Knapp's Covered Bridge

About Knapp's Covered Bridge

Knapp's Covered Bridge is one of the most unique covered bridges in Pennsylvania, holding the distinction of being the highest covered bridge in the state. Sitting 30-35 feet above Brown's Creek in a dramatic gorge, the bridge offers views unlike any other covered bridge in Pennsylvania. Built in 1853, this 95-foot Burr Arch Truss bridge is the only remaining covered bridge in Bradford County and is also known as Luther's Mills Bridge or Brown's Creek Covered Bridge.

History of Knapp's Covered Bridge

Knapp's Covered Bridge was originally built in 1853 and named after the Knapp family who lived in the area. According to newspaper accounts, the original bridge collapsed shortly after completion and a second bridge was erected at the same location. The bridge was completely rebuilt in 1915 due to deteriorating condition. Additional repairs were made in 1963, but by the late 1990s the bridge was in poor condition and closed to traffic. A major restoration in 2000 brought the bridge back to excellent condition and reopened it to vehicular traffic. The bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 as part of the Covered Bridges of Bradford, Sullivan and Lycoming Counties thematic submission.

Architecture and Design

Knapp's Covered Bridge features a Burr Arch Truss design, measuring 95 feet in length. What makes this bridge visually distinctive is its unpainted, natural grey wood exterior—a stark contrast to the traditional barn red color of most Pennsylvania covered bridges. The vertical siding only extends halfway up the sides of the bridge, leaving the Burr arches exposed to view. This design choice, combined with the dramatic gorge setting, creates an aesthetic unlike any other covered bridge in the state. The large openings running the length of the bridge provide excellent views of the surrounding forest.

Visiting Knapp's Covered Bridge

Knapp's Covered Bridge is located in Burlington Township, about 15 minutes northwest of Towanda, the county seat of Bradford County. The bridge is only about 1.5 miles off Route 6, making it an easy stop for travelers along this scenic northern Pennsylvania highway. Coordinates are 41.786064, -76.553242. Several pull-off areas exist on the quiet country road, though most surrounding land is private property. The best views are from the western side where the road curves, offering views of both the bridge and the gorge below. Adventurous visitors can carefully descend to Brown's Creek below, though extreme caution is advised on the steep, unstable hillside. Nearby attractions include Mount Pisgah State Park and the Heritage Village and Farm Museum.