About Knecht's Covered Bridge
Knecht's Covered Bridge is an impressive 110-foot span crossing Neshaminy Creek in Plumstead Township, Bucks County. Built in 1873, this substantial Burr Arch truss bridge takes its name from the Knecht family, German immigrants whose farm occupied land near the creek crossing. The bridge represents the post-Civil War period of infrastructure investment when Pennsylvania was modernizing its road network.
Set in the rolling farmland of central Bucks County, Knecht's Bridge continues to serve the rural community much as it did when first constructed. The surrounding landscape of working farms and woodlots provides an authentic setting that helps visitors understand the agricultural context in which these bridges were built and operated.
History
Knecht's Covered Bridge was constructed in 1873, during the reconstruction era following the Civil War. This period saw significant investment in Pennsylvania's transportation infrastructure as the state worked to rebuild and expand its economy. The bridge served the farming community of Plumstead Township, where families like the Knechts had established prosperous agricultural operations.
The Knecht family, for whom the bridge is named, were part of the German immigrant community that had transformed central Bucks County into productive farmland. Their operation, like many in the area, produced grain, dairy products, and livestock for urban markets in Philadelphia and beyond. The covered bridge provided reliable year-round access across Neshaminy Creek, essential for transporting goods to market and mills.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the bridge witnessed the gradual mechanization of agriculture and the introduction of automobile traffic. The bridge's substantial 110-foot span and robust construction allowed it to adapt to these changes while maintaining its historic character. Preservation efforts in recent decades have ensured the bridge remains structurally sound and continues to serve local traffic.
Architecture
Knecht's Covered Bridge demonstrates the Burr Arch truss design at a substantial 110-foot span, making it one of the longer covered bridges in Bucks County. The length required massive timber members and precise engineering to ensure structural stability across Neshaminy Creek's relatively wide channel.
The exterior features traditional vertical board siding painted in the characteristic barn red of Pennsylvania's rural architecture. White trim around the portal openings creates visual contrast and highlights the bridge's architectural details. The steeply pitched metal roof effectively protects the wooden structure from the region's variable weather, continuing a protective function that has been essential to the bridge's longevity.
Inside, the scale and craftsmanship of the construction become apparent. The massive hand-hewn timbers, some over a foot in dimension, demonstrate the quality of lumber available from Pennsylvania's forests in the 19th century. The Burr arch members, curving gracefully along both sides of the roadway, efficiently transfer the bridge's weight to the stone abutments. The traditional joinery with wooden pegs and iron hardware reflects the construction methods that made these bridges both strong and durable.
Visiting Knecht's Covered Bridge
Knecht's Covered Bridge is located in Plumstead Township, Bucks County, along Covered Bridge Road off Route 313. The bridge is accessible via local roads approximately 12 miles northwest of Doylestown, the county seat.
Best Times to Visit: The rural setting is attractive in all seasons. Spring brings rushing water in Neshaminy Creek and emerging vegetation. Summer offers lush greenery and opportunities to explore the creek area. Autumn foliage creates spectacular colors that photograph beautifully with the red bridge. Winter can provide dramatic scenes with snow, though access may be limited.
Photo Tips: The 110-foot span creates impressive photographic compositions. Views from Neshaminy Creek banks capture the full length of the bridge with the water below. Early morning light provides soft, warm illumination. The surrounding farmland offers opportunities for landscape shots that place the bridge in its agricultural context.
Nearby Attractions: Peace Valley Nature Center provides environmental education and hiking trails. Lake Galena in Peace Valley Park offers boating and fishing. The Michener Art Museum in Doylestown showcases regional art and history. Peddler's Village in Lahaska provides shopping, dining, and seasonal festivals.