Millmont Red Covered Bridge

About Millmont Red Covered Bridge

Millmont Red Covered Bridge, also known as Glen Iron Covered Bridge, is the longest covered bridge in Union County at 131 feet in length. Built in 1855, this beautiful red-painted Burr Arch Truss bridge crosses Penns Creek near the small community of Millmont in Hartley Township. The bridge is distinctive for its dark interior, having fewer windows than most covered bridges, making the crossing feel more enclosed and atmospheric.

History of Millmont Red Covered Bridge

The bridge was built in 1855 from Eastern Hemlock pine and has served the community for over 165 years. It was restored in 1958 and again after a devastating windstorm on February 12, 2009, with gusts up to 65 mph, that tore the roof completely off the bridge. A federally funded restoration project in 2010 replaced the roof and restored much of the bridge's structure. The bridge was bypassed by a modern concrete bridge in 1976 and has been closed to vehicular traffic since 1998 due to structural concerns, though it remains open to pedestrians and cyclists. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

Architecture and Design

Millmont Red Covered Bridge uses the Burr Arch Truss design, which combines a traditional truss with a superimposed arch. The bridge spans 131 feet over Penns Creek, making it not only the longest in Union County but one of the longer covered bridges in Pennsylvania. The bridge's distinctive red paint and few windows give it a unique character among the state's covered bridges.

Visiting Millmont Red Covered Bridge

The bridge is located in a rural area of western Union County at the intersection of Route 3004 and Covered Bridge Road. Parking is available on the southern side of Penns Creek, which may require a detour via another bridge to access. The setting along Penns Creek is beautiful and peaceful, making it worth the effort to visit despite its pedestrian-only status.