Hassenplug Covered Bridge

About Hassenplug Covered Bridge

Hassenplug Covered Bridge is the oldest covered bridge in Pennsylvania and the oldest drivable covered bridge in the United States. Built in 1825, this remarkable 80-foot Burr Arch Truss bridge crosses Buffalo Creek just outside downtown Mifflinburg. The bridge remains open to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic, carrying vehicles with a 6-ton weight limit.

History of Hassenplug Covered Bridge

The bridge was named for the Hassenplug family, who lived in a nearby brick house and were farmers and brewers in the area. Built using an 1804 design by Theodore Burr, the bridge features all wood members secured at the joints with wooden pins and iron bolts. In 1959, to preserve this historic relic, the original wood floor system was removed and a modern steel bridge was built entirely within the old wooden structure. The steel grate floor was replaced with historically authentic wide wood planks during a 2022 restoration that cost $755,000. The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and celebrated its 200th anniversary with a rededication ceremony in August 2025.

Architecture and Design

Hassenplug Covered Bridge uses the Burr Arch Truss design, patented by Theodore Burr in 1804. This design combines a traditional truss with a superimposed arch for added strength. The bridge spans 80 feet over Buffalo Creek and is 16 feet wide. Only the Hyde Hall Covered Bridge near Cooperstown, New York, built the same year, may be older among surviving covered bridges in the United States.

Visiting Hassenplug Covered Bridge

The bridge is located on North 4th Street, less than a mile from the heart of Mifflinburg, making it one of the most accessible covered bridges in Pennsylvania. The Koon's Trail parking lot is adjacent to the south end of the bridge, providing easy access for visitors. The one-mile Koon's Trail follows Buffalo Creek and offers unique views of the bridge from multiple angles. Nearby attractions include the Mifflinburg Buggy Museum and Rusty Rail Brewing Company.