Iconic and Nostalgic Covered Bridges of Lancaster County
Once dominating the rivers and streams of our American landscape, more than 12,000 covered bridges were built in the United States. However, fewer than 1,000 remain today. Of all the states, Pennsylvania has the most and 25 of them can be found in our own backyard in Lancaster County. Known as “kissing bridges”, where couples could steal a few intimate moments away from prying eyes, covered bridges have long beckoned us with their old charm, reminding us of simpler times.
Every bridge has its own unique story and architectural beauty and spring is a perfect time to take a scenic driving tour. There are five to choose from and you’ll find all of the details on the Discover Lancaster website. The Scenic Parks & Preserve and Lititz and Its Countryside tours are the closest to our Bed & Breakfast. You’ll travel through quaint towns and villages, each with its own specialty shops, attractions and restaurants. You can view each tour online or download a PDF that provides driving directions, things to see and do, and a short history of each covered bridge along the way.
The Scenic Park & Preserve tour takes you to seven historic covered bridges as you wind your way through picturesque landscapes along back roads, woods and nature preserves, past Amish farms and one-room school houses, and into Strasburg and Downtown Lancaster. Lititz and Its Countryside tour is a charming, meandering drive through north central Lancaster County with its four covered bridges, culminating in the town of Lititz and its restaurants, galleries and specialty shops.
Sometimes, if you stand on the bottom rail of a bridge and lean over to watch the river slipping slowly away beneath you, you will suddenly know everything there is to be known. ― A. A. Milne