9 Undeniable Reasons To Visit The Oldest And Longest Covered Bridge In West Virginia
Outdoor adventures in the Mountain State come in all forms: hiking, fishing, boating, camping, sightseeing, and more! In terms of sightseeing, you simply won’t find another covered bridge in West Virginia quite like the old Philippi Covered Bridge. A visit here is one you won’t forget, and just in case you need a little persuasion, we’ve compiled nine solid reasons you should pop in the car and head to Philippi Covered Bridge In West Virginia to see this amazing man-made wonder.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
1. It's the oldest and longest covered bridge in West Virginia.
It was built in 1852 for a little more than $12,000. It's currently 285.5 feet long (it used to be 312 feet long) and 26 feet wide. With two lanes of traffic, it's known as a "double-barrel" bridge and is one of only a few of its kind in America.
When it was constructed in 1852, only wood was used for the entire 325-foot bridge... except for the iron bolts that held it together. Today's rendition of the bridge includes some modern reinforcements to accommodate heavy vehicular traffic that crosses the bridge daily.
3. It's the ONLY double-barrel covered bridge serving a federal highway.
That's right... we're on top again with the only one of these bridges that a federal road uses to cross a waterway. U.S. Route 250 crosses the Tygart Valley River by way of the Philippi Covered Bridge.
The picturesque views of the peaceful — and usually crystal-clear — river flowing beneath the bridge are calming. Plus, the river provides a foreground for amazing photos of the bridge and surrounding area.
Dedicated in 1987, a memorial to all Vietnam Veterans (and those lost from Barbour County) is both a somber and inspirational point to reflect upon all who have served our country in the armed forces. It's not a coincidence that this park is placed in the very spot considered by some historians to be the site of the very first land skirmish of the Civil War.
The Battle of Philippi was a significant event in the Civil War. After the battle, both the Confederates and the Union soldiers would cross the bridge. Eventually, the bridge was taken by the Union and incorporated for a time into a barracks set up here.
The old Philippi Station was built in 1911 and is now home to the Barbour County Historical Museum. It stands at the entrance to the north side of the bridge and is a can't miss on ANY visit to Philippi. Once inside, you'll discover a wealth of information about the Philippi area, the bridge, and all of Barbour County. However; do not leave without checking out the two real mummies that are famous the world over.
8. Scenic views of the river town known as Philippi!
From the south side of the bridge at the Vietnam Veterans Park adjacent to the bridge, you'll see the bridge in one direction, and in the other direction you'll enjoy picturesque views of the pretty skyline of downtown Philippi.
9. Downtown Philippi and the Medallion Restaurant.
Only a few short blocks from the Philippi Covered Bridge is the charming Philippi Main Street. Take time for lunch at the Medallion Restaurant and then go for a walk over to the Barbour County Courthouse to admire the architecture. Learn more about both in this previous article!
With so much to see and do in the Mountain State, it can be overwhelming to decide what to do next. Trust us: put a visit to the Philippi Covered Bridge on your calendar asap; you won’t be disappointed by this beautiful bridge in West Virginia!
Address: Philippi Covered Bridge, 26416 US-250, Philippi, WV 26416, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Philippi Covered Bridge In West Virginia
October 10, 2021
Sarah
How many covered bridges are there in West Virginia?
There are 17 historic wooden covered bridges in West Virginia. Only three of these bridges were built before 1870 and they are also the three longest in the state (more on those below!).
What are some of the oldest covered bridges in West Virginia?
Philippi Covered Bridge is *the* oldest covered bridge in West Virginia, but it’s not the only charming old structure in the state! Barrackville Covered Bridge is the second oldest bridge in the Mountain State, and it dates all the way back to 1853. Spanning 145 feet, this historic covered bridge earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. Really, among West Virginia’s covered bridges, three stand out above the rest as especially historically significant. They are the Philippi Covered Bridge (which we covered above), the Carrollton Covered Bridge, and the Barrackville Covered Bridge. What makes all three so special? This trio contains both the three oldest and the three longest covered bridges left in the state. In fact, each of these bridges pre-dates the Civil War! Read all about these charming old covered bridges in this article.
What are some fun pedestrian bridges in West Virginia?
Of all the pedestrian bridges in West Virginia, there’s one we heart (pun intended) the most, and it’s in Harpers Ferry. Have you ever heard of love locks? They’re padlocks clipped to a fence or beam of some sort as a memorial to a loved one. After locking it in place, the common practice is to throw away the key, making the love-honoring lock all the more permanent. It’s a sweet tradition practiced in various places all around the world, including right here in West Virginia in Harpers Ferry National Historic Park. In this area there is a bridge with a footpath that forms a small part of the well-known Appalachian Trail. Looking one direction on this walking bridge, you can glimpse the rugged face of a craggy mountain in Maryland, accessible by the Maryland Heights Trail. The bridge is full of these lovely little wishes, giving it our vote for the most delightful pedestrian bridge in West Virginia!
Address: Philippi Covered Bridge, 26416 US-250, Philippi, WV 26416, USA
Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
