Hayes Covered Bridge

About Hayes Covered Bridge

Hayes Covered Bridge is a 63-foot Kingpost Truss bridge built in 1882 that crosses Buffalo Creek in a rural area west of Mifflinburg. What makes this bridge unique is its position on a small hill with an access road making a half loop around it, allowing oversized cars and trucks to bypass the bridge while it remains part of the active roadway.

History of Hayes Covered Bridge

The bridge was built in 1882 using the Kingpost truss design, the world's oldest support system for bridges dating back to ancient Babylonian records from 783 BCE. The bridge was repaired in 1957 and again in 1991 after sustaining deterioration from vehicle strikes and decaying timbers. In 1988, unfounded rumors spread that the county planned to remove the bridge, leading to advocacy from historians and covered bridge enthusiasts that resulted in height restrictions and the bypass road being implemented to protect the structure. Despite a 2007 inspection rating its sufficiency at zero, the bridge remains safe for its limited traffic. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

Architecture and Design

Hayes Covered Bridge uses the Kingpost Truss design, one of the simplest and oldest truss configurations. The bridge spans 63 feet over Buffalo Creek. One of its most notable features is the extremely low clearance bar at only six and a half feet, one of the lowest clearances of any covered bridge in Pennsylvania.

Visiting Hayes Covered Bridge

The bridge is located on Hoover Road, about two miles west of Mifflinburg off Route 45. The road to the bridge is a well-maintained dirt road but may not be maintained during winter. The surrounding area is picturesque farmland with rolling hills, making for a scenic visit. The Hassenplug Covered Bridge, Pennsylvania's oldest, is located less than 3 miles east in Mifflinburg.