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Why Were Bridges Covered?

Many reasons are suggested for covering bridges. One generally accepted reason is protection from weather and wood rot in order to make sure the bridges lasted longer. Sides and roofs protected the beams and timbers that served as key bridge supports. Less exposure to adverse weather conditions meant the bridges would hold up much better year after year.

Other explanations include:

• The covered bridges resembled barns so animals would be calm when passing through them.
• Having covers kept snow off the bridges and made for less maintenance in the winter months after the invention of automobiles.
• The bridge trusses were unsightly to many travelers, so adding sides and roofs created a much more aesthetically pleasing structure.
• To provide a place of shelter for travelers during storms.

From an engineer’s viewpoint, adding a roof to a bridge added stability and strengthened the entire structure. A more romantic utilization of covered bridges was as a location for courting couples to meet. Covered bridges are also known as “kissing bridges” for that very reason!

“The stories that this bridge could tell
Are numerous and happy and sad
Each could fill a book or two
With the experiences it has had”

– From “The Old Covered Bridge” by Doug Frederick

Winter Travel

Despite roofs and sides playing an important role in preserving key support beams, the earliest winters with covered bridges brought another challenge.  In the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century, workers would be paid to shovel snow onto bridge floors to enable winter horse and sleigh traffic. If the rest of the roads in the area were snow-covered, travelers would have utilized a horse-drawn sleigh in lieu of the traditional carriage to get around. Without snow covering the floorboards of the bridges, crossing them in a sleigh would otherwise have been extremely difficult.

A past resident of the area, Donald L. Diseroad, recalled his father using a rented horse and sleigh in the early 1900’s to complete his rural mail route when the roads were snow covered. He also noted that in the late 1800’s, his grandfather John Diseroad worked odd jobs throughout the year. One of his odd jobs in the winter was shoveling snow down on the bridge floors.

Come explore the Covered Bridges of Columbia & Montour Counties! Picturesque and historic, they recall a time when life was simpler and closer to the land. On a yearly basis, visitors from all over the world come to admire the antique craftsmanship of the bridges and relax in the quiet countryside. Symbols of small-town America, these covered bridges coax travelers off the beaten path to explore little streams and forgotten dirt roads. Embark upon your own journey through the beautiful PA countryside with this FREE mobile passport and experience all 25 of the area’s iconic covered bridges in person.

As an added bonus, you’ll receive a special commemorative gift (mailed to you at no cost) once you’ve checked in at 13 of the bridges. 2025’s planned prize will be a handmade wooden ornament designed as a model replica of the East Paden Covered Bridge. Participants will also receive a commemorative embroidered covered bridge patch, while supplies last.

And, for the true covered bridge enthusiasts out there who check in at all 25 bridges, we’ll have a grand prize package drawing waiting for one lucky recipient. Please remember that all check-ins must be completed by December 31, 2025 to be counted toward your grand prize entry. The grand prize drawing will take place in January, 2026.

Check back right here for the signup box, coming in spring, 2025!

To create a cycling trip specifically with the covered bridges in mind, be sure to check out these great cycling route options!

COVERED BRIDGES FULL LOOP