This Day Trip Takes You To 6 Of Pittsburgh's Covered Bridges And It’s Perfect For A Scenic Drive
By Beth Price-Williams|Updated on August 31, 2023(Originally published April 17, 2019)
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
What are two of the sweetest words in the English language? Well, if you ask us, “day trips” come in a really close second to “road trip,” wouldn’t you agree? Our beloved city makes for an amazing launching pad for any sort of trip, and we have so many day trips from Pittsburgh that make for an easy, quick getaway. With all the natural and man-made attractions within a few hours of downtown, there’s no end to the fun to be had! One historic structure that many of us are quite fond of is the covered bridge. Something about these quaint structures brings up a sense of nostalgia, and there’s nothing like the joy of crossing one, whether it’s in a car or on foot. We’re lucky enough to have lots of covered bridges in Pennsylvania, and today, we’ll be sharing a road trip of covered bridges near Pittsburgh. If you’re looking for “covered bridges near me,” this day trip to six of the most beautiful covered bridges near Pittsburgh should certainly fix the itch.
Prepare those playlists and gas up the tank, because it's time to get ready to hit the road. This day trip is utterly enchanting, though we think it's best in the fall.
This day trip from Pittsburgh covers 200 miles in a little over four hours of driving time. Obviously, you'll need to add it the time that you'll spend at each covered bridge, plus account for other attractions, snacks, and meals. You may want to extend this into a weekend trip if you have the time. You can check out the full route on Google Maps. Off we go!
1. Bailey Covered Bridge – Amity
Bailey Covered Bridge, Bailey Rd, Amity, PA 15311, USA
At our first stop, we'll turn back the pages of time. The Bailey Covered Bridge in Amity was originally built in 1899 on the property of the Bailey Brothers. Sadly, the original covered bridge that stood here was destroyed in a fire in 1994. However, it was rebuilt and still draws visitors as the last "burr arch" covered bridge in Washington County. Learn more from the Visit Washington County website.
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2. Trusal Covered Bridge – Creekside
Trusal Bridge, Trusal Rd, Creekside, PA 15732, USA
Our next stop takes us to Trusal Covered Bridge in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. This 35-foot-long covered bridge dates all the way back to 1870. It has a couple of major claims to fame. Not only is this the oldest covered bridge in Indiana County, it's also the shortest covered bridge in Indiana County. It's one of our favorite places to check out fall foliage near Pittsburgh, though it's certainly beautiful at any time of year.
Your next stop won't require much driving - it's only half a mile away. There, you'll find the Harmon Covered Bridge, which is also set among Indiana County's sprawling farmland. Harmon Covered Bridge is the youngest covered bridge in the county, having been built in 1910. Amazingly enough, its construction cost just $525 at the time! The bridge crosses over Plum Creek. Learn more from the Indiana County Parks and Trails website.
4. Thomas Covered Bridge – Indiana
Thomas Covered Bridge, 180 Thomas Covered Bridge Rd, Indiana, PA 15701, USA
While we're in the area, we'll next head to Thomas Covered Bridge. This one was built in 1879 and cost a mere $545 to construct. In 1998, the bridge was reconstructed, this time at a cost of nearly a million dollars. Today, the bridge has a weight limit of 20 tons and is capable of supporting vehicular traffic. Learn more from the Indiana County Parks and Trails website.
5. Kintersburg Covered Bridge – Marion Center
Kintersburg Covered Bridge, Marion Center, PA 15759, USA
Our next stop is Kintersburg Covered Bridge, in nearby Marion Center. This covered bridge crosses Crooked Creek. It was built in 1877 for $893. It's the last remaining Howe truss bridge in Indiana County. Learn more from the Indiana County Parks and Trails website.
6. Leatherman Covered Bridge – Eighty-Four
Leatherman Covered Bridge, Letherman Bridge Rd, Scenery Hill, PA 15360, USA
Our final stop on this delightful day trip from Pittsburgh will be the Leatherman Covered Bridge. Crossing over Pigeon Creek, the bridge has a unique barn appearance. It spans just 36 feet! No one actually knows exactly when this covered bridge in Pennsylvania was originally built, but it's speculated to be after the 1860s. Learn more from the Visit Washington County website.
Check out this video with some of Indiana County’s covered bridges in Pennsylvania from YouTube user Pennsylvania Covered Bridges:
What are some of your favorite covered bridges near Pittsburgh? How many of the above have you visited? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
No matter how long you’ll be on the road, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared before embarking on your next adventure. Check out our Road Trip Essentials Packing List to make sure you have everything you need for a good time.
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How many covered bridges in Pennsylvania are there?
There are an incredible 209 covered bridges in Pennsylvania. The Keystone State has the most covered bridges of any state!
What are some more of the best day trips from Pittsburgh?
There are so many wonderful day trips from Pittsburgh that won't take more than a few hours of driving. Here are a few of our favorites:
