Josiah Hess Covered Bridge

About Josiah Hess Covered Bridge

Josiah Hess Covered Bridge, built in 1875, stands as one of Columbia County's most beautiful and well-preserved covered bridges. This 110-foot span crosses Huntingdon Creek upstream from the famous Twin Bridges, creating a picturesque scene in a mature forested setting. The bridge is notably taller than most Pennsylvania covered bridges, giving it an impressive presence that has made it one of the county's most photographed structures. Named after the Hess family who owned a nearby sawmill and farm, the bridge served the local community for over a century before being converted to pedestrian use and meticulously restored. Now owned by the Columbia County Covered Bridge Association, Jos

iah Hess Bridge features mural-covered picnic tables inside like the Twin Bridges, creating another enchanting covered bridge picnic pavilion.

History

Constructed in 1875 by Joseph Redline at a cost of $1,349.50, Josiah Hess Covered Bridge was named after the prominent Hess family who operated a sawmill and farm along Huntingdon Creek. The bridge provided essential access for farmers and mill operations, connecting rural communities and facilitating agricultural commerce. The post-Civil War era when this bridge was built represented a period of infrastructure renewal in Pennsylvania as the state recovered from the war years. The bridge served vehicle traffic for over 125 years, demonstrating exceptional construction quality and ongoing maintenance. In the early 2000s, the bridge was acquired by the Columbia County Covered Bridge Association, a preservation organization dedicated to protecting the county's covered bridge heritage. The association undertook a comprehensive restoration that was completed and celebrated with a rededication ceremony on August 25, 2005. The restoration preserved all historic architectural elements while ensuring structural stability. The bridge was converted to pedestrian use, allowing it to be enjoyed without the stress of modern vehicle traffic while preserving it for future generations.

Architecture

The 110-foot bridge employs a Burr Arch truss design, combining Theodore Burr's patented arch system with kingpost trusses to create exceptional structural strength. The bridge is notably taller than most Pennsylvania covered bridges, a distinctive architectural feature that enhances its impressive appearance and provides generous clearance over Huntingdon Creek. The structure features traditional red weatherboard siding with white-trimmed portals following Pennsylvania's covered bridge aesthetic conventions. The substantial Burr Arch trusses are clearly visible inside the bridge, demonstrating the sophisticated engineering of 1870s bridge construction. Like the nearby Twin Bridges, Josiah Hess Bridge now contains mural-covered picnic tables inside, transforming the historic structure into a charming covered picnic pavilion. The 2005 restoration ensured all original construction techniques and materials were preserved or authentically replicated. The bridge's height and forest setting create dramatic visual interest that distinguishes it from other covered bridges in the region.

Visiting

Josiah Hess Covered Bridge is located on Winding Road just over a mile east of Route 487, easily accessible from the main highway yet secluded in a beautiful forested creek setting. The bridge is only two minutes by car from the famous Twin Bridges, making it ideal to visit all three bridges in one outing. As a pedestrian-only bridge owned by the Columbia County Covered Bridge Association, visitors can explore Josiah Hess Bridge at leisure without vehicle traffic concerns. The mature forest setting along Huntingdon Creek creates exceptional natural beauty and photography opportunities. The bridge's notable height and wooded surroundings make it particularly photogenic, especially when photographed from creek level where the bridge's impressive elevation is most apparent. The mural-covered picnic tables inside create a delightful setting for a creek-side lunch or rest. The surrounding area offers opportunities for nature observation and creek exploration. Limited roadside parking is available along Winding Road where visitors can carefully pull off to the side. The bridge has been featured in the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau's covered bridge puzzle series, testament to its photographic appeal and popularity. The bridge is particularly beautiful during spring when Huntingdon Creek flows high and the surrounding forest is lush with new growth, or during autumn when the forest canopy displays brilliant fall colors. Best visited April through November when weather permits comfortable exploration and the forested setting is at its most scenic.