Covered bridges just remind us of a simpler time, don't they? To the days long before traffic zipped back and forth on the PA Turnpike and tolls even existed. Once upon a time, Pennsylvania had more than 1,500 covered bridges, making them pretty commonplace. Unfortunately, that number has tumbled down to 200 in the 21st century. That makes those that remain - like the one at Martin's Mill Bridge Park in Pennsylvania - pretty special and always worth a visit.
Franklin County is home to just two covered bridges. One of them, Martin's Mill Covered Bridge in Greencastle, sits in a park of the same name.
If you've never seen a covered bridge up close or traveled across one, you'll quickly understand its sheer charm during that first visit to Martin's Mill Covered Bridge.
A Town Lattice Truss-style covered bridge, Martin's Mill Covered Bridge was built in 1849. It spans an impressive 204 feet. (The longest covered bridge in Pennsylvania, the Pomeroy-Academia Covered Bridge, measures 278 feet.)
The bridge withstood decades of weather until the flooding following Hurricane Agnes in 1973, which significantly damaged it.
Fortunately, the covered bridge was restored and reinforced, allowing it to remain strong into the 21st century. Martin's Mill Bridge has also earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
Don't forget your camera when you visit the park. You'll find no better spot to snap selfies than in front of the historic bridge.
Carve out time to explore the rest of the park, too. You might even want to have a picnic at one of the pavilions.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife and colorful wildflowers as you stroll through the park.
Find more information on Martin's Mill Bridge Park.
Have you been to Martin's Mill Bridge Park in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! Have a free day? Go on a day trip that takes you to five covered bridges in Pennsylvania.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
