COVERED BRIDGES OF BUCKS COUNTY THE12 COVERED BRIDGES OF BUCKS COUNTY THE12

from MARCH 2023 - BUCKS COUNTY REAL PRODUCERS MAGAZINE

MATZ ZACHARY Opus Elite Real Estate Opus Elite Real Estate

Winter cabin fever got you down? Longing for warmer weather to get you out of the house?

Luckily, there are plenty of scenic views around Bucks County that you can explore from the comfort and warmth of your car while we wait for Spring to arrive. In fact, some of the most notable sites that can be explored in Bucks County are the covered bridges.

At one time, more than 50 covered bridges could be found scattered throughout the county, however only 12 remain. Each of these bridges have their own story to tell, and are a must see for locals and travelers alike. Visit Bucks County has put together a Covered Bridge Driving Tour that lays out turn by turn directions to make embarking on this self guided journey a breeze! Let’s take a deeper look at each of these gems and ﬁnd out about their history and what makes them unique.

Van story of a young mother who tossed her baby over the bridge and hung herself from the rafters after being shunned by her loved ones. Legend says that you can still hear the cries of the young baby in the area or the sound of the young woman’s feet slipping back and forth across the roof of your car. story of a young mother who tossed her baby over the bridge and hung herself from the rafters after being shunned by her loved ones. Legend says that you can still hear the cries of the young baby in the area or the sound of the young woman’s feet slipping back and forth across the roof of your car.

Loux

Sandt Covered Bridge

Van Sandt Covered Bridge

We begin our journey down in Lower Bucks County at the Van Sandt Covered Bridge that was built in 1875. This bridge crosses the Pidcock Creek and is better known by it’s nickname, “Cry Baby Bridge.” Haunted history lovers tell the

Loux Covered Bridge & Cabin Run Covered Bridge

Covered Bridge & Cabin Run Covered Bridge

We then make our way up to Plumstead in Central Bucks County to visit two bridges that cross Cabin Run Creek. The Loux Covered Bridge was built in 1874 by John A. Loux who was a Justice of the Peace in Bucks County. This bridge is only 60ft long and is one of the area’s shorter bridges. Cabin Run Covered Bridge was built in 1871 by David Sutton and is located a short distance from Stover Myers Mill.

Frankenfield

Frankenfield Covered Bridge & Erwinna Covered Bridge

Covered Bridge & Erwinna Covered Bridge

Continuing our voyage along the Covered Bridge tour towards Upper Bucks, we then come across the Frankenfield and Erwinna covered bridges. Frankenfield Covered bridge was built back in 1872 and crosses the Tinicum Creek on Ca erty Road. It is named after the Frankenfield family, who were very involved in the Tinicum community and is one of the county’s longest covered bridges. Shortly after, we come across Bucks County’s shortest covered bridge – the Erwinna Covered Bridge. It is named after Arthur Erwin who played a large part in our area’s history. The bridge spans across Lodi Creek on Giegel Hill Road.

Uhlerstown Covered Bridge

Unlerstown Covered Bridge – also in Tinicum – sits across the Delaware Canal and was named after a canal boat worker named Michael Uhler. With the cozy little town of Uhlerstown and the hill nestled behind it, it’s quite the picture perfect view. What makes this bridge extra unique is it’s windows! In fact, the Uhlerstown bridge is the only one in Bucks County that features windows on both sides.

Knecht’s Covered Bridge

Along the path of the 1737’s Walking Purchase is Knecht’s Covered Bridge over Durham Creek in Springﬁeld. This bridge was built in 1873 and was named after County Commissioner John Knecht.

Sheard’s Mill Covered Bridge

Up near Quakertown, the Sheard’s Mill Covered Bridge was built back in 1873 to support the community and the old Clymer’s Mill. At 130ft long, Sheard’s Mill is another one of Bucks County’s longest bridges.

Pine Valley Covered Bridge

Mood’s

Mood’s Covered Bridge

Covered Bridge

Heading over into Perkasie is the ﬁrst of two bridges in this area. Mood’s Covered Bridge is stationed over the Perkiomen Creek right next to the Upper Bucks campus of the Bucks County Community College. It was originally built back in 1874, but was rebuilt in 2008 after falling victim to arson in 2004.

Heading over into Perkasie is the ﬁrst of two bridges in this area. Mood’s Covered Bridge is stationed over the Perkiomen Creek right next to the Upper Bucks campus of the Bucks County Community College. It was originally back in 1874, but was rebuilt in 2008 after falling victim to arson in 2004.

South Perkasie Covered Bridge

We next come across the Pine Valley Covered Bridge on Iron Hill Road in New Britain while working our way back down the covered bridge loop. Having been built in 1842, Pine Valley is the second oldest covered bridge in the county and also has it’s share of damages and renovations in its history. Next to the bridge is the Covered Bridge Park which o ers some spectacular views of the bridge. Pack a lunch, because there is even a small wooden table where you can grab a bite to eat while admiring the bridge’s wooden structure.

Schofield Ford Covered Bridge

Unfortunately, the South Perkasie Covered Bridge su ered damage from Hurricane Ida back in September of 2021. The future of the bridge remains unknown, but it’s damaged frame can still be admired from a far during a visit to the park.

On the grounds of Lenape Park in Perkasie, you can ﬁnd Buck’s County’s oldest covered bridge. The South Perkasie Covered Bridge has had quite the history. It’s original home was over the Pleasant Spring Creek back in 1832 but was moved to Lenape Park in August 1958 after it was deemed a tra c hazard. It has been a major draw to locals and visitors to the area ever since who have enjoyed relaxing by the bridge, using it as a background in photos and more. Unfortunately, the South Perkasie Covered Bridge su ered damage from Hurricane Ida back in September of 2021. The future of the bridge remains unknown, but it’s damaged frame can still be admired from a far during a visit to the park.

Finally, we end our tour down at Tyler State Park in Newtown. This bridge is the only bridge in the county that is not painted and takes the award for the county’s longest covered bridge. Those looking to visit the bridge will have to walk a short trail from the parking lot as it is only accessible by foot.