Johnson Covered Bridge Photo by Ben Prepelka
However, with every passing year, these simple wooden structures have grown to epitomize the peace and beauty of rural life. A covered bridge today is a reminder of the craftsmanship of our ancestors, and of life without all of the hustle and bustle of the modern world. For adults who recall days spent playing or fishing in the streams beneath the bright red spans, these bridges symbolize the nostalgia of childhood. Columbia & Montour Counties have 25 of Pennsylvania’s remaining covered bridges, and are the perfect destination for seeing these American treasures in person. A highlight is seeing the East & West Paden Bridges, known as "The Twin Bridges" for their conjoined spans. The Twins are one of only two sets of such bridges in the country. The oldest covered bridge in the counties, the Wanich Bridge, dates to 1844. Of the 25 bridges, 20 still allow for vehicular traffic. Four of the remaining five have picnic tables on them to allow for a relaxing lunch visit. Each season brings a new view of the bridges, so travelers may elect to see them at any point throughout the year. To help guide your visit, a free printed driving tour map of the bridges can be requested from the Visitors Bureau's website.
As one of the most iconic sights in the Central Pennsylvania countryside, covered bridges are a reminder of simpler times of days gone by. Pennsylvania has nearly 200 covered bridges still standing – the most in the United States. Covered bridges were created for a variety of reasons, but most related to the longevity of the bridge. Simply put, building a roof over the bridge would lengthen its lifespan by slowing the impact of wear and tear from weather and wood rot.
2023 TRAVEL GUIDE 13
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