Hubler Covered Bridge

About Hubler Covered Bridge

Hubler Covered Bridge, also known as the Lewisburg Penitentiary Covered Bridge, is one of the most uniquely situated covered bridges in Pennsylvania. Built in 1850, this 33-foot Multiple Kingpost Truss bridge crosses Little Buffalo Creek just yards above its confluence with Buffalo Creek. Half of the bridge sits on the property of the United States Penitentiary, Lewisburg, making it perhaps the only covered bridge in the country located on federal prison grounds.

History of Hubler Covered Bridge

The bridge was built in 1850, roughly 80 years before the federal penitentiary was constructed in 1932. It was used as a route for transporting grain to Campbell's Mill. The bridge predates the prison by decades, and when the penitentiary was built, the bridge became part of the prison's surrounding landscape. A small park has been constructed around the covered bridge, complete with a picnic table, though access may be restricted due to the bridge's proximity to the high-security facility.

Architecture and Design

Hubler Covered Bridge uses the Multiple Kingpost through truss design, one of the simplest and oldest truss types used in bridge construction. At 33 feet in length and 15 feet in deck width, it is the shortest covered bridge in Union County. While the bridge appears to be in excellent shape, a chain-link fence keeps visitors from passing through it, likely due to its proximity to the federal prison.

Visiting Hubler Covered Bridge

Getting to Hubler Covered Bridge requires traveling through the property of the high-security Lewisburg Federal Prison via Sanford Bates Drive. Visitors should be aware that access may be restricted and guards may inquire about your presence on the property. Please respect any posted signs or closure notices. The bridge is located about 2 miles west of Lewisburg. Due to access restrictions, this bridge may not always be accessible to the public.