A drive through the Pennsylvania countryside sometimes feels like traveling back in time as we pass rolling farmland, quaint farmhouses, and enchanting covered bridges. Once a familiar sight on the American landscape, covered bridges have dwindled in recent decades. In their prime, Pennsylvania once had more than 1,500 covered bridges, but that number has since dropped to around 200. Nevertheless, Lancaster County earns props as the county with the most covered bridges in Pennsylvania, and definitely some of the most photogenic bridges on the East Coast!

If you want to get the most bang for your buck, figuratively speaking, when it comes to covered bridges, make your way to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania where you’ll find 25 of these throwbacks to yesteryear.
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The oldest covered bridge in Lancaster County, Bitzer’s Mill dates back to 1846, and it still shuttles traffic over the Conestoga Creek.
Bitzer's Mill Covered Bridge, Conestoga River, Pennsylvania, Ephrata, PA 17522, USA
OPEN.TOURS (www.open.tours)
Curious as to the oldest covered bridge in Pennsylvania? The Hassenplug Covered Bridge near Mifflinburg opened in 1825.
Once you’ve visited the oldest covered bridge in Lancaster County, consider a stop at the longest covered bridge. The Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge measures 180 feet.
Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge, 1335 Hunsicker Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601, USA
Fernando Borromeo/GoogleReviews

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On the flip side, the shortest covered bridge tallies just 53 feet, making it nearly as wide as it is long! A familiar landmark on the landscape since 1873, Landis Mill Covered Bridge is unique in that it features both King post trusses and Burr arches.
Landis Mill Covered Bridge, Shreiner Station Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601, USA
Paul King/GoogleReviews
With so many covered bridges in Lancaster County, PA, you might need a day or two to see them all, if that’s your goal. This homey farmhouse rental is the perfect basecamp for your covered bridges excursion!
MLADEN ANTONOV / Staff via Getty Images
Discover Lancaster has a handy-dandy map where you can choose from several driving tours that are compiled according to region, including the Northern Amish Countryside and Lititz and its countryside.
Victor Gary/GoogleReviews
While you're out and about, you already know that Lancaster County is full of good eats, and especially hearty Amish cooking! Check out some of our favorite Amish country restaurants to fuel up for your travels.
Not up for a drive right now? The video below by Amish PA showcases many of the bridges across Lancaster County. Enjoy!
dszc/Getty

Did you know that Lancaster County has the most covered bridges in Pennsylvania? How many of these PA covered bridges have you checked off your list? Let us know in the comments!

Looking for even more “covered bridges near me”? Next time you’re up for a road trip, visit the four bridges of Indiana County as well. Or, grab our Pennsylvania covered bridges map to help you get started. You can even take a guided scooter tour of PA’s covered bridges!

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Covered Bridges in Pennsylvania & Related Info

Jennifer | September 04, 2023

Why are there covered bridges in Pennsylvania?

Also known as "kissing bridges," due to their popularity with couples strolling through the countryside, covered bridges were originally built out of necessity. The covers protected the bridge's trusses and decking from the weather. Others believe that the covers served to offer a respite for the horses and buggies crossing the water.

Regardless of their original multi-purpose, by the late 1800s, nearly all bridges had a roof of some sort. But as materials evolved in the coming decades, and wood was replaced with metal, covered bridges gradually faded from America's landscapes.

What state has the most covered bridges?

While covered bridges are becoming increasingly rare, Pennsylvania holds claim to having the most covered bridges in the country. The state has around 227 covered bridges still standing - far more than runner-up Ohio with 143!

How many covered bridges are in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania?

A few of Lancaster County's beloved bridges have given way to weather and time in recent years, but over two dozen bridges (25, to be exact) still remain. Each of these bridges has a unique setting, story, and its own architectural distinctness. The Pennsylvania covered bridges mentioned above are all located between Conestoga Creek and Leola. The bridges located in this region of the county are:

  • Baumgardener's Covered Bridge
  • Bitzer's Mill Bridge
  • Eshelman's Mill Covered Bridge
  • Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge
  • Lime Valley Covered Bridge
  • Pool Forge Covered Bridge
  • Weaver's Mill Covered Bridge

 

Lancaster County's remaining covered bridges can be divided into additional road trip regions, including:

  • Historic Rivertowns and Western Villages
  • Lititz and its Countryside
  • Northern Amish Countryside
  • Scenic Parks & Preserves
  • Southern Amish Countryside

 

 

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