Span Through Time with Lancaster County's Covered Bridges
Scattered throughout the Lancaster countryside, covered bridges are an iconic part of the landscape. Pennsylvania ranks No. 1 in covered bridges in the U.S. with more than 200! Lancaster County is home to 29 of them, which happens to be more than any other county in the commonwealth. These historic structures draw tourists from all over who enjoy these symbols of nostalgia, taking us back in time to a charming, simpler life. Make a driving tour of these structural pieces of history part of your next visit to Lancaster County.
What defines a true covered bridge is its timber truss, which distributes the weight of the load-bearing deck. The roofs over these bridges are meant to protect the timber trusses from the elements — rain, snow, wind and sun. Uncovered wooden bridges typically have a lifespan of only 20 years, but a covered bridge could last over 100 years. Lancaster County is very proud of its covered bridges and is committed to protecting them for future generations.
These five covered bridges are each less than a 20-minute drive from After Eight Bed and Breakfast. Put them on your viewing list for your next Lancaster County getaway.
Eshleman's Mill Covered Bridge |North Belmont Road, Gordonville, PA
Originally built in 1845, Eshleman’s Mill Covered Bridge spans 102 feet across the Pequea Creek. Also referred to as Leaman's Place Covered Bridge or Paradise Bridge, it was rebuilt in 1893 and underwent rehabilitation in 2004. Be sure to visit Fishers Bakery and Roadside Stand, run by an Amish family, where you can stop and grab some baked goods or homemade root beer while you explore the bridge.
Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge | 1335 Hunsecker Road, Lancaster, PA
Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge crosses the Conestoga River just north of Route 30 in Lancaster. At 180 feet long, it's the longest single-span covered bridge in the county. It was originally built in 1843, but was completely destroyed by Hurricane Agnes in 1972, and then rebuilt in 1973.
Kurtz's Mill Covered Bridge | Kiwanis Drive, Lancaster, PA
While Kurtz’s Mill Covered Bridge is now located in Lancaster County Central Park, this wasn't its original home. The bridge was first built in 1876 near Hinkletown in northeastern Lancaster County, crossing the Conestoga River. But after being severely damaged by Hurricane Agnes in 1972, this bridge was rebuilt in its current location in 1975. Today, Kurtz's Mill Covered Bridge spans 90 feet across Mill Creek in the heart of this county park.
Lime Valley Covered Bridge | 30 Brenneman Road, Willow Street, PA
Built in 1871, Lime Valley Covered Bridge spans 93 feet over Pequea Creek and connects Strasburg and West Lampeter townships. The bridge has a single span, double Burr trusses design with the addition of steel hanger rods, and its deck is made from oak planks. Originally known as Huntzinger's Mill Bridge, Lime Valley Covered Bridge was a twin to an older covered bridge located 200 feet to its west. The bridge stood for 124 years before undergoing a complete renovation in 1995.
Willow Hill Covered Bridge | 35 S. Willowdale Drive, Smoketown, PA
Willow Hill Covered Bridge is actually a combination of two historic covered bridges — Good’s Fording Covered Bridge and Miller’s Farm Covered Bridge — that were combined in 1962. It crosses Mill Creek and is 93 feet long. It's easy to see from the road because of its proximity to a busy section of Route 30 east of downtown Lancaster.
For a full list of covered bridges in Lancaster County and their locations, check out this Visit Lancaster PA website.
