first stop takes us to the rural area of Burgettstown, a scenic little town surrounded by rolling hills and fields. Here, you’ll find three historic covered bridges, each tucked into the countryside like a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered.

From there, we’ll make our way to McDonald, where two more covered bridges sit quietly off the beaten path—reminders of a time when horse-drawn wagons crossed these wooden spans.

And we’ll wrap up this portion of the tour in Avella, where the bridges blend perfectly with the area’s deep historical roots. This is also home to one of the region’s most unique attractions—Meadowcroft Rock shelter and Historic Village, the oldest known site of human habitation in North America. It’s the perfect stop to stretch your legs, explore, and dive into some truly ancient history after visiting the bridges nearby.

Whether you’re here for the bridges, the backroads, or the history, the Northwestern corner of Washington County has a little bit of everything—and it’s a great place to begin this Pennsylvania covered bridge adventure.

Tucked away in Hanover Township, the McClurg Covered Bridge—affectionately nicknamed the Devil’s Den Bridge—is one of the smallest covered bridges in Washington County, measuring only 24 feet long by 12 feet wide. Despite its size, it carries a rich history and plenty of charm.

Originally built in 1880 with a Kingpost truss, vertical board siding, and a traditional cedar shake roof, the bridge once crossed Kings Creek near Paris, Pennsylvania, on land owned by the McClurg family. In 1987, it was carefully relocated to its present location, and by 1988 it had been fully restored.

The name “Devil’s Den” comes from a nearby cave hidden behind a waterfall at its original site—a place that inspired more mystery than menace. Today, this petite red bridge is open only to pedestrian traffic, serving as both a historic landmark and a peaceful reminder of the region’s past.

The Lyle Covered Bridge, built in 1887, is a quaint Queen-post truss span crossing Brush Run in Hanover Township. Measuring 38 feet long and 12 feet wide, this red-painted bridge with its classic cedar shake roof has been carrying both vehicles and pedestrians along Kramer Road for well over a century.

Surrounded by rolling farmland and forest on the edge of Hillman State Park, the bridge offers one of the most picturesque covered bridge settings in Washington County. Though its original builder is unknown, the bridge was carefully restored in 1999, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.

Recognized as a historic landmark by the Washington County History & Landmarks Foundation, the Lyle Covered Bridge remains not just a crossing, but a scenic reminder of the craftsmanship and quiet rural beauty of Pennsylvania’s covered bridge heritage.

Located just northwest of Burgettstown in Hanover Township, the Jackson’s Mill Covered Bridge spans 35 feet across Kings Creek along Kings Creek Road. Built with a traditional Queen-post truss, the bridge features a wooden deck, vertical board siding painted bright red, and a sheet metal roof.

Though the exact year of construction and original builder remain unknown, the bridge has long been a beloved landmark for its simple, sturdy design and peaceful setting. In 2003, it was carefully restored, ensuring its survival for future generations.

Recognized by the Washington County History & Landmarks Foundation, Jackson’s Mill Bridge continues to stand as a quiet reminder of rural craftsmanship and the enduring charm of Pennsylvania’s covered bridges

The original Wilson’s Mill Covered Bridge was built in 1889, spanning Cross Creek in Independence Township. Measuring 38 feet long by 14 feet wide, it was later moved to Cross Creek County Park in 1978, where it stood for many years. Unfortunately, the bridge suffered heavy damage from vandalism and a fire in 2002, forcing it to be dismantled and placed in storage.

Because of its deteriorated condition, the original could not be restored. Instead, a replica was constructed in 2011 and installed on the Panhandle Trail, where visitors can enjoy it today. Built with a traditional Kingpost truss, the replica preserves the memory of the historic span while offering a unique twist of its own.

Unlike any other covered bridge in Washington County, Wilson’s Mill Bridge is painted white on the inside, has no windows, and is the only bridge without a cross-planked deck. These unusual details set it apart, making it a standout among the county’s 23 covered bridges.

Nestled in the rural community of Hickory, near McDonald, the Krepps Covered Bridge is one of the smallest in Washington County—measuring just 24 feet long by 13 feet wide. Built with a simple Kingpost truss design, its original builder and year of construction remain unknown, but the bridge has long been part of the quiet backroads of this area.

Painted a vibrant red with vertical plank siding and topped with a sheet-metal roof, Krepps Bridge is eye-catching despite its small size. It features four rectangular windows that let light filter through its wooden interior, and it rests securely on concrete abutments.

Designated as a historic landmark by the Washington County History & Landmarks Foundation, the Krepps Bridge shares the title of shortest covered bridge in the county with McClurg Bridge. Though modest in scale, it remains a charming reminder of the traditional craftsmanship and rural heritage of Pennsylvania’s covered bridges.

The Pine Bank Covered Bridge has a long and fascinating history. Originally built in 1871 in Greene County, this Kingpost truss span measured 43 feet long and 14 feet wide and carried traffic across small streams in the rural countryside.

When its original location was threatened, preservationists stepped in to save it. In 1962, the bridge was carefully relocated to the grounds of Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village near Avella, Pennsylvania, where it now serves as the pedestrian gateway to a recreated 19th-century village.

With its board-and-batten siding and period-appropriate roof, Pine Bank Bridge blends seamlessly into the historic setting of Meadowcroft, where thousands of visitors pass through each year. It underwent additional restoration in 2016, funded through historic preservation grants, ensuring its structure and charm would remain intact for future generations.

Today, the Pine Bank Covered Bridge is not just a preserved structure, but an educational landmark—a bridge between the craftsmanship of the 19th century and the living history programs that Meadowcroft continues to share.

“I had such a great time visiting these bridges in person—walking through them, learning their stories, and capturing their beauty on camera. It’s one thing to write about them, but it’s another to actually stand inside these little pieces of history.

I put together a video of my journey to each of these covered bridges—Jackson’s Mill, McClurg, Lyle, Wilson’s Mill, Krepps, and Pine Bank—so you can come along with me on the tour. Click below to watch, and see why I’m falling in love with Pennsylvania’s covered bridges, one stop at a time.”

Our next adventure takes us to the eastern side of Washington County, where we’ll explore four charming covered bridges nestled around the scenic Mingo Creek Park.

The Ebenezer Covered Bridge, also known as the Ebenezer Church Bridge, is the second historic span you’ll find inside Mingo Creek County Park. Tucked away on a quiet dead-end road in the park’s southwestern corner, this bridge is a favorite among photographers thanks to the many scenic angles it offers.

Measuring just 32 feet long and 15 feet wide, the Ebenezer Bridge uses a Queenpost truss design similar to the nearby Henry Bridge. Its exact year of construction and original builder remain unknown, but its charm is undeniable. Painted bright red, with vertical board siding, a sheet metal roof, and four rectangular windows, the bridge sits on stone-and-mortar abutments capped with concrete and is reinforced underneath by five steel beams.

The bridge was relocated in 1977 from its original home over the South Fork of Maple Creek in Ginger Hill. It was moved here to save it from destruction during the construction of I-70, set atop older abutments from a previous bridge. During the move, alterations were made to help it blend into the park setting, including extended approaches that resemble the end of an old train caboose.

Today, the Ebenezer Bridge remains one of the most popular covered bridges in Washington County, both for its picturesque location and for its role in the annual Covered Bridge Festival, which it has hosted since the festival’s start in 1971. Open to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, it continues to be a well-loved landmark and a reminder of the county’s dedication to preserving its heritage.

The Henry Covered Bridge, located in Mingo Creek County Park in Nottingham Township, is one of the county’s best-known and most-visited spans. Stretching 36 feet long and 12 feet wide, it carries both pedestrian and light vehicular traffic across Mingo Creek.

Constructed with a Queenpost truss design and painted bright red with vertical board siding, the bridge features four square windows, a tin roof, and rests on sturdy cut-stone abutments with stone-and-mortar wingwalls capped in concrete. Reinforced by five steel beams, it has a posted weight limit of just two tons.

While most sources list its construction date as 1881, some suggest it may have been built earlier. Like many bridges in Washington County, its original builder remains unknown, leaving its early history somewhat mysterious.

Since 1984, the Henry Bridge has also served as one of the sites for the annual Covered Bridge Festival, drawing countless visitors each September. With its central location in Mingo Creek Park, it has become not only a local landmark but also a favorite subject for photographers, families, and history lovers exploring Washington County’s covered bridge heritage.

The Wright Covered Bridge, also known in some sources as the Cerl Covered Bridge, is located just south of I-70 in the eastern part of Washington County. Despite sitting close to the highway, the bridge is tucked away in a quiet and peaceful spot, making it a charming surprise for anyone who stops to see it.

Built in 1875, this small Kingpost truss bridge spans the North Branch of Pigeon Creek, stretching just 26 feet long by 13 feet wide. With its bright red vertical board siding, four square windows, and tin roof, it stands out against the rural landscape. The bridge rests on stone-and-mortar abutments with matching wingwalls and is supported by heavy timbers.

Though modest in size, Wright Bridge is practical as well as picturesque. It carries a 15-ton weight limit and remains open to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. It was fully restored in 1999, preserving its historic charm while ensuring its stability for years to come.

Visible from the south end of I-70 near the Kammerer Exit, the Wright Covered Bridge continues to be a favorite for travelers and photographers alike—proof that even the smallest bridges can hold a big piece of Pennsylvania’s history.

Tucked away in a quiet valley of North Bethlehem Township, the Leatherman Covered Bridge is a charming reminder of 19th-century rural craftsmanship. Though its exact construction date and builder are unknown, it is believed to have been built sometime after 1860, as all of its original planks were saw-cut rather than hand-hewn.

Measuring 36 feet long and 12 feet wide, this small Queenpost truss bridge carries both pedestrian and light vehicular traffic across the South Branch of Pigeon Creek. Painted bright red with vertical board siding, a tin roof, and four square windows, the bridge rests on a mix of stone-and-mortar and concrete abutments, supported by heavy timbers. It was carefully restored in 1998, ensuring its continued presence along the county’s backroads.

The bridge is thought to have been named after Joseph Leatherman, one of the area’s earliest doctors, though the family name was spelled slightly differently than the bridge itself. With a 15-ton weight limit, Leatherman Bridge may be small in size, but it remains a significant piece of Washington County’s covered bridge heritage—both for its history and its peaceful setting in the countryside.

“I had such a wonderful time exploring the four covered bridges in and around Mingo Creek County Park—the Henry, Ebenezer, Wright, and Leatherman Bridges. Each one has its own unique story, design, and setting, and getting to walk through them in person gave me a whole new appreciation for their history.

I captured the entire adventure on video so you can come along with me for the ride. From the peaceful valleys to the bright red siding and quiet creeks, this tour really showcases why Washington County is such a special place for covered bridge lovers.

Click below to watch the video and join me on this part of my journey to see every covered bridge in Pennsylvania!”

“The Southwestern Tour of Washington County is the biggest leg of my covered bridge journey so far—with 13 historic bridges spread out across the countryside. This wasn’t something I could do in just a single day, so I broke it up into two, giving myself plenty of time to enjoy each stop without rushing.

From quiet, tucked-away crossings to bridges that host parts of the annual Covered Bridge Festival, this route really showcases the variety and beauty of Washington County’s bridges. Over two days, I drove winding backroads, crossed peaceful creeks, and discovered the stories behind every one of these wooden landmarks. It was a lot of miles—but absolutely worth it!”

The Sawhill Covered Bridge is located in Blaine Township, just a few miles north of I-70 and Route 40, not far from Washington, PA. It’s easy to miss the turnoff along Route 221, but this bridge is worth the detour. Built in 1915, Sawhill is one of only two covered bridges in Washington County constructed during World War I, when shortages of steel led builders to continue relying on traditional wood trusses.

Spanning 57 feet over Buffalo Creek, Sawhill Bridge is one of the longest covered bridges in Washington County. Designed with a Queenpost truss, it features red vertical board siding, a tin roof, and six rectangular windows. It rests on abutments of stone-and-mortar on one end and concrete on the other, with matching stone-and-mortar wingwalls capped in concrete.

The bridge has faced its share of challenges over the years. In 2004, remnants of Hurricane Ivan caused severe flooding that left the bridge heavily damaged. As a result, it was reconstructed from the foundation up and fully restored in 2005, ensuring its place among the county’s preserved historic bridges.

Today, Sawhill Bridge remains open to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, carrying a 15-ton weight limit. With its length, bright red color, and convenient location near major highways, it continues to be a favorite stop for travelers and a proud piece of Washington County’s covered bridge heritage.

The Erskine Covered Bridge, built in 1845 by William Gordon, holds the distinction of being the oldest covered bridge in Washington County. Located in West Finley Township, it spans 39 feet across Middle Wheeling Creek and sits less than three miles south of I-70, just a tenth of a mile from the West Virginia border. Despite its proximity to the interstate, the bridge has a distinctly rural feel, surrounded by farmland and rolling hills.

Constructed with a Queenpost truss, Erskine Bridge measures 39 feet 6 inches long and 11 feet 8 inches wide. Painted a classic red, it features vertical board siding, a tin roof, and four rectangular windows that brighten its interior. It rests on stone-and-mortar abutments capped with concrete, with wingwalls of concrete at the north end and stone-and-mortar on the south. Supported by heavy timbers, the bridge has a posted 10-ton weight limit and remains open to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

By the early 2000s, the bridge was showing its age, but it was carefully restored in 2006, ensuring its survival as both a functional crossing and a living piece of history. Today, the Erskine Covered Bridge stands proudly as the westernmost covered bridge in Pennsylvania, a true gateway to the state’s covered bridge heritage.

The Mays Covered Bridge, also known as the Mays Blaney Bridge, is a quiet and isolated span tucked along a dirt road in Donegal Township. Despite its secluded setting, it sits less than two miles from Exit 1 on I-70, making it surprisingly easy to reach.

Built in 1882, this Queenpost truss bridge measures 31 feet long and 15 feet wide, carrying both pedestrian and light vehicular traffic across Middle Wheeling Creek, just a few miles upstream of the Erskine Covered Bridge. Painted red with vertical board siding, it features a tin roof, four rectangular windows, and rests on stone-and-mortar abutments and wingwalls, supported by heavy timbers.

The bridge is believed to have been named after J. Blaney, a property owner east of the site, and it was originally known as the Mays Blaney Bridge. In 2006, the structure was refurbished, but much of the original pine siding still remains—a rare and remarkable detail for a covered bridge of this age.

With a 6-ton weight limit, the Mays Bridge continues to serve as both a functional crossing and a historic landmark, offering visitors a peaceful glimpse of Washington County’s rural past.

The Danley Covered Bridge is tucked away along a gravel road in a quiet valley of West Finley Township, carrying travelers across the Robinson Fork of Wheeling Creek. Though its exact year of construction and builder are unknown, it is believed to have been built sometime after 1860 by local carpenters, making it one of the many Washington County bridges whose history has been partially lost to time.

Measuring 39 feet long and 11 feet 10 inches wide, this Queen post truss bridge is painted a classic red with vertical board siding, a sheet metal roof, and four rectangular windows that brighten its interior. It rests on stone-and-mortar abutments, with wingwalls of stone on one end and concrete on the other, supported by two sets of heavy timbers.

The bridge was restored in 2000 to ensure its preservation and now carries both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, though it has a posted weight limit of just three tons. Located several miles upstream of the Crawford Covered Bridge, Danley Bridge remains a modest but meaningful part of Washington County’s rural landscape, offering a glimpse into the region’s past craftsmanship and quiet charm. 

The Brownlee Covered Bridge, also known as the Brownlee-Scott Bridge, is now located in McGuffey Community Park just south of I-70 in Donegal Township. Originally built sometime after 1860, the exact date and builder are unknown, though its design and materials suggest the handiwork of local carpenters of that era.

This small Kingpost truss bridge measures just 31 feet long and 11 feet wide. Painted red with vertical board siding, a sheet metal roof, and four rectangular windows, it once featured triangular-shaped windows when it originally spanned the Templeton Fork of Wheeling Creek in East Finley Township. To save it from destruction, the bridge was relocated in 2008 to McGuffey Park, where it now crosses the dry bed of Dutch Fork alongside a playground and youth baseball fields.

The bridge was fully restored during the move, and since 2008 it has served as one of the sites for the annual Covered Bridge Festival, drawing visitors each September.

While visiting Brownlee Covered Bridge, be sure to take a short walk to see Rice’s Fort, a Revolutionary War-era blockhouse also located in McGuffey Park. This historic landmark ties the area’s colonial past to the county’s later agricultural and transportation history, making the park a unique place where two very different eras of Washington County history meet side by side.

The Wyit Sprowls Covered Bridge is located in East Finley Township Park, where it was moved and carefully rebuilt in 2001 to save it from destruction. Named after Wyit Sprowls, a local property owner in the 1800s, the bridge is a preserved reminder of both community heritage and early 20th-century craftsmanship.

Originally constructed in 1915 in West Finley, the bridge was designed with a Queenpost truss and at first featured six windows instead of the four it has today. Measuring 43 feet long and 11 feet wide, it is painted bright red with vertical board siding, topped with a tin roof, and supported by stone-and-mortar abutments.

Damage caused by subsidence forced the bridge to be relocated at the start of the new millennium. Its move to East Finley Park not only ensured its preservation but also gave it new life as part of a public space—today, it even sits beside a historic one-room schoolhouse, creating a unique glimpse into the county’s past.

The Wyit Sprowls Bridge is also historically notable for being one of just two covered bridges in Washington County built during World War I. With steel in short supply, builders relied on traditional wood truss designs, making this bridge an unusual but important addition to Pennsylvania’s collection of covered spans.

Since 2002, the bridge has been one of the sites of the annual Covered Bridge Festival, where visitors can experience its history firsthand while enjoying crafts, food, and community gatherings. Though now open only to pedestrian traffic, the Wyit Sprowls Covered Bridge remains a cherished landmark in Washington County’s covered bridge story. 

The Plants Covered Bridge, located in a secluded valley of East Finley Township, is one of Washington County’s smaller but no less charming spans. Believed to have been built sometime after 1880 by local carpenter and successful farmer Leonard Plants, the exact year of construction remains uncertain.

This bridge uses a Kingpost truss design and measures just 24 feet 6 inches long by 13 feet 7 inches wide—making it only slightly longer than the county’s shortest covered bridges. Painted red with vertical board siding, a tin roof, and four rectangular windows, it rests on solid stone-and-mortar abutments and wingwalls.

Crossing the Templeton Fork of Wheeling Creek, the Plants Bridge is surrounded by forest and farmland, giving it an isolated and peaceful character. Despite its modest size, it has a posted weight limit of 3 tons and remains open to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, continuing to serve the rural community just as it has for over a century.

With its quiet setting and unique history tied to a local landowner, Plants Covered Bridge is a wonderful stop for anyone exploring the backroads of Washington County.

“Day one of my Southwestern Tour was a full adventure—I managed to see seven bridges in just one day! From tucked-away spans to festival sites, each bridge had its own unique character and history.

In this video, I’ll take you along as I visit:

• Wyit Sprowls Bridge

• Danley Bridge

• Brownlee Bridge

• Erskine Bridge

• Sawhill Bridge

• Plants Bridge

• Mays Bridge

It was a long day on the backroads, but absolutely worth it for the chance to walk through these historic crossings and see the beautiful countryside that surrounds them.

Click below to watch my Day One journey and experience these seven covered bridges right alongside me!”

“Day Two of my Southwestern Tour picks up with the last six bridges in this part of Washington County. After covering seven bridges on Day One, I hit the backroads again to finish the tour and explore the remaining historic crossings.

The Sprowls Covered Bridge—not to be confused with the Wyit Sprowls Bridge—is one of the most isolated covered bridges in Washington County. Built in 1875, this small Kingpost truss span stretches just 27 feet 6 inches long and 12 feet 7 inches wide, crossing Rocky Run in a quiet valley of East Finley Township.

Painted red with vertical board siding and topped with a tin roof, the bridge features four square windows that bring light into its interior. It rests on stone-and-mortar abutments and wingwalls, capped with concrete, and is supported by heavy timbers.

Despite its size, the bridge has played an important role in the community. It was damaged by traffic heading toward a local mine but was fully rehabilitated in 2000, preserving it for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic with a posted weight limit of three tons.

Secluded along a gravel road and surrounded by rolling hills, the Sprowls Bridge is a hidden gem—a quiet reminder of rural life and the enduring craftsmanship of Washington County’s covered bridges. 

The Longdon Covered Bridge, also known as the Longdon L. Miller Bridge, is located in West Finley Township near the border with Greene County. Though the exact year of construction and the name of its builder have been lost to history, this bridge has remained one of the most impressive in Washington County.

Measuring 67 feet 6 inches long and 11 feet 10 inches wide, the Longdon Bridge is the longest covered bridge in Washington County. Built with a Queenpost truss, it is painted red with vertical board siding, a tin roof, and six rectangular windows that brighten its interior. The bridge rests on stone-and-mortar abutments and wingwalls, one capped with concrete, and is supported by four heavy timber beams.

The bridge underwent a major refurbishment in 2001, which included the addition of a stone support column beneath it to strengthen its foundation. Today, it carries a 20-ton weight limit, making it not only a scenic landmark but also one of the more practical crossings still in use.

Although the Longdon Bridge is located in a very rural setting along a dirt road, it is well maintained and remains a must-see stop for anyone exploring the far corners of Washington County’s covered bridge country.

The Crawford Covered Bridge is located in the southwesternmost corner of Washington County, nestled in West Finley Township. While it sits in a rural area, it isn’t as isolated as some of the county’s other spans—there are several homes nearby that give it a lived-in, community feel.

The bridge’s exact construction date and builder are unknown, but like many of the region’s historic structures, it was built using a Queenpost truss. Measuring 39 feet long and 11 feet 7 inches wide, it stretches across the Robinson Fork of Wheeling Creek, supported by stone-and-mortar abutments and wingwalls. With its red vertical board siding, sheet metal roof, and four rectangular windows, the bridge is both functional and picturesque.

In the late 20th century, the bridge was in need of attention, and it was restored in 1996, reinforcing its timbers and ensuring its survival. Today, the Crawford Bridge remains open to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, though with a posted weight limit of 3 tons.

Quiet, modest, and well-preserved, the Crawford Covered Bridge stands as a small but important part of Washington County’s covered bridge heritage, connecting the modern day with a time when these wooden spans were vital to rural life.

Located west of I-79 in the rural countryside of Morris Township, the Day Covered Bridge is a small but distinctive span. Built in 1875, it uses a Queenpost truss design and stretches just 36 feet long by 12 feet wide over Short Creek. Painted red with vertical board siding, the bridge features four rectangular windows, a sheet-metal roof, and rests on a mix of stone-and-mortar and concrete abutments, supported by steel beams installed during later repairs.

The Day Bridge is also unusual for its high clearance, which is atypical for covered bridges, though the reason for this design choice remains unknown. For many years, the bridge was closed to traffic after it no longer met the state’s required three-ton weight limit. Between 1999 and 2003, it underwent major repairs, including a new roof, deck, sidewalls, and steel supports, before reopening to vehicles with a 15-ton limit.

Today, the Day Covered Bridge serves both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, offering a charming, practical crossing and a glimpse into the craftsmanship of 19th-century builders whose names are now lost to history. Its careful restoration between 2002 and 2003 ensured that this quiet landmark will continue to be part of Washington County’s heritage for years to come.

The Bailey Covered Bridge, built in 1889 on land owned by the Bailey brothers, is one of Washington County’s most historic and significant spans. Likely constructed by local builder Daniel Smith, this bridge stretches 66 feet long by 15 feet wide, carrying travelers across Ten mile Creek.

What makes Bailey Bridge especially notable is its design—it is the only remaining Burr arch truss bridge in Washington County, even though this style is the most common among Pennsylvania’s covered bridges. That distinction alone makes it a must-see for covered bridge enthusiasts.

Tragedy struck on July 23, 1994, when arsonists nearly destroyed the bridge. Thankfully, it was rebuilt the same year, restored with all new materials except for the original Burr arches and central cross timbers, which were salvaged from the fire. Further restoration work in 1999 helped ensure its continued preservation.

Today, the Bailey Covered Bridge stands as both a beautiful landmark and a powerful testament to the community’s commitment to saving its historic treasures. 

Hidden away just east of I-79 in Amwell Township, the Hughes Covered Bridge is one of the most secluded bridges in Washington County. Though it sits only steps from the interstate, tree cover keeps it invisible from the highway for most of the year. Instead of being located along an active road, the bridge now rests quietly in a small clearing, accessible only on foot.

Built in 1889, Hughes Bridge is a Queenpost truss span measuring 55 feet long and 12 feet wide. Painted red with vertical board siding, it features four rectangular windows and a tin roof, standing over Ten Mile Creek. Its abutments reflect its long history—concrete at the north end and stone-and-mortar capped with concrete at the south. Today it is open only to pedestrian traffic.

The bridge is believed to have replaced an earlier structure lost in a devastating flood of 1888. In 1915, Washington County partially dismantled the bridge in an attempt to relocate it to Mingo Creek County Park, but legal complications kept it in Amwell Township, where it still stands.

Since 1971, Hughes Bridge has also served as a site for the annual Covered Bridge Festival, drawing visitors each September to enjoy crafts, food, and the quiet beauty of this historic span.

“My second and final day exploring the Southwestern Tour of Washington County took me to the last of the bridges on my list. After covering seven bridges on Day One, I set out again to finish the journey and see the remaining historic spans.

This part of the trip gave me time to slow down a little, enjoy the rural scenery, and reflect on just how special these bridges are to our history and communities. By the end of the day, I had visited every covered bridge in Washington County—a big milestone in my goal of seeing all of Pennsylvania’s covered bridges!

I filmed the entire second day so you can come along for the ride. From quiet backroads to these final treasures of Washington County, this video captures the perfect ending to my adventure here.”

Coming  Soon.

One of the best times to explore the covered bridges of Washington County is during the annual Covered Bridge Festival, happening this year on September 20–21, 2025.

This popular event, which began in 1971, celebrates the region’s historic bridges with nine festival locations, each offering its own blend of crafters, food, music, and local charm. Admission and parking are free, and it’s held rain or shine from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM both days.

Some featured bridges include Brownlee, Ebenezer, Henry, McClurg, Pine Bank, and Wyit Sprowls.

Want details on each location and what to expect? Washington Greene County Covered Bridge Festival

Covered bridges are more than just structures — they’re stories. Whether you’re on a mission to see every one in your state or you simply stumble upon one on a back road, these historic crossings are some of America’s most charming roadside treasures.

I’m especially excited because I’ll be exploring all of the 210 covered bridges here in Pennsylvania — it’s a big goal, but what an adventure! I’ll also be looking into covered bridges across Ohio, New York, and beyond, so stay tuned as I share my travels, photos, and stories from each stop along the way.

So the next time you spot a covered bridge sign on your travels, make a detour. Walk through it, snap a photo, and imagine the echo of horses’ hooves or wagon wheels rolling through the past.