Hop in the car, put the windows down, and follow a trail of thirteen historic covered bridges through the rolling countryside of Chester County. Dating from as early as 1850, these wood-and-truss landmarks were built not just for charm — a roofed bridge can last a century, while an exposed one barely survives a decade. Pennsylvania has more covered bridges remaining than any other state, and Chester County’s collection is among its finest. Look for bridges named after millers, postmasters, and Revolutionary War heroes. Search for the oldest, the longest, and the only bridge in Pennsylvania with slanted plank portals. Each one tells a different story about the people and communities that shaped this landscape.
New London, PA
Stop One: Linton Stephens Bridge
Built in 1886 by J. Denithorn & Son, this modest footbridge is named for Linton Stephens, the postmaster of nearby Hickory Hill at the time of its construction.
Oxford, PA
Stop Two: Pine Grove Bridge
The longest covered bridge in Chester County, Pine Grove was built in 1884 by Elias McMellen after two earlier bridges on the site were lost to weather. In the late 19th century, it carried travelers along a primary route between New York and Washington. It takes its name from a grove of pine trees that once stood nearby.
Oxford, PA
Stop Three: Glen Hope Bridge
Constructed in 1889 by Menander Wood and George E. Jones, this bridge spans Little Elk Creek. It was destroyed by fire in 1987 but has since been faithfully reconstructed.
Winterthur, DE
Stop Four: Smith Bridge
Burned by arson in 1961, Smith Bridge was a lost piece of the landscape for forty years before being rebuilt in 2002. When navigating to it, use the nearby First State National Historical Park as your landmark — you’ll know you’re close.
Christiana, PA
Stop Five: Mercer’s Mill Bridge
Built in 1880, this bridge spans the border between Chester and Lancaster counties. It was named for Captain John Mercer, a farmer and mill owner who worked the Lancaster side of the crossing.
Coatesville, PA
Stop Six: Speakman Bridge No. 1
Originally built in 1881 to serve Jonathan Speakman’s gristmill, this 75-foot Burr arch truss bridge is one of the few covered bridges in the county still open to vehicle traffic.
West Chester, PA
Stop Seven: Gibson-Harmony Hill Bridge
A classic example of Burr truss construction, this 78-foot bridge was built in 1872 by Edward Hall and Thomas Schull and crosses the east branch of Brandywine Creek.
Newtown Square, PA
Stop Eight: Bartram Bridge
Built in 1860 and restored in 1970, Bartram Bridge spans Crum Creek along the Chester-Delaware county line. Its slanted plank portals are unlike any other covered bridge in Pennsylvania — a one-of-a-kind detail worth the trip. Note: There is limited accessibility.
Malvern, PA
Stop Nine: Knox Bridge
This 65-foot bridge crosses Valley Creek and carries a double honor in its name — both Philander C. Knox, U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania, and General Henry Knox, who was quartered at nearby Valley Forge during the winter of 1777–1778. Built in 1851, it’s one of the county’s best-preserved examples.
Eagle, PA
Stop Ten: Larkin / Thomas Bridge
First built in 1854 and rebuilt in 1881, this bridge was named for Jesse Larkin, who operated a gristmill nearby. Relocated in 2006, it now serves as a pedestrian-only crossing, accessible by walking path.
Phoenixville, PA
Stop Eleven: Rapps Dam Bridge
Built in 1866 by Benjamin F. Hartman, this bridge spans French Creek and takes its name from George A. Rapp and his sons, who ran both a sawmill and a gristmill just to the south.
Kimberton, PA
Stop Twelve: Kennedy Bridge
Few bridges have had as eventful a history as this one. Originally built in 1856, it was refurbished in 1979, destroyed by fire on May 10, 1986, and rebuilt the following year. When reconstructing it, builders used bongossi — a naturally fire-resistant wood from Africa — to guard against future fires.
Chester Springs, PA
Stop Thirteen: Sheeder Hall Bridge
The oldest covered bridge in Chester County, Sheeder Hall was built in 1850 by Robert Russell and Jacob Fox and named for two well-known local families. Spanning French Creek, it’s easily recognized by its distinctive stepped portals — an architectural detail that sets it apart from every other bridge on the trail.