Jacks Mountain Covered Bridge

About Jacks Mountain Covered Bridge

Jacks Mountain Covered Bridge, officially known as the G. Donald McLaughlin Memorial Covered Bridge, is the only covered bridge in Adams County that remains open to vehicular traffic. Built in 1890 by Joseph Smith, this 75-foot Burr Arch Truss bridge crosses Tom's Creek near Fairfield, Pennsylvania, southwest of Gettysburg. The bridge features traffic lights on either end to control the single-lane flow of vehicles.

History of Jacks Mountain Covered Bridge

Constructed in 1890 by builder Joseph Smith using the traditional Burr Truss design, Jacks Mountain Covered Bridge has served the community near Fairfield for over 130 years. The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 as part of the Covered Bridges of Adams, Cumberland, and Perry Counties multiple property submission. It is owned by the state and continues to serve as an active roadway.

Architecture and Design

The bridge features a Burr Arch Truss design with vertical support beams and double arches that support the structure's weight. It measures 75 feet in length and 14 feet in width. The bridge may be unique in Pennsylvania for having traffic lights at both ends to manage single-lane traffic flow. While showing more weathering than the pristine Sachs Bridge, it remains structurally sound and functional.

Visiting Jacks Mountain Covered Bridge

Jacks Mountain Covered Bridge is located on Jacks Mountain Road (State Route 3021) just off Route 116, approximately 1.5 miles southwest of Fairfield in Hamiltonban Township. There is limited space to pull off on the southern side of the bridge. To view the bridge from various angles, visitors may need to descend the embankments and follow trails along Tom's Creek, which may result in wet feet. Exercise caution as this is an active roadway.