The Oldest Covered Bridge In Pennsylvania Has Been Around Since 1825

Historic covered bridges harken back to a simpler time, don't they? To the days before highways and the Turnpike; to when horses pulled buggies, and picnics along the river were a common way to spend an afternoon. Unfortunately, as time marched forward so did modern advances. Covered bridges gave way to concrete and steel bridges. We're lucky, however, that PA boasts a slew of covered bridges, including Hassenplug Covered Bridge, the oldest covered bridge in Pennsylvania.

Nestled in Mifflinburg, the Hassenplug Covered Bridge has earned recognition as the oldest covered bridge in Pennsylvania.

Dating back to 1825, the Hassenplug Covered Bridge may also be the second oldest covered bridge in the United States. The oldest, also built in 1825, is Hyde Hall Bridge in Cooperstown, New York.

Definitely bring your smartphone or your camera for your visit to this historic bridge that allows both pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

Crossing over Buffalo Creek, the covered bridge spans just 80 feet and underwent a restoration process in 1959.

The historic bridge also earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

Hassenplug Covered Bridge is one of just 200 covered bridges that remain in Pennsylvania. In fact, Pennsylvania lays claim to more covered bridges than...

...any other state in the country. Back in their heyday, more than 12,000 covered bridges dotted the landscape across America.

At the time, Ohio held the record with the most covered bridges with 3,500.

Today, less than 1,000 covered bridges are said to remain in the United States.

Have you been to the oldest covered bridge in Pennsylvania? Share your experience in the comments! You might also want to add the historic Kinzua Bridge, which boasts a skywalk, to your must-visit list. Click here to read more.