Geiger's Covered Bridge

About Geiger's Covered Bridge

Geiger's Covered Bridge is truly unique among Pennsylvania's covered bridges as the only one in the state featuring a stepped portal design. Instead of the traditional peaked roof portal, this bridge has a stepped entrance resembling an old-fashioned country store. Built in 1860 and spanning 112 feet across Jordan Creek, the bridge is located on the eastern side of Trexler Nature Preserve, near the Lehigh Valley Zoo.

History of Geiger's Covered Bridge

Constructed in 1860, Geiger's Covered Bridge was likely named for the family of Jacob Geiger, who settled in the area after immigrating from Germany in the 1700s. Long ago, a pipe ran across the bridge to feed water from Jordan Creek to nearby orchards and farms, and remnants of the pumping apparatus remain on the side of the bridge. The bridge features a unique flooring pattern of lengthwise and crosswise planking. It is owned by Lehigh County and has been well maintained over the years.

Architecture and Design

Geiger's Covered Bridge utilizes the Burr arch truss design with vertical plank siding, measuring 112 feet in length and 15 feet in width. Its most distinctive feature is the stepped portal entryway, which is unique among Pennsylvania's covered bridges. This design element gives the bridge a very different appearance from typical covered bridges and makes it especially notable for bridge enthusiasts and photographers.

Visiting Geiger's Covered Bridge

Geiger's Covered Bridge is located on Old Packhouse Road in North Whitehall Township, on the eastern side of Trexler Nature Preserve. The bridge is open to vehicular traffic. There is a small parking area near the bridge. The nearby Covered Bridge Trail offers an easy 1.2-mile hike through the preserve. Visitors can combine a visit to this bridge with nearby Schlicher's Covered Bridge, which is less than a mile upstream. The Lehigh Valley Zoo is also located within the preserve.