Bedford County boasts 14 historic covered spans - only three other counties
in the state have more. Few places in the country can claim to have bridges
set in more picturesque settings and with more variety than are in Bedford
County.
The County's bridges were built about 100 years ago by craftsmen who worked
entirely by hand making structures that would withstand the rain, snow and
hard use of the traveling public.
At one time the county had more than 70 of the spans, butthat number has
dwindled and now just over a dozen remain. Recent efforts by the Bedford
County Covered Bridge Society are helping to ensure that the structues that
are left will be saved for future generations to enjoy.
Bowser Covered Bridge
Also known as the Osterburg Bridge, the 90ft spun is now privately owned.
Located a mile north of Osterburg on Route 869.
Claycomb Covered Bridge
The Claycomb or Reynoldsdale Bridge was moved from Reynoldsdale in 1975 to the
entrance of Old Bedford Village on Business Route 220 north of Bedford.
Colvin Covered Bridge
Also known as the Calvin or Shiller Bridge, it is probably the oldest
county-owned covered bridge, dating from 1880. Traveling west on Route 30
thronh Schellsburg, turn left one block past the traffic signal.
Cuppet"s Covered Bridge
The Cuppett's, or New Paris, Bridge is just north of New Pais along Route 96.
It is privately owned and was built in 1882.
Dr. Kniselyly Covered Bridge
Dr. Knisely's Bridge is visible from Route 56 north. Turn left at the Chestmt
Ridge Market. Privately owned.
Felten's Miff Covered Bridge
Built in 1892. From the Jackson Mills site, continue south on Township Route
412, turning right on 2029, less than a mile on each road.
Fischtner (Palo Aho) Covered Bridge
Privately owned multiple Kingpost covered bridge locatedd just west of Route
96 near PaIo Alto, off Legislative Route 05007, about four miles south of
Hyndman.
Hall's Mill Covered Bridge
Located in Hopewell Township. Take Route 26 north toward Huntingdon, less than
one half mile from the main road south (right) an State Road 1022.
Herline (HeIrlne) Covered Bridge
This bridge has been closed to traffic since 1983. It is the longest covered
bridge in the county. It is within a half-mile of Manns Choice and Route 31 on
State Road 4005.
Hewitt Covered Bridge
Located in the village of Hewitt, less than three miles north of the Mason
Dixon Line. from the north turn left on Township Road 306 at Hewitt and turn
left again at the first house.
Jackson's Mill Covered Bridge
Built in the1880s. Take old Route126 south from Route 30 and turn right just
south of Breezewood on State Road 2029. About a mile and a half to the west,
turn left on Township Road 412. Less than a mile south is the bridge, located
next to the historic Jackson's Mill.
Raystown (Turner) Covercd Bridge
Turner's Bridge is visible from the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Turn right on Route
31 from Route 96, a half-mile to the north of Route 3 I.
Ryot Covered Bridge
Located on the same road as the Knisely Bridge, about 2 miles south. The span
can also be reached from Route 96, about one-half mile from Ryot.
Snooks Covered Bridge
Built in 1882, it is one of the most picturesque of our bridges. Travel north
on Route 56, about two miles beyond Fishertown. Turn right just past the
Chestnut Ridge Market, then go one-half mile on Township Road 554.