10 Beautiful Covered Bridges Near Pittsburgh That Remind Us Of A Simpler Time
By Beth Price-Williams|Updated on August 31, 2023(Originally published October 22, 2016)
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Take a drive on remote, winding roads past vibrant, autumn landscapes to charming covered bridges near Pittsburgh. Why? To appreciate simpler times, when folks pulled wagons through these historic icons. Embark on a quaint covered bridge trail through Bedford and explore these 10 beautiful covered bridges near me. And talk about scrapbooking material – the photographs of these will astound.
Kintersburg Bridge has crossed Crooked Creek since 1877, one of the oldest Pittsburgh covered bridges. Built for less than $900, the charming covered bridge that spans 68 feet is only one of four Howe Truss bridges still standing in the state. Find out more on the Kintersburg Bridge web page.
Indiana County boasts four quaint covered bridges, each listed here, but Harmon Bridge is the infant among them. Constructed in 1910 by a local architect, one of the prettiest Pittsburgh covered bridges is nestled among farmland and crosses over Plum Creek. The Harmon Bridge web page gives more details.
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3. Thomas Bridge, Indiana
280 Thomas Covered Bridge Rd, Indiana, PA 15701, USA
Built in 1879 at a cost of only $545, the Thomas Covered Bridge was rebuilt in 1998 at a price tag of one million dollars. Vehicles can easily pass through the new covered bridge to travel over Armstrong Township's Crooked Creek. Discover more on the Thomas Bridge web page.
Not far from Harmon Covered Bridge, the Trusal Covered Bridge spans 41 feet and also crosses over Plum Creek. Named after a Civil War Veteran, one of the best covered bridges near me is also referred to as Dice's Bridge.
Head to Somerset County for a peak at the New Baltimore Bridge. Constructed in 1879, one of the historic Pittsburgh covered bridges passes over the Juanita River (Raystown Branch). Download the Somerset County Covered Bridge Tour pdf for more details.
Also located in Somerset County, King's Bridge is among the 10 Pittsburgh covered bridges that still remain in the county. A privately owned covered bridge, King's Bridge first appeared in 1906. It spans 127 feet. The King's Bridge web page offers more information.
Cross the Baronvale Covered Bridge in Somerset County by foot only. When the covered bridge was built is a point of contention. Some say it was constructed in 1830. Still others claim it wasn't built until 1846 or 1902. Find out more on the Baronvale Bridge web page.
Drive or walk through the picturesque Jackson's Mill that dates back to 1875. It was originally destroyed in a devastating flood in 1899 and moved to its current location. The county-owned covered bridge stretches 95 feet.
The Bowser/Osterburg Covered Bridge is said to have been built around 1890. The county-owned covered bridge, which passes over Bob's Creek, can only be crossed by foot. Read more on the Visit Bedford County covered bridges web page.
Privately owned, the Palo Alto Covered Bridge, a.k.a Fichtner Covered Bridge, is safe to cross by foot and by car. Flanked by trees, the covered bridge dates back to 1880 and passes over Gladdens Run.
Take a look at what it’s like to go through the New Baltimore Bridge in Berlin.
Step back in time when you visit these picturesque covered bridges near Pittsburgh. And why not extend the adventure to a stay in this rustic treehouse vacation rental?
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Beautiful Places To Camp In Pittsburgh
Carolyn Harmon|August 31, 2023
What are the best places to camp in Pittsburgh?
Here is a list of five stunning state parks near Pittsburgh where we can camp year-round. Some of them are listed below.
Laurel Hill State Park (1454 Laurel Hill Park Road, Somerset, PA): The sprawling 4,062 of this park ensures a spot to pitch a tent, primitive style, or we can stay in more comfort at the park's Copper Kettle Lodge and Huffman Lodge. The 63-acre Laurel Hill Lake amid the lovely mountainous terrain offers ample opportunities for fun as does the extensive trail system. Do some bird-watching and reconnect with nature on this cool trip.
Raccoon Creek State Park (3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA): This is one of Pennsylvania’s largest and most-visited state parks, with 7,572 gorgeous acres, including the impressive 101-acre Raccoon Lake. And for history lovers, take in the group camps from the Civilian Conservation Corps era. The Wildflower Reserve is extraordinary in the warmer months with more than 700 species. In addition to camping, take a hike, jump in the lake, or ride a rowboat.
Kooser State Park (943 Glades Pike, Somerset, PA): This magical space at an altitude of 2,600 feet is found in the heart of the Laurel Highlands on 250 pretty acres. In addition to camping, the wooded forest and trout stream offer unlimited activities, including fishing, hiking, and cross-country skiing.