East Paden Covered Bridge

About East Paden Covered Bridge

East Paden Covered Bridge, built in 1884, forms one half of Columbia County's famous Twin Bridges - one of only two sets of twin covered bridges remaining in the entire United States. This 73-foot span crosses an overflow channel of Huntingdon Creek using a Queen Post truss design. Together with its larger companion West Paden Bridge, these structures create a unique architectural and historical landmark that has made them among Pennsylvania's most photographed and beloved covered bridges. The Twin Bridges were named after John Paden, who operated a nearby sawmill and likely supplied lumber for their construction. Now preserved in Twin Bridges County Park, these bridges serve as pedestrian-only crossings featuring mural-covered picnic tables inside, transforming historic transportation infrastructure into one of Pennsylvania's most charming public parks.

History

Constructed in 1884 by W.C. Pennington for $720, the Twin Bridges represent an unusual solution to crossing Huntingdon Creek at a location where the waterway splits around a central island. Rather than building one very long bridge or a single bridge with mid-stream support piers, engineers chose to construct two separate bridges - each spanning from the bank to the central island. This innovative approach reduced construction complexity and cost while creating the unique twin bridge configuration. The bridges were named after John Paden, whose sawmill operations provided timber for local construction projects. The Twin Bridges served vehicle traffic for nearly 80 years until 1963, when Twin Bridges County Park was created and a new road bypassed the structures. This conversion to pedestrian use preserved these unique bridges while creating a beloved public space. Both bridges survived into the 21st century largely intact, though the West Paden Bridge was destroyed by floodwaters in June 2006 and had to be rebuilt in 2008. The reconstruction maintained the bridge's original appearance and specifications, ensuring the Twin Bridges retained their distinctive character.

Architecture

The 73-foot East Paden Bridge employs a Queen Post truss design, a simpler structural system than the Burr Arch used in its companion West Paden Bridge. This architectural difference makes them \fraternal\" rather than \"identical\" twins despite their proximity. The Queen Post truss uses vertical support posts combined with diagonal bracing a design appropriate for the bridge's moderate span. The bridge features traditional red weatherboard siding with white-trimmed portals following Pennsylvania's covered bridge aesthetic. Inside the bridge now houses mural-covered picnic tables transforming the historic structure into an enchanting picnic pavilion. Long rectangular window openings on both sides provide views of the surrounding forested creek setting and allow natural light to illuminate the interior murals. The bridge's conversion to pedestrian use has preserved it while adapting it for modern recreational enjoyment demonstrating innovative approaches to covered bridge preservation.

Visiting

East Paden Covered Bridge is located in Twin Bridges County Park easily accessible via Twin Bridges Lane off Route 487 near Orangeville. The park features ample parking picnic facilities grills and benches in a beautiful wooded setting along Huntingdon Creek. As pedestrian-only bridges visitors can explore the Twin Bridges at leisure examining their different truss designs and enjoying the unique experience of seeing two covered bridges side-by-side. The mural-covered picnic tables inside both bridges create one of Pennsylvania's most memorable picnic settings. The surrounding park offers creek access and wooded trails for nature observation. Photography opportunities are exceptional with the twin bridges creating distinctive compositions unavailable anywhere else in Pennsylvania. The bridges are particularly beautiful during spring when creek water flows high and surrounding vegetation blooms or during autumn when fall foliage creates vibrant color displays. The nearby Josiah Hess Covered Bridge is just two minutes away by car or during autumn when fall foliage creates vibrant color displays. The nearby Josiah Hess Covered Bridge is just two minutes away by car making it easy to visit three of Columbia County's most significant covered bridges in a single outing. The Twin Bridges have been featured multiple times in the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau's annual covered bridge puzzle series testament to their popularity and photogenic qualities. Best visited April through November when weather permits comfortable outdoor activities and the park's amenities are most enjoyable.