Explore Bucks County's Historic Covered Bridges

As autumn paints its vibrant hues across Penn's Woods, there's no better time to embark on a scenic journey through Bucks County. Dotted across our idyllic countryside are charming covered bridges that not only serve as historical relics but also as gateways to a world where time seems to stand still. And when these covered bridges are beautifully dressed in the rich colors of fall, it's the perfect time to explore these historical landmarks.

Pennsylvania is home to more than 200 covered bridges, more than any other state in the U.S. In Bucks County, there are 12 remaining covered bridges of its original 54 — most of them built in the 1870s, and some even earlier. All 12 were built using a lattice truss design patented by American architect Ithiel Town. You will see more Town truss bridges in Bucks County than anywhere else.

Over the years Bucks County's covered bridges have undergone minor and major rehabilitation to preserve and protect them for future generations. The Bucks County Covered Bridge Society is one organization dedicated to the preservation of these iconic structures and a great source of information on their history and self-guided driving tours to see them all.

When you stay at the Inn at Bowman's Hill, you can drive to each of the following five covered bridges in less than 30 minutes — or string them all together for a few hours of sightseeing.  

Van Sandt Covered Bridge | 266 Covered Bridge Road, New Hope
Van Sandt Covered Bridge is the closest one to the Inn at Bowman's Hill, just 2 miles away. It was built in 1875 and spans 86 feet across Pidcock Creek. There are rumors that this bridge is haunted by the spirits of a young woman and her baby.

Loux Covered Bridge | 6303-6329 Carversville Road, Pipersville
Of all 12 of Bucks County's covered bridges, Loux Covered Bridge is the only one painted white. It was built in 1874 and is one of two covered bridges that cross Cabin Run Creek. At 60 feet long, it's the second shortest covered bridge in the county.

Cabin Run Covered Bridge | 6083-6209 Covered Bridge Road, Pipersville
As you can probably tell from its name, Cabin Run Covered Bridge is the second of two covered bridges that span Cabin Run Creek and is downstream from the Loux Covered Bridge. Built in 1871, the bridge is 82 feet long and quite dark inside, as there are no side windows.

Pine Valley Covered Bridge | 229 Keeley Avenue, New Britain
Pine Valley Covered Bridge is a beauty to see during the day, but at night it's even more special thanks to the lights in the rafters. Built in 1842, it spans 81 feet over Pine Run Creek and today is the county's most used covered bridge by cars.

Schofield Ford Covered Bridge | 385 Swamp Road, Newtown
Schofield Ford Covered Bridge is located within Tyler State Park and is closed to traffic. As Bucks County's longest covered bridge, it spans 164 feet over Neshaminy Creek. The bridge was originally built in 1873, but was destroyed by arson in 1991 and had to be reconstructed. Its unpainted weather-wood finish gives it a unique look.