Last weekend we headed out for a drive around Bucks County, PA to see some of the Bucks County covered bridges still in operation there (sort-of). Following a map found at visitbuckscounty.com, we made our way around the county. The website also let us know that a few of the county-owned bridges were undergoing repairs so we expected some detours.
Years ago, we drove a covered bridges tour that included many bridges that were no longer in operation (but open to walk on), so having so many still drive-able excited us.
Van Sandt Covered Bridge
We arrived at this bridge, positioned over Pidcock Creek in New Hope, PA, on a gorgeous spring afternoon. There were cyclists out for a ride on one side of the bridge, so we traveled over the bridge and parked at the opposite end. We got out to take pictures and the creek looked almost glassy. The stone walls long the sides were stunning and a name plate at the top of the bridge identified it as county-owned. The name plate also boasted that the bridge was built in 1873, which is amazing that it is still operational.
We could tell that we were in for a real treat on the tour.
Loux Covered Bridge
Before even arriving at this bridge, Dom was excited. He often passed under it while driving in the area and it’s easily one of his favorite covered bridges, mostly for the fact that the house next door is one of his dream homes (far left in photo above).
As we arrived at the bridge, our little one awoke from her nap and we all got out to explore. With the absence of any signage, it took a quick internet search to find that Loux Covered Bridge was built in 1874 and is made of hemlock. Loux Covered Bridge is located in Pipersville, PA in a woodsy area over Cabin Run Creek, upstream from our next stop, Cabin Run Covered Bridge.
Cabin Run Covered Bridge
Just a bit downstream is Cabin Run Covered Bridge, another county-owned bridge and this one dating back to 1871! We were excited to see that Cabin Run Covered Bridge was just past Stovers-Myers Mill and there was ample parking as well as creek-side paths that would be a beautiful way to spend an afternoon. Signs as we entered the park-like area announced that we had entered Plumstead Township, PA.
We parked near the bridge and got out to explore. Our little one was very concerned we were going to make her get into the creek (we’re not sure why, as we’ve never done so before and she loves bath time) and would only take a picture once all three of us were present. She is adorable that way and it made for a fun family photo.
Frankenfield Covered Bridge
Next on our list was the Frankenfield Covered Bridge, but as we arrived at it’s street, a barricade deterred us from turning by announcing that the bridge was down, so we accidentally drove right past the street. After making a u-turn in an elementary school parking lot, we drove down the mountainside street to the bottom where the bridge stood over Tinicum Creek.
Frankenfield is the newer of the two covered bridges in Erwinna, PA, built in 1872. Restoration construction on this bridge wasn’t visible from the road, but scaffolding was visible as you peeked around either side. A plaque on the side of the bridge marked it as a county bridge (#51) as of 1978. Though the quickest way to the next bridge was through Frankenfield bridge, we had to take the detour around and looped back toward our next destination.
Continue to Bucks County Covered Bridges Part 2!
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