Smith Covered Bridge
Arsoned in 1961 and replaced with an open span, Smith was a “lost treasure” for 40 years. The new Smith Bridge was rebuilt in 2002. Use First State National Historical Park as an indicator that you’re getting close.
Rudolph and Arthur Covered Bridge
Spanning Big Elk Creek between New London and Elk Townships, this reconstructed covered bridge restores a historic local crossing destroyed by Hurricane Ida in 2021: rebuilt in 2025 to match its original 1880 Burr Arch Truss design.
Glen Hope Covered Bridge
The structure was built in 1889 by Menander Wood and George E. Jones and spans Little Elk Creek. In 1987, the structure was destroyed by a fire, but has since been reconstructed.
Linton Stephens Covered Bridge
The Linton Stephens Bridge was built in 1886 by J. Denithorn & Son as a small footbridge. The bridge is named in honor of Linton Stephens, the then postmaster of the town of Hickory Hill.
Pine Grove Covered Bridge
The longest in Chester County, the bridge standing today was built in 1884 by Elias McMellen and was a primary route between New York and Washington in the late 19th century.
Mercers Mill Covered Bridge
The Mercer’s Mill Bridge was built in 1880 and spans Chester and Lancaster counties. It was named after Captain John Mercer, a farmer and mill owner on the Lancaster side of the bridge.
Speakman Covered Bridge #1
Originally constructed in 1881, the bridge at one time served the Johnathan Speakman gristmill, thus the name. It is 75 feet long and has a Burr arch truss design. Speakman Bridge #1 is open to vehicle traffic.
Gibson-Harmony Hill Covered Bridge
Built in 1872 by Edward Hall and Thomas Schull, Gibson-Harmony Hill Bridge is a 78-foot-long Burr truss bridge, crossing over the east branch of the Brandywine Creek.
Larkin Covered Bridge (Thomas Bridge)
The original structure was built in 1854 by Menander and Ferdinand Wood and was later rebuilt in 1881. The bridge was named after Jesse Larkin, owner of a gristmill not far from the bridge. The relocated bridge is now a pedestrian-only…
Sheeder Hall Covered Bridge
The bridge was built in 1850 by Robert Russell and Jacob Fox and is the oldest covered bridge in Chester County. It was named for the well-known families that lived nearby. The bridge is easily recognizable as it runs across French Creek.
Kennedy Covered Bridge
The original bridge was built in 1856 by Alex and Jesse King. However, a plaque inside the bridge reads “Built in 1856 by Len Kennedy and Jesse King…Refurbished in 1979…Destroyed by fire on May 10, 1986…Refurbished in 1987.”
Rapps Dam Covered Bridge
This bridge was named after George A. Rapp and his sons, who operated a sawmill and a gristmill just south of the bridge. The structure was built in 1866 by Benjamin F. Hartman and spans French Creek.
Knox Covered Bridge
Built in 1851, this 65-ft long bridge is named after Philander C. Knox (1855-1921), U.S. Senator from PA, and General Henry Knox (1750-1806), an officer quartered at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-1778.
Bartram Covered Bridge
The bridge spans the county line between Delaware and Chester Counties over Crum Creek. Built in 1860 and restored in 1970, Bartram Bridge has unique slanted plank portals, the only bridge in Pennsylvania with this unusual design.
View a digital map of historic Covered Bridges in Chester County's Brandywine Valley.
