About Frankenfield Covered Bridge
Frankenfield Covered Bridge is an impressive 130-foot span crossing Tinicum Creek in the scenic hills of Tinicum Township, Bucks County. Built in 1872, this substantial Burr Arch truss bridge represents post-Civil War investment in Pennsylvania's rural transportation infrastructure. The bridge takes its name from the Frankenfield family, prominent landowners whose farm bordered the creek crossing.
Set in one of Bucks County's most picturesque rural landscapes, the bridge connects rolling farmland with the Delaware River valley. The surrounding area retains much of its 19th-century agricultural character, making Frankenfield Bridge a window into Pennsylvania's pastoral heritage.
History
Frankenfield Covered Bridge was constructed in 1872, during the reconstruction era following the Civil War. This period saw significant investment in Pennsylvania's road network as the state worked to modernize and expand connections between rural communities and markets. The bridge served the agricultural economy of Tinicum Township, where dairy farming and grain production dominated.
The Frankenfield family had settled in this part of Bucks County in the 18th century, establishing prosperous farms that would endure for generations. The covered bridge bearing their name became an essential link in the local road system, allowing farmers to transport goods to river ports and rail connections along the Delaware.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the bridge witnessed the transformation of American agriculture from small family farms to more mechanized operations. The bridge's substantial construction and regular maintenance ensured its survival as many other covered bridges were being replaced with modern structures.
Architecture
Frankenfield Covered Bridge demonstrates the Burr Arch truss design at an impressive 130-foot span, making it one of the longer covered bridges in Bucks County. The length required massive timber members and precise construction to ensure structural stability across Tinicum Creek's relatively wide channel.
The bridge features traditional vertical board siding painted red, with white-trimmed portals creating the classic Pennsylvania covered bridge appearance. The steeply pitched roof, covered in standing seam metal, effectively protects the internal structure from the region's variable weather.
Inside, the scale of the construction becomes apparent, with large hand-hewn beams and the distinctive Burr arch members curving gracefully along both sides of the roadway. The timber work represents the pinnacle of 19th-century bridge building craftsmanship, with joints carefully fitted and reinforced with iron hardware.
Visiting Frankenfield Covered Bridge
Frankenfield Covered Bridge is located in Tinicum Township, Bucks County, along Covered Bridge Road off Cafferty Road. The bridge is accessible via local roads approximately 5 miles north of the village of Erwinna and Route 32 along the Delaware River.
Best Times to Visit: The rural setting is beautiful year-round, with spring bringing wildflowers and autumn offering spectacular foliage. The bridge is less crowded than those closer to tourist centers, providing peaceful photo opportunities.
Photo Tips: The 130-foot length makes for dramatic compositions. Views from Tinicum Creek capture the full span with water reflections. The surrounding farmland offers opportunities for landscape shots that include the bridge in its rural context.
Nearby Attractions: Tinicum Park offers hiking trails and picnic areas. The Delaware River valley provides numerous recreational opportunities including kayaking, fishing, and cycling along the canal towpath. The village of Erwinna and artist colony of New Hope are short drives away.