The Enchanting Covered Bridge Hike In Missouri That’s Perfect For An Autumn Day
Tucked away in the heart of northern Missouri is a beautiful covered bridge that dates back to 1868. Take a short hike through Pershing State Park and find this wooden relic sitting over a dry creek bed. Pershing State Park is already gorgeous with a diverse landscape featuring a wet prairie near a meandering stream and a bottomland forest but the bridge makes it extra special. Add vibrant fall colors and this covered bridge hike is simply out-of-this-world.
Locust Creek Covered Bridge was constructed in 1868 and was situated on the main east-west road in northern Missouri. However, by 1930 a new road was constructed and the bridge was no longer in use.
Today, the bridge sits inside Pershing State Park and can be accessed by the Locust Creek Covered Bridge Trail. The trail is 1/4 of a mile long and a nice easy hike.
Standing strong, the Locust Creek Covered Bridge is one of the last four remaining bridges in Missouri. Built out of white pine using the Howe-truss system, the design uses vertical iron rods to draw the diagonal wooden members tight against the top and bottom of the bridge.
Nearly 100 years after construction, the bridge was declared a state historic site. This hike is perfect for those who love a bit of history with their exercise.
Once the leaves begin to change and fall, the scene becomes absolutely serene. You won't want to miss out on this beautiful hike and the gorgeous natural display this fall.
Pershing State Park is open daily from sunrise until sunset. You can find the park and Locust Creek Covered Bridge at 29277 Hwy. 130, Laclede, MO 64651.
Have you been to Locust Creek Covered Bridge in Pershing State Park? This beautiful bridge is even more stunning surrounded by the beautiful colors of fall. Tell us if you’re interested in this short hike in the comments below.
Liz is a Missouri native with a B.A. in English from Mizzou and a M.A. in Non-Profit Administration from Lindenwood University. She works for a STL metro-area community college and enjoys writing, traveling, and indoor cycling. Her true passion is forcing her encyclopedic knowledge of Missouri facts on uninterested strangers from across the globe!
